Preserving Pope Benedict XVI’s Legacy
Even after the death of Pope Benedict XVI, interest in his pontificate and theology remains strong. This enduring legacy was clearly visible in July 2024, when theologians, clergy, and faithful gathered in the Bavarian town of Altötting for the second “Benedict XVI Forum.” The town, home to Germany’s most important Marian shrine, lies not far […]
God Is Reason and Love: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Three years after the death of Pope Benedict XVI, interest in his theological vision remains strong. To reflect on his enduring legacy, EWTN Vatican spoke with three people who knew Joseph Ratzinger closely and continue to safeguard his spiritual and intellectual heritage: Archbishop Georg Gänswein, his longtime private secretary; Professor Ralph Weimann, organizer of the […]
Pope Leo XIV surprises SEEK26 with message: ‘What do you seek?’
Madalaine Elhabbal via EWTN 03.01.26 Pope Leo XIV surprised attendees at SEEK 2026 with a videotaped message encouraging young people to seek after fulfillment they are looking for through personal encounter with Christ. “‘What do you seek?’ Jesus asked the disciples this question because he knows their hearts,” the Holy Father said, reflecting on the […]
Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for peace in bloodied nations and wounded families
Victoria Cardiel via EWTN 02.01.26 Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain,” during the Angelus address on the first day of 2026. Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the […]
Pope Leo XIV surprises SEEK26 with message: ‘What do you seek?’
Pope Leo XIV surprised attendees at SEEK 2026 with a videotaped message encouraging young people to seek after fulfillment they are looking for through personal encounter with Christ. “‘What do you seek?’ Jesus asked the disciples this question because he knows their hearts,” the Holy Father said, reflecting on the Gospel of John. Jesus knew […]
Pope Leo XIV mourns for victims of fire in Swiss bar on New Year’s Eve
Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness and compassion to the families of the victims of a fire that broke out in the early hours of Jan. 1 at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland. Nearly 300 people were celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Le Constellation bar when the fire spread […]
Pope Leo XIV Urges Prayers for Peace Worldwide
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain,” during the Angelus address on the first day of 2026. Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of […]
Leo XIV: The World Is Saved by Welcoming All
Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to a steadfast openness to other people, warning that peace will not be built through force or exclusion, as he celebrated his first liturgy of the new year on Thursday. “The world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing, or eliminating our brothers and sisters,” the pope […]
Key Dates on the Pope and Vatican Agenda for 2026
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election on May 8, 2025. 1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope — Jan. 6 On Jan. 6, the solemnity […]
Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Pope Leo XIV
AI, electoral politics, and spiritual renewal in America are other themes set to shape the year ahead. While 2025 will forever be remembered as the year the Catholic Church got its first American pope, 2026 is likely to be the year that he begins to fully make his mark. Pope Leo XIV’s impact on the […]