Loading... Please wait...
- Home
- Vatican News
Vatican News
Former United States Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney speaks to “EWTN News Nightly” anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, May 12, 2025. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot
, Jan 17, 2026 / 10:00 am (CNA).
The Vatican’s engagement with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Francis Rooney said, likely had diplomatic intentions to strengthen her standing.
Mexico’s Cardinal Aguiar: Pope Leo XIV would like to visit Mexico ‘soon’
Cardinal Aguiar and his auxiliary bishop, Francisco Javier Acero Pérez, OAR, met with Pope Leo on Jan. 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 16, 2026 / 06:00 am (CNA).
In a meeting with the primatial archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar, Pope Leo XIV expressed his desire to visit Mexico soon to entrust his pontificate to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Peter’s Holy Door to be sealed Jan. 16
The pope closed the large bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, 2025, when the Jubilee of Hope concluded. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 15, 2026 / 17:42 pm (CNA).
The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the last of four papal basilicas for the Jubilee of Hope, will be sealed shut.
Archbishop Gallagher: Surrogacy is a ‘new form of colonialism’
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations of the Holy See. | Credit: Santosh Digal
, Jan 15, 2026 / 13:37 pm (CNA).
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher spoke at the event “A Common Front for Human Dignity: Preventing the Commodification of Women and Children in Surrogacy.”
Mosaic bearing Pope Leo XIV’s portrait readied for St. Paul Outside the Walls
Pope Leo XIV next to the new mosaic of him that will be added to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 15, 2026 / 12:54 pm (CNA).
A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV for installation in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica was presented to the pontiff on Jan. 14.
Vatican prosecutor steps aside as London property trial appeal moves forward
Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu in 2019. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN
, Jan 14, 2026 / 11:45 am (CNA).
The appeal trial is scheduled to resume Feb. 3.
Pope Leo XIV urges making time ‘to speak with God’
Pope Leo XIV gives the first general audience of 2026 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Jan. 7, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 14, 2026 / 06:20 am (CNA).
The pope devoted the second week of his series of teachings on the documents of the Second Vatican Council to a closer examination of the dogmatic constitution “Dei Verbum.”
Dozens of Charlotte priests query Vatican over bishop’s move to abolish altar rails, kneelers
St. Patrick Cathedral in the Diocese of Charlotte. | Credit: Diocese of Charlotte
, Jan 13, 2026 / 11:41 am (CNA).
More than 30 priests in the Diocese of Charlotte are querying the Vatican over Bishop Michael Martin’s decision to abolish altar rails and kneelers.
Order of Malta seeks greater UN role as hospital in Bethlehem faces operational constraints
Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap addresses the diplomatic corps accredited to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta at the Magistral Villa on Rome’s Aventine Hill on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. | Credit: Order of Malta
, Jan 13, 2026 / 11:11 am (CNA).
Fra’ John Dunlap of the Order of Malta said the 900-year-old Catholic order is committed to help reconstruction efforts in Gaza City led by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and other partners.
Pope Leo XIV proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year
St. Francis of Assisi. | Credit: Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock
, Jan 12, 2026 / 17:21 pm (CNA).
On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special jubilee year along with plenary indulgences.
The story behind Pope Leo XIV’s new papal staff
Pope Leo XIV introduced a new papal staff on Jan. 6, 2026, during the closing of the Holy Door | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 12, 2026 / 12:25 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has chosen a new design for the papal staff or ferula.
Pope Leo XIV meets Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado
Pope Leo XIV meets Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the Vatican on Jan. 12, 2026. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 12, 2026 / 06:50 am (CNA).
The Nobel laureate María Corina Machado is also expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., this week.
Pope Leo XIV baptizes 20 infants in Sistine Chapel, tells parents faith is ‘more than necessary’
Pope Leo XIV baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 11, 2026. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 11, 2026 / 09:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 infants, the children of Vatican employees, during Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Pope Leo XIV condemns violence in Iran, Syria, and Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 11, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media / null
Vatican City, Jan 11, 2026 / 03:25 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday lamented escalating violence in Iran and Syria and renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine.
At consistory, Cardinal Zen slams synodality as ‘ironclad manipulation’ and ‘insult’ to bishops
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun speaks at the Asianews Conference at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, Nov. 18, 2014. - Bohumil Petrik/CNA.
, Jan 10, 2026 / 11:30 am (CNA).
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun delivered a forceful critique of synodality at the extraordinary consistory of cardinals this week.
Pope Leo condemns ‘zeal for war,’ weak multilateralism in speech to diplomats
Pope Leo XIV addresses ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives to the Holy See in the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 9, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 9, 2026 / 10:17 am (CNA).
The pope addressed ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives to the Holy See at the Vatican on Jan. 9. Currently, 184 states have diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
Pope Leo XIV to hold next consistory in June, hopes for annual meetings with cardinals
Cardinals meet with Pope Leo XIV in the third session of the consistory on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 8, 2026 / 19:18 pm (CNA).
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope Leo XIV would like to hold annual meetings lasting three to four days, allowing more time for discussion on various topics of importance.
‘Pray with the Pope’: Leo XIV proposes monthly prayer for the challenges of the world
Official image of the “Pray with the Pope” campaign for January 2026. | Credit: World Prayer Network
, Jan 8, 2026 / 17:40 pm (CNA).
The Vatican has launched a prayer campaign inviting the faithful to join the Holy Father in prayer for a specific intention.
Pope Leo XIV to cardinals: ‘We gather not to promote personal or group agendas’
Pope Leo XIV arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica for a Mass with cardinals on Jan. 8, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 8, 2026 / 17:04 pm (CNA).
In his homily to the cardinals, Pope Leo XIV emphasized working together to help the the pope govern the Church.
This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 14, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 8, 2026 / 14:17 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January is for prayer with the word of God.
Liturgy sidestepped at Pope Leo XIV’s first consistory
Pope Leo XIV addresses cardinals during the extraordinary consistory on Jan. 7, 2026, in Vatican City. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 8, 2026 / 10:52 am (CNA).
Cardinals agreed to discuss two topics: evangelization and the Church’s missionary activity, and “the Synod and synodality.”
As consistory opens, Pope Leo XIV tells cardinals ‘I am here to listen’
The extraordinary consistory of cardinals is taking place from Jan 7-8, 2026. Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 7, 2026 / 19:12 pm (CNA).
The Holy Father outlined the four themes that will be discussed during the extraordinary consistory.
Ahead of consistory, priest urges new canonical structure to resolve Latin Mass standoff
The concluding high Mass for the Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage, an annual three-day pilgrimage for devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass, on Oct. 29, 2023, celebrated by Bishop Guido Pozzo at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity of the Pilgrims in Rome. | Credit: Andrea Zuffellato
, Jan 7, 2026 / 10:37 am (CNA).
A French priest has sent a memorandum to members of the Sacred College of Cardinals proposing the creation of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction to oversee the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass.
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes relevance of Second Vatican Council before meeting with cardinals
Pope Leo XIV gives the first general audience of 2026 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Jan. 7, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 7, 2026 / 09:37 am (CNA).
After focusing his 2025 general audiences on the mysteries of the life of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV has begun a catechesis series on the Second Vatican Council.
Pope Leo names New York auxiliary bishop to lead Diocese of Rochester
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Rochester, New York. | Credit: DanielPenfield via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
, Jan 7, 2026 / 09:07 am (CNA).
Pope Leo has named New York auxiliary Bishop John S. Bonnici to lead the Diocese of Rochester, New York.
Pope Leo XIV says God is found in humble places, not in prestige
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 6, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Vatican City, Jan 6, 2026 / 03:45 am (CNA).
Celebrating the solemnity of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV said God’s saving presence is revealed “in a humble place.”
Pope Leo XIV closes St. Peter’s Holy Door, concluding Jubilee of Hope
Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, concluding the Jubilee of Hope, on Jan. 6, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 6, 2026 / 02:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing the ordinary holy year to an end — a time of grace that invited Catholics to conversion.
St. Carlo Acutis’ parents helped develop new Vatican City State app
The news app for Vatican City State, developed with support from the family of St. Carlo Acutis. | Credit: Vatican City State/Screenshot
Vatican City, Jan 5, 2026 / 05:20 am (CNA).
The parents of St. Carlo Acutis contributed to the development of a new official news application connected to the institutional website of the Vatican City State.
Vatican says more than 33 million pilgrims took part in jubilee
Seminarians approach the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA
Vatican City, Jan 5, 2026 / 04:00 am (CNA).
More than 33.4 million pilgrims traveled to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, surpassing initial projections, the Vatican said Monday.
Pope says Christian hope doesn’t depend on human calculations
Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 4, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 4, 2026 / 05:20 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV said Christian hope “is not based on optimistic forecasts or human calculations” but on God’s decision to share humanity’s path.
Pope Leo XIV calls for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty after U.S. capture of Maduro
Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 4, 2026. In his message after the prayer, the pope called for respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and constitution following the capture by U.S. forces of the country’s President Nicolás Maduro. | Credit: Vatican Media / null
Vatican City, Jan 4, 2026 / 01:51 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for the country’s national sovereignty to be fully respected.
Key dates on the agenda of the pope and Vatican for 2026
Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square in October 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
, Jan 1, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a busy 2026.
Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for peace in bloodied nations and wounded families
Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 1, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 02:30 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes.”
Leo XIV: The world is saved by welcoming all without fear
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 02:05 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to a steadfast openness to other people, warning that peace will not be built through force or exclusion.
How to obtain a plenary indulgence for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026
Credit: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
, Dec 31, 2025 / 16:00 pm (CNA).
The Catholic Church offers special graces at both the close of a year and the beginning of a new year.
Pope Leo XIV on New Year’s Eve: The future is in God’s hands
Pope Leo XIV presides over first vespers (evening prayer) in St. Peter's Basilica in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Dec. 31, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media.
, Dec 31, 2025 / 15:00 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV presided over first vespers (evening prayer) at the Vatican on Wednesday in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Pope Leo XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust new year to God
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered for his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media
, Dec 31, 2025 / 08:08 am (CNA).
In St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 31, the pope said 2025 brought both joy and sorrow, citing the jubilee pilgrimage of the faithful as well as “the passing of the late Pope Francis.”
More than 3 million people attended Vatican audiences and ceremonies in 2025
Aerial view of St. Peter’s Square filled with thousands of mourners including clergy and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under a clear blue sky on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
, Dec 30, 2025 / 15:56 pm (CNA).
During 2025, more than 3 million people attended audiences and liturgical celebrations at the Vatican, a year that spanned the pontificates of both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV warns against gambling, which ‘ruins many families’
Credit: Zolnierek/Shutterstock
, Dec 30, 2025 / 10:45 am (CNA).
Speaking to the National Association of Italian Municipalities, Pope Leo XIV warned of the dangers of gambling as well as the challenges of poverty, marginalization, and mental illness.
PHOTOS: Unforgettable moments from the 2025 papal transition
A view of the coffin of Pope Francis resting before the altar at the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, April 26, 2025. - Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, Dec 30, 2025 / 01:00 am (CNA).
Some of the most impactful images from the papal transition in 2025.
Pope Leo XIV sends 3 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 28, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Dec 28, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has sent three trucks carrying humanitarian aid to parts of Ukraine hit hardest by bombardments, where residents are facing severe shortages.
Pope Leo XIV urges families to keep the flame of love alive
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 28, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Dec 28, 2025 / 08:30 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Christian families to “cherish the values of the Gospel” and protect the “flame of love” in their homes.
Pope Leo XIV: Christians have no enemies, only brothers and sisters
Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 26, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Dec 26, 2025 / 02:17 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Friday urged Christians to resist the temptation to treat others as enemies.
Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza, Yemen, migrants in first Christmas urbi et orbi message
Pope Leo XIV delivers his Christmas “urbi et orbi” message at the Vatican on Dec. 25, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News
Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 02:00 am (CNA).
In his first Christmas “urbi et orbi” message as pope, Leo XIV urged the world to embrace “responsibility” as the sure way to peace.
PHOTOS: Pope Leo meets the tiniest members of the flock — babies
Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby on All Saints Day’ 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 02:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has welcomed and greeted a plethora of babies at the Vatican since his election on May 8.
Pope at Christmas Day Mass says wars fed by falsehoods send young people to their deaths
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Dec. 25, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News
Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 01:35 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Christmas Day deplored the “falsehoods” used to justify wars that leave young people “forced to take up arms” and “sent to their deaths.”
Pope Leo XIV on Christmas night: Make room for others
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Mass during the Night in a packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA
Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 17:30 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Christmas night Mass, also known as midnight Mass, for an estimated 6,000 attendees in the Vatican basilica at 10 p.m.
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas night homily
Pope Leo XIV venerates a statue of the child Jesus during the celebration of Christmas Mass during the Night in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA
Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 12:31 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV's full homily at Christmas Mass during the Night in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV revives tradition during first Christmas of his pontificate
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 21, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Christmas at the Vatican by reviving the tradition of offering Christmas Mass on Dec. 25 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Trafficking victims rise worldwide as experts, survivors call for stronger action
Rome’s International Conference on Human Trafficking was held at the Pontifical Gregorian University on Dec. 10, 2025. / Credit: EWTN News/Screenshot
Rome Newsroom, Dec 23, 2025 / 15:55 pm (CNA).
Earlier this month, the Institute of Anthropology of the Pontifical Gregorian University organized an international conference in Rome to discuss trafficking prevention efforts.