Cardinal Zuppi visits Russia to urge release of Ukrainian prisoners
Pope Leo XIV appointed the Italian cardinal to lead a humanitarian peace mission in Russia from Sept. 28–30. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, has again been appointed as a papal envoy to Russia. Pope Leo XIV appointed Zuppi to lead a Vatican delegation to Russia from Sept. […]
PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV’s final day in France
On the fourth and final day of his apostolic journey to France, the pope addressed European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference Center and celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz. Pope Leo XIV addressed European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference Center in Metz on the final day of his Sept. […]
Pope Leo says he is not ‘in panic mode’ over AI dangers
In a 23-minute in-flight news conference, the pontiff also answered questions about end-of-life issues and sexual abuse. ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo XIV said he takes seriously the warnings raised by tech experts about the dangers of AI — including risks to humanity — but he is not panicking over dire predictions. “If […]
Pope Leo: Let Europe’s wounds be ‘openings through which light shines’
A Mass in Metz was the final event of the pontiff’s Sept. 25–28 trip to France. METZ, France — The wounds of violence in Europe’s recent past are opportunities to shine light on evil and build a future of harmony, Pope Leo XIV said on Monday. At the last event of his trip to France, […]
Vatican aims for an Oscar with the story of Giacomo Mattivi
If the short documentary gets in the running for an Oscar, the Vatican hopes it will inspire many more people to look to faith and family to persevere through very difficult trials. For the first time in history, the Vatican is aiming for an Oscar nomination with “Green Lava,” a 39-minute documentary recounting the life […]
The grotto and the Gospel: Why the Church preserves Lourdes without adding to revelation
Standing as a pilgrim at the Grotto of Massabielle, Pope Leo XIV offered a visible reminder of why the Church upholds apparitions such as those at Lourdes. When Pope Leo XIV arrived as a pilgrim at the Grotto of Massabielle on Sept. 27, his presence highlighted a foundational question for Catholics: If divine revelation is […]
Pope Leo: Europe must return to its Christian roots and be open to migrants
The final day of the pontiff’s visit to France focused on peace and unity in Europe. METZ, France — Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged Europe to return to its roots, including its Christian heritage, while also engaging with the people from other cultures now living within it. Referring to the large presence of immigrants […]
Pope Leo meets French abuse victims in Lourdes
The pontiff “expressed his solidarity with them and, through them, with all those who have suffered and continue to suffer from the wounds of abuse,” the Vatican said. LOURDES, France — Pope Leo XIV met seven French victims of clerical sexual abuse on Sunday, making a gesture of solidarity and reconciliation at a shrine world-famous […]
In Metz, Pope Leo steps into Europe’s deepening divide over immigration
As Leo prepares to reach Metz, at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, what message will he offer about welcoming the stranger and the consequences of mass immigration? METZ, France — The hot-button issue of immigration has invited itself into Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to France, otherwise marked by the defense of […]
Killing the sick is ‘false compassion,’ pope says in Lourdes
In a speech to sick people and caregivers, the pope denounced France’s recent legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. LOURDES, France — Killing the sick is neither compassionate nor normal, and being legal does not make it moral, Pope Leo XIV said Sunday, in a clear reference to France’s recent legalization of euthanasia and assisted […]