Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue Amid Renewed Congo Fighting
Pope Leo XIV voices concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo, urges dialogue Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced deep concern over renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in line with ongoing peace efforts. After leading pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s […]
The Francis Connection: How a Name Shaped a Pontificate
The Francis Connection: How a Name Shaped a Pontificate When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, he introduced himself to the world not only as a new Pope, but under a new name. By choosing “Francis,” he offered an early and unmistakable clue to the spiritual compass […]
The First Latin American Pope
The First Latin American Pope When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in 2013, the Catholic Church crossed a historic threshold. For the first time, the Bishop of Rome came from Latin America, carrying with him the faith, wounds, and hopes of an entire continent. Pope Francis did not simply arrive from the New […]
Pope Leo XIV Urges Cultural Diplomacy to Overcome Borders
Pope Leo calls for promoting ‘cultural diplomacy’ to overcome borders and prejudices Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 11 emphasized the academic, cultural, and ecclesial value of archaeology and called for the promotion of “cultural diplomacy” to overcome borders and prejudices. Receiving members of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeologyin an audience, the pope emphasized that […]
Vatican Examines Guadalupe Amid New Marian Doctrinal Note
Vatican conference: Our Lady of Guadalupe in light of doctrinal note on titles of Mary “Do not let your heart be troubled. Am I not here, I who am your mother?” With this consolation — with which Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mexico addressed St. Juan Diego in December 1531 — a devotion was kindled […]
Vatican Says No to Female Diaconate
Female Diaconate: The Vatican Says No, but the Discussion Remains Open This week brought a series of notable developments from the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV addressed questions at the heart of Church life while engaging with some of today’s most urgent global challenges. From clarifying the Church’s position on the female diaconate to renewing […]
Advent Resolutions Inspired by Pope Benedict’s Letter
Pope Benedict’s Childhood Letter Inspires Today’s Advent Resolutions 10 prominent Catholics offer ways to tap into the wonder of a child this Advent. In 1934, a young 7-year-old Joseph Ratzinger penned a letter to Jesus requesting threee gifts for Christmas. “Dear Baby Jesus, you will soon descend to earth,” the words written in German read. […]
Vatican II at 60: Why the Council Still Guides the Church
60 Years After Its Conclusion, Vatican II Still Speaks to Us COMMENTARY: The Church continues to be inspired by the rich insights and vitality of the last ecumenical council. On that windy Wednesday morning, Dec. 8, 1965, the Second Vatican Council came to an end. In the presence of more than 2,300 Council Fathers, mostly […]
Lebanese Twins Document Pope Leo’s Historic Visit
Lebanese Twins Capture Historic Papal Visit for Popular Instagram Account Giovanni and Charbel Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholic brothers, documented Pope Leo’s journey via their social-media apostolate. When Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Nov. 30, more than 100,000 people lined the streets of Beirut to welcome him. Among them were Giovanni and Charbel Lteif, […]
Pontifical Yearbook Goes Digital for the First Time
Pontifical Yearbook goes digital: What is it and what does it contain? The Vatican this week launched the first-ever digital version of its annual directory, creating an easier way to find reliable and up-to-date information about the Church’s structures and members all around the world. The red-covered Pontifical Yearbook — known in Italian as the […]