The Second Consistory of Leo XIV: A Method of Government?
ANALYSIS: The extraordinary consistory can include the creation of new cardinals, but it can also be a consistory for discussion. Pope Leo XIV’s second consistory of his pontificate on May 31 did not include the creation of new cardinals, it has now been confirmed. This is unsurprising, as new cardinals are typically announced at least […]
Inside the Launch of ‘Magnifica Humanitas’
The presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, “on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence,” was the biggest event of its kind at the Vatican since the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’in 2015. On both occasions, a panel of distinguished clerics and laypeople appeared in the New Synod Hall […]
This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June
“In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together,” the pope said in a video released on X on June 2. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June is for the value of sports. “In times of war and extreme polarization, sport […]
U.S. Catholic charismatic leaders announce ecumenically-oriented evangelization initiative
The launch of “Evangelize USA” was announced following Pope Leo XIVʼs May 30 audience with members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service. Members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) in the United States have announced the launch of a new, ecumenically-oriented organization, Evangelize America, that aims to reignite the Catholic charismatic renewal from […]
‘Invisible, silent, misunderstood work’: The pope’s school for diplomats at 325 years
Pope Leo XIV visits the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome on April 27, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome was founded in 1701 as a training ground for the popeʼs ambassadors. The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the school in Rome that trains young priests to serve as ambassadors for the pope, […]
Pope Leo XIV appoints EWTN News President to lead Vatican communications department
Pope Leo XIV with Montserrat Alvarado, at the Vatican on May 12, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media Montserrat Alvarado becomes the first lay woman appointed prefect of a dicastery of the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado, President and Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, as Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery […]
Pope Leo XIV Addresses Europe’s Demographic Crisis, AI, Gaza, and Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, from Europe’s demographic decline and the rise of artificial intelligence to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The Holy Father’s remarks underscored a recurring theme of his pontificate: the defense of human dignity amid social, technological, and geopolitical upheaval. A Warning […]
135 Years After Rerum Novarum: Pope Leo XIV’s Vision for Human Dignity in the Age of AI
When Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name, he was already signaling the direction of his pontificate. Just two days after his election, the new pope explained that his choice was inspired primarily by Pope Leo XIII, whose landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Today, more than a century later, […]
Pope Leo XIV meets with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
The pontiff met with Johnson at the Vatican on May 28 and was formally invited to visit his native city next year. Pope Leo met with the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, at the Vatican on May 28. Johnson, who has served as mayor since 2023, met with the pontiff for the first time since […]
Leo XIV: Don’t water down Christianity
The pontiff said the Church must respond to religious indifference not by softening the Gospel’s demands but by offering credible witness to Christ. Pope Leo XIV warned Thursday against the temptation to make Christianity more attractive by diluting its content or softening its demands, telling Vatican evangelization officials that the faith is transmitted above all […]