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Pope Leo XIV with his friend Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez on May 12, 2025, at the Vatican. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez
Vatican City, May 13, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
On Sunday, May 12, Pope Leo XIV made time in his busy schedule to welcome his friend Father Hugo Sánchez and Sánchez’s mother to the Vatican.
10 countries Pope Leo XIV visited before becoming pope
Bishop Robert Francis Prevost was named prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops on Jan. 30, 2023. / Credit: Frayjhonattan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rome Newsroom, May 12, 2025 / 14:24 pm (CNA).
Here are some of the countries the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV has visited — or where he has been based for pastoral reasons — outside of the U.S. in the last three decades.
Pope Leo XIV, Zelenskyy hold first phone call about Russia-Ukraine war, Vatican says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a press conference after a meeting of European leaders in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on May 10, 2025. / Credit: GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images
Vatican City, May 12, 2025 / 12:04 pm (CNA).
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Monday that the two leaders had spoken after the pope expressed concern for Ukraine during his Sunday address.
Pope Leo XIV to media: Thank you ‘for your service to the truth’
Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists on May 12, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. / Credit: Veronica Giacometti/EWTN News
Vatican City, May 12, 2025 / 09:22 am (CNA).
In his first address to international media on Monday, Pope Leo XIV thanked journalists for their service to the truth and for communicating peace in difficult times.
Pope Leo calls on youth to ‘accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord’
“Have no fear! Trust in the Lord” Pope Leo XIV waves at a massive, jubilant crowd gathered on St. Peter’ s Square for the Regina Coeli on Sunday, May 11, 2025 / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am (CNA).
Pope Leo also celebrated Mother’s Day as jubilee bands and thousands of pilgrims created a festive atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Powerful symbols: Vatican releases Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait and signature
A cropped version of the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV, published by the Vatican on May 10, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 10, 2025 / 10:30 am (CNA).
The Vatican has released Pope Leo XIV’s signature, which includes the traditional “P.P.” (“Pastor Pastorum”) notation not used by Francis.
Cardinal Filoni: Leo XIV’s papal name points to ‘clear vision of the Church’
Cardinal Fernando Filoni speaks to EWTN News in Rome on Friday, May 9, 2025. / Credit: EWTN News
CNA Staff, May 10, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).
“I asked him why he took this name,” Filoni said. “He’s an Augustinian. ... He told me: ‘In this moment, we need a man with a clear vision of the Church.’”
Pope Leo XIV shares vision for papacy in age of artificial intelligence
Pope Leo XIV addresses the College of Cardinals at the Vatican on May 10, 2025. The newly elected pontiff outlined his vision for his papacy in his first official meeting. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 10, 2025 / 08:15 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV explained his choice of name and the Church’s social teaching in the face of artificial intelligence and more.
Cardinal Bustillo: Pope Leo XIV will be ‘bold and solid’ leader for the Church
Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo stands outside St. Peter’s Square after the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. / Credit: Marco Mancini/EWTN News
Rome Newsroom, May 10, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo said the conclave was guided by the Holy Spirit with “freedom and trust,” resulting in Pope Leo XIV’s election in under 24 hours.
Caritas, Catholic Relief Services see mission ‘continuity and renewal’ with Pope Leo
Cardinal-elect Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi during an interview CNA on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Rome. / Credit: EWTN News
Vatican City, May 10, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
The election of Pope Leo XIV was enthusiastically received by Caritas Internationalis and Catholic Relief Services.
German cardinal on American pope: ‘I didn’t expect it’ but hope for synodality clarity
Cardinal Rainer Woelki arrives at the Vatican on March 5, 2013. / Credit: InterMirifica.net
CNA Deutsch, May 10, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).
Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne speaks about what surprised him about the conclave, praising Pope Leo XIV’s “warmth and humanity.”
Americans in St. Peter’s Square celebrate historic election of Pope Leo XIV
Americans gather in St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025, to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States. / Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA
Vatican City, May 9, 2025 / 18:28 pm (CNA).
Americans gathered in St. Peter’s Square on May 8 to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States.
PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meeting the last three pontiffs
Pope Benedict XVI greets the future Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican Gardens. / Credit: Courtesy of the Augustinian Midwest Province (USA), Our Mother of Good Counsel
ACI Prensa Staff, May 9, 2025 / 15:53 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV had the opportunity to meet three of his predecessors at the helm of the Barque of Peter.
U.S. cardinals praise Pope Leo XIV’s missionary heart, international experience
From left, Cardinals Robert McElroy, Wilton Gregory, Blase Cupich, Joseph Tobin, and Timothy Dolan give a press conference on Pope Leo XIV in the hall of the Pontifical North American College in Rome on May 9, 2025. Cardinals Christophe Pierre and Daniel DiNardo (not pictured) also participated. / Credit: Patrick Leonard/EWTN News
Vatican City, May 9, 2025 / 14:19 pm (CNA).
The United States cardinals who were part of the conclave that on Thursday elected Pope Leo XIV spoke to the media at a press conference Friday.
Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass: ‘Jesus is the Christ’
Pope Leo XIV addresses cardinals in the Sistine Chapel during his first Mass as pope on Friday, May 9, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 9, 2025 / 13:52 pm (CNA).
Preaching in the Sistine Chapel on May 9 to the cardinals who elected him, the first pope born in the United States opened his homily in English.
Asia Pacific Catholics react to news of Church’s first U.S.-born pontiff Pope Leo XIV
Singaporean theology student Dominic Nalpon managed to arrive at the center of St. Peter’s Square in time to hear the awaited “Habemus papam!” (“We have a pope!”) announcement and see the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Dominic Nalpon
Rome Newsroom, May 9, 2025 / 12:26 pm (CNA).
From Europe to the Asia Pacific, millions of Catholics are celebrating the election of U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
FULL TEXT: Pope Leo XIV’s homily at Mass with the cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel
Pope Leo XIV gives the homily at Mass with the cardinale electors in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Rome Newsroom, May 9, 2025 / 08:57 am (CNA).
“You have called me to carry that cross, and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me,” the new pontiff said.
LIVE UPDATES: First key dates of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate announced
Pope Leo XIV is seen flanked by cardinals at St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after his election, Thursday, May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
CNA Newsroom, May 9, 2025 / 08:40 am (CNA).
LIVE UPDATES: First Mass of Pope Leo XIV
14 things to know about Pope Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born pope
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful in St. Peter’s Square shortly after his election to the papacy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
CNA Staff, May 9, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals as the 266th successor of St. Peter, the first pope from the United States.
Pope Leo XIV to pray Regina Caeli, greet journalists in first engagements after election
Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 9, 2025 / 04:57 am (CNA).
Just hours after being elected the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has three appointments on his agenda.
Who is Pope Leo XIV? A bio of the first American pope
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. / Credit: Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
CNA Staff, May 8, 2025 / 15:52 pm (CNA).
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8 — the first pope from the United States.
Pope Leo XIV’s first words to the world: ‘Peace be with you all’
Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Pete’s Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 15:32 pm (CNA).
The 69-year-old new pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected the first pope from the United States on Thursday.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as 267th pope, takes name Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025 / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 12:11 pm (CNA).
White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis.
India’s Cardinal Koovakad plays key role ensuring secrecy, validity of conclave voting
Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 11:50 am (CNA).
As the most junior member of the College of Cardinals, Koovakad is tasked with drawing out the names of three cardinal scrutineers, infirmarii, and revisers.
White or black: How the conclave smoke gets made
Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 a.m. local time over St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:20 am (CNA).
Where does the smoke come from and how are the two colors — black and white — produced?
Are the cardinals forever bound to not reveal the results of the conclave balloting?
Cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025. / Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).
The recent history of the Catholic Church shows that the secrecy eventually breaks.
No pasta carbonara or hard liquor on cardinals’ conclave menu
Reference photo of two chefs. / Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).
Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave.
Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as Thursday morning voting concludes without a pope
Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 am local time over St. Peter’s square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 05:51 am (CNA).
The plume of dark smoke indicates that the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside the chapel have not reached the required two-thirds majority.
Meet the 5 cardinal electors with the most conclave experience
Left to right: Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Cardinal Vinko Puljić, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Cardinal Péter Erdő, and Cardinal Peter Turkson. / Credit: MEDEF, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons/ EWTN News screenshot/ Pelz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons/ Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 16:29 pm (CNA).
Four electors — Cardinals Peter Turkson, Philippe Barbarin, Péter Erdő, and Josip Bozanić — became members of the College of Cardinals in 2003.
Conclave schedule: What time does the smoke appear?
Cardinals prepare to begin the conclave to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 15:44 pm (CNA).
Beginning Thursday, the cardinals will hold four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as first conclave vote ends without new pope
Black smoke issues from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no pope has yet been elected, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 15:09 pm (CNA).
The black smoke confirmed the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside had not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — needed to elect a new pope.
Why it matters what the new pope will wear when he appears on the balcony
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 13:30 pm (CNA).
Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people.
The Room of Tears: Where new popes go right after their election
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 13:00 pm (CNA).
The Room of Tears is just a few feet away from the Sistine Chapel, where the monumental decision of the papal election is made by Catholic cardinals.
‘Extra omnes:’ Cardinals closed in conclave begin the election of the new pope
Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 11:55 am (CNA).
Inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal elector stood before his assigned seat, facing the Book of the Gospels, placed on a lectern in the center of the room.
Papal charity’s pilgrimage to Rome begins on day conclave opens
Pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square for a Mass and canonization of 14 new saints on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 11:19 am (CNA).
Aid to the Church in Need’s jubilee event, which focuses on the hope they seek to provide the suffering Church, falls on first day of the papal conclave.
Papal names: What are the most and least popular?
Cardinals participate in the fifth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis on May 3, 2025 — the feast of Sts. Philip and James — in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 10:38 am (CNA).
When the white smoke appears and a new pope is chosen, he is asked: “By what name shall you be called?”
In an atmosphere of renewal, 23 new Legionaries of Christ priests ordained in Rome
The Legionaries of Christ ordained 23 new priests on May 3, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. / Credit: Photo courtesy of the Legionaries of Christ
ACI Prensa Staff, May 7, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).
The ordination of 23 new Legionaries of Christ priests took place in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, one of the four great papal basilicas in Rome, on May 3.
Cardinals hear call for ‘unity of the Church’ at Mass ahead of conclave
Cardinal electors in their distinctive red vestments attend the Mass for the election of the Supreme Pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica on May 7. / Vatican Media
Rome Newsroom, May 7, 2025 / 05:27 am (CNA).
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the liturgy, underlining the need for unity in the Church.
Cardinal Rueda: A conclave is ‘quite different’ from the election of a president
Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, archbishop of Bogota, Colombia. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
ACI Prensa Staff, May 7, 2025 / 05:00 am (CNA).
From Rome, where he is participating as a cardinal elector, the archbishop of Bogotá explained how the College of Cardinals is experiencing the days before the conclave.
FULL TEXT and VIDEO: Cardinal Re’s homily for the Mass for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, gives the homily in St. Peter’s Basilica at the ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on May 7, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 04:43 am (CNA).
FULL TEXT: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s homily for the Mass for the election of the Supreme Pontiff.
Conclave 2025: A prayer as the cardinals gather to elect the next pope
The Book of the Gospels is displayed at the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).
As the cardinals gather in conclave beginning today, May 7, the Church and all people of goodwill are invited to pray this prayer.
The history behind ‘habemus papam’ and the white smoke that announces a new pope
White smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope. / Credit: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
ACI Prensa Staff, May 6, 2025 / 17:41 pm (CNA).
When a new pope is elected, there are two signs that mark that historic moment: the white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the formula “habemus papam.”
These are the challenges identified by the cardinals ahead of the conclave
Cardinals gather for the the seventh Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis on May 2, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 16:41 pm (CNA).
Over the course of 12 general congregations before the conclave, the cardinals discussed key challenges facing the Church.
9 memorable quotes from the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis
Cardinals celebrate the ninth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis on the third Sunday of Easter, May 4, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 15:11 pm (CNA).
Cardinals reflected on the service and legacy of Pope Francis’ pontificate, highlighting his strong work ethic and focus on mercy and offering advice to their fellow cardinals.
PHOTOS: The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors to choose the next pope
Long tables at the Sistine Chapel await the arrival of cardinals for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
CNA Staff, May 6, 2025 / 12:58 pm (CNA).
The proceedings will take place in absolute secrecy, with the prelates largely sequestered from the outside world for as long as the conclave lasts until a new Supreme Pontiff is chosen.
Papal tailor has next pope’s cassock ‘almost ready’ in 3 different sizes
Raniero Mancinelli in his workshop on Via Borgo Pio in Rome. / Credit: Almudena Martínez-Bordiú/ACI Prensa
Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 11:57 am (CNA).
It’s a busy time at Mancinelli Clergy, the iconic shop that embodies the history and tradition of ecclesiastical tailoring in Rome.
The Sistine Chapel: Renaissance gem dazzles clergy and laypeople alike
The Sistine Chapel. / Credit: marcobrivio.photography/Shutterstock
Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 11:12 am (CNA).
The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once again host the conclave.
Cardinals witness destruction of Pope Francis’ ring, seal
The papal fisherman’s ring and lead seal are nulled during the 12th general congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media
Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 09:46 am (CNA).
The ring and seal are destroyed or nulled after a pope’s death to prevent their future misuse to seal official documents.
MAP: Key Vatican locations to know about as the conclave begins
Hundreds of thousands of mourners attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, April 26, 2025 / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
CNA Staff, May 6, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
On the morning of May 7 the conclave will commence, with all the cardinals present, with the Holy Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis’ last gift to Gaza: A popemobile converted into a mobile clinic
The popemobile used by Pope Francis during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014. / Credit: Courtesy of Caritas
Vatican City, May 5, 2025 / 13:56 pm (CNA).
Before his death, Pope Francis donated one of his popemobiles to be converted into a mobile clinic to assist the children of Gaza.