VATICAN NEWS

Leo XIV at Pentecost: The Spirit overcomes war with the omnipotence of love
The pontiff prayed that the Holy Spirit would save humanity from war, misery, and sin.
EWTN News explains: Why do popes issue papal documents and what are they?
Encyclicals, motu proprios, apostolic constitutions, and exhortations — here is a guide to some of the types of documents the pope uses to lead the Catholic Church.
In Italian region marred by toxic waste, Pope Leo XIV praises ‘beauty no injustice can erase’
The Holy Father on May 23 met with Church leaders and local residents at Acerra in Italy's "Land of Fires."
In Italy’s ‘Land of Fires,’ Pope Leo XIV laments ‘the cry of creation and the poor’
The Holy Father said Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si' is a framework for addressing the social and environmental crises of the region.
Why Catholics celebrate Mary as ‘mother of the Church’ the day after Pentecost
The Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church each year on the Monday after Pentecost. This year, it falls on May 25.
Pope Leo XIV discusses major challenges of EU and its future with European bishops
While the bishops proposed many possible topics for the meeting, the pontiff emphasized dialogue and peace as priorities. The pope also said migrants must be respected and needed services not denied.
Leo XIV authorizes beatification of 80 civil war martyrs ahead of his trip to Spain
In addition, the pope will declare four other religious from various countries as venerable.
Peace, unity, and AI: What Pope Leo’s messages reveal about his thought
Ahead of the publication of Leo's first encyclical, what do his writings and speeches, both before and after his election, reveal about his thought?
Czech cardinal reflects on martyrs under communism ahead of priest beatifications
The two priests were imprisoned and executed by the Czechoslovak communist regime because of its hatred of the Catholic faith, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Pope to visit Italy’s ‘Land of Fires,’ victims of Mafia’s toxic waste dumping
Acerra and the surrounding territory has higher-than-average cancer rates, linked to the dumping, burning, and burying of toxic waste — the lucrative business of organized crime groups.
Pope encourages young man fearful of the future: ‘The love of Jesus will always accompany you’
Replying to a letter from a young man about to start college, Pope Leo offers him reassurance, encouragement, and fatherly advice about life and his future hopes and dreams.
Vatican warns that AI ‘deepfakes’ threaten the human experience
A top Vatican official warned of the dangers of AI at a conference ahead of the pope’s upcoming encyclical.
Pope Leo XIV says lay movements must serve communion, not power
The pontiff said authority in the Church is a gift of the Holy Spirit that requires listening, free elections, and fidelity to the whole Church.
Pope Leo XIV: Nations must put common good ahead of particular interests
Though diplomacy and dialogue are essential for positive international relations, they must be accompanied by “a deeper conversion of heart,” the pope said.
Synod office sets path to 2028 ecclesial assembly
A new Vatican document outlines four stages for local Churches, bishops’ conferences, and continental bodies to assess how synodality is taking root after the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality.
How does Pope Leo pray?
In an interview released by the Augustinians, the pope's personal secretary offers details about the Holy Father's prayer life and insights into his style of governance.
EWTN News explains: What is a papal encylical?
Papal encyclicals are a powerful way the pope shapes global debates and articulates Church doctrine, but how should Catholics understand them?
Pope Leo explains why Vatican II’s reform did not change only ‘the rites’ of the liturgy
On May 20, the pope began a series of messages focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” a constitution on the sacred liturgy and the first document promulgated by the Second Vatican Council.
Leo XIV laments that after receiving confirmation, many young people ‘disappear from the parish’
Speaking to a group of young people soon to be confirmed, Pope Leo XIV encouraged perseverance in the faith and emphasized that faith is lived in community, not in isolation.
Pope Leo expresses ‘deep concern’ for future of Lebanon, calls for strengthening unity
The pope met with the chief bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia headquartered in Lebanon, emphasizing his concern for that country and the role of ecumenism for Christian unity.
Pope Leo XIV thanks Catholic Extension Society for its assistance to migrants and the poor
The pope expressed his gratitude to the papal society founded in 1905, which raises funds to support and strengthen under-resourced mission dioceses throughout the United States.
Vatican to publish Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical May 25
The pope signed “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”) on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the publication of the landmark social encyclical “Rerum Novarum.”
SSPX and Rome: A half-century of canonical tensions
As one of the leading experts on Lefebvrism sees it, reconciliation is impossible as long as the Society of St. Pius X's rejection of certain parts of the Second Vatican Council persists.
Pope Leo XIV: AI communication must preserve ‘human voices and faces’
The pontiff marked World Communications Day by urging technology to remain centered on human dignity.
Vatican sets up commission on artificial intelligence
Pope Leo XIV approved the new body as the Vatican prepares for his first encyclical, expected to address artificial intelligence through the lens of Catholic social teaching.
Pope Leo XIV to visit France in September, including a stop at UNESCO headquarters
The visit will mark the pope's fifth international apostolic journey.
Leo XIV greets young people who fled war-torn Gaza and will continue their studies in Rome
Through a special program sponsored by the Diocese of Rome, Sapienza University and the Sant'Egidio Community, 72 young people from Gaza will be able to continue studies cut short by the war.
The Catholic Church's response to AI — so far
As anticipation builds for Pope Leo XIV's first papal encyclical, recent teachings reveal the contours of a Catholic approach to artificial intelligence.
SSPX responds to Vatican warning about excommunication with ‘declaration of Catholic faith’
The Vatican said on May 13 that the Society of St. Pius X's plan to consecrate new bishops without papal mandate will be a schismatic act resulting in excommunication.
Pope Leo XIV rejects use of death penalty in fight against organized crime, drug trafficking
The pope addressed parliamentarians and representatives from across Europe, Central Asia and North America participating in a conference on illicit drugs hosted by the Italian Parliament.
Pope Leo to Coptic patriarch: Christians must work together in the Middle East
The friendship between the Catholic and Coptic churches began over 50 years ago with the meeting of St. Pope Paul VI and Shenouda III.
Pope Leo XIV warns students against the ‘great lie’ fueling youth anxiety
At Europe’s largest university, the pontiff denounced a culture that reduces people to numbers.
Pope Leo XIV appoints Capuchin priest and former missionary to lead Florida diocese
The pope also accepted Wednesday the resignation of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, 76, who led the Diocese of Venice, Florida, since 2007.
Pope Leo prays where St. John Paul II was shot on feast of Our Lady of Fátima
Leo XIV dedicated his message on May 13 to "the Virgin Mary, model of the Church."
Vatican says SSPX faces excommunications for ‘schismatic’ bishop consecrations
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said Pope Leo XIV is praying for the leaders of the Society of St. Pius X to "reconsider the very grave decision they have made."
Vatican urges religious leaders not to be ‘complicit through silence or fear’ amid division
The Vatican’s message for Vesak calls Buddhists and Christians to promote an “unarmed and disarming” peace rooted in truth, compassion, and mutual trust.
Swiss Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig dies at 79
The longtime Vatican diplomat, who served as apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino, was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.
Vatican bank’s profit jumps 55.5% over previous year
The Institute for the Works of Religion closed 2025 with a net profit of 51 million euros and approved a 24.3 million euro dividend for the Holy Father.
Illustrator of new stamp of Pope Leo XIV reflects on limits of AI in sacred art
Spanish painter Raúl Berzosa, who has been commissioned for a number of philatelic works by the Vatican, said that while AI can be a useful tool for ideas or composition, it is a soulless creation.
Pope warns main threat common to religion and science is denial of objective truth
Pope Leo XIV pointed out that both science and the Church clearly teach that caring for the planet is threatened by the irresponsible exploitation of both people and the natural world.
Haitian prime minister meets Pope Leo, inaugurates new Vatican embassy
The new embassy of Haiti to the Holy See, inaugurated Sunday near the Vatican walls, marks a deepening of diplomatic ties amid ongoing political crisis in the Caribbean nation.
Pope names U.S. Bishop Lopes to lead Catholics of Anglican tradition in Australia
The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Australia is one of three personal ordinariates for Catholics of Anglican tradition.
Pope Leo XIV urges Christians, Muslims to turn indifference into solidarity
The pontiff warned that constant exposure to images of suffering can “dull our hearts rather than stir them.”
Pope Leo XIV prays for Sahel victims
At the Regina Coeli, the pope also thanked the Canary Islands for welcoming a cruise ship with passengers sick with hantavirus.
Pope Leo to sick and caregivers: ‘In the various situations of life, no one should be left alone’
The pope told an assembly of ALS patients that with commitment, faith, and courage, the sick "bear witness that the goodness and value of life are greater than illness."
Pope Leo meets with Haiti’s prime minister
Haiti continues to experience a complex situation of violence and insecurity, particularly in the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince.
Holy See calls on UN to never subordinate migrants’ lives to other interests
Monsignor Robert D. Murphy emphasized protecting migrants' right to life, making greater efforts to reunite families, and eliminating criminal exploitation.
PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Pompei and Naples in Italy
The Holy Father marked the first anniversary of his pontificate on May 8 by visiting the historic cities in southern Italy.
Leo XIV makes Marian pilgrimage on 1-year anniversary as pope
Pope Leo XIV traveled around 150 miles south of Rome to the Italian cities of Pompei and Naples on the first anniversary of his election.
Pope Leo XIV’s first year: 10 powerful moments
On May 8, 2025, the world was introduced to Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV. One year later, we look at some of the most significant events and powerful moments of his first year as pope.