Pope Leo’s Overtures to Spain and Monaco
COMMENTARY: Both events indicate what has become a key theme of the new pontificate: easing frictions and tensions. The drama of Holy Week includes the kings and their viceroys, Herod and Pilate, and a dispute over kingship itself. Jesus goes to the cross under the title “King of the Jews.” Kings of an earthly sort […]
3 Themes Behind Pope Leo XIV’s Africa Journey
ANALYSIS: A closer look at the four countries on the Pope’s itinerary shows how the Church’s role — before and after independence — has shaped his visit. In a recent Register interview, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, apostolic nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, rightly referred to “multiple reasons on multiple levels” why Pope Leo XIV’s […]
Archbishop Nkea in Spotlight Ahead of Pope’s Cameroon Visit
The archbishop of Bamenda is a rising star in the Catholic Church in Cameroon and beyond. When Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon April 15-18, he will be greeted in Bamenda by one of the country’s most prominent Churchmen, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea. The 60-year-old archbishop is widely regarded in Cameroon as a gifted preacher, an […]
Pope Leo XIV: Sport Must Be a Space for Encounter
The pontiff addressed athletes from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Thursday praised athletes from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, saying sport “can and must truly become a space for encounter” in a world marked by “polarization, rivalry, and conflicts that escalate into devastating wars.” […]
Christians Must Be Messengers of Peace This Easter
Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, who has witnessed several atrocities of war firsthand, said today’s Christians cannot turn a blind eye to people’s sufferings. Christians are called to live the Easter message of peace, especially during times of war and violence, said a Comboni missionary priest once kidnapped in Uganda. “On the very day of Jesus’ […]
Pope Leo XIV welcomes Iran ceasefire, calls for Peace Vigil
Pope Leo XIV this week placed peace once again at the center of his public appeals, welcoming the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East and renewing his invitation to a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica. Alongside the Pope’s call for dialogue, the Vatican also highlighted several significant developments, including Cardinal Pietro […]
Vatican Urges Catholics to Back Pope Leo Against War
The Vatican Secretary of State said the pope’s appeals for peace need concrete support. VATICAN CITY — Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned that the “logic of the strongest” risks prevailing on the international stage and called on Christians to become “voices of peace” who do not leave Pope Leo XIV standing alone […]
Pope to Address Christian
An Augustinian confrere of Pope Leo XIV discussed the pontiff’s upcoming trip to four African countries. When Pope Leo XIV visits Africa for the first time as pontiff next week, Catholics and others across the continent will be watching with interest for what it reveals about the pope’s agenda and priorities for their region. One […]
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Iran Ceasefire as Hope
“Only through a return to negotiation can the war come to an end,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war and urged negotiation and prayer to end the war in the Middle […]
Henri Caffarel Declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIV
A married couple that leads the Teams of Our Lady, founded by newly-declared Venerable Father Henri Caffarel, explains how this lay apostolate helps couples grow together in holiness. Father Henri Caffarel, a French priest whose apostolate centered on accompanying and guiding married couples on the path to holiness, is one step closer to being canonized. […]