World Jan 09 Pope Leo planning visit to Spain this year, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona and Canary Islands Spain had long lobbied for Francis to visit. But over 12 years he always declined, preferring to travel to farther flung countries where Catholics were a minority.
World Jan 01 Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in war-torn countries and families suffering violence Pope Leo XIV noted that Jan. 1 marks the church’s World Day of Peace and used the occasion to issue a prayer.
Nation Dec 18 Bishop Ronald Hicks named new archbishop of New York Pope Leo XIV on Thursday made his most important U.S. appointment to date, naming a fellow Chicagoan as the next archbishop of New York to lead one of the biggest U.S. archdioceses as it navigates relations with the Trump administration…
World Dec 14 Pope criticizes overcrowding in prisons during special Mass for detainees, guards and families The Vatican said an estimated 6,000 people signed up to participate in the weekend pilgrimage, including representatives from big detention facilities in Italy and prison volunteers, wardens and prison chaplains from 90 countries.
World Dec 04 Vatican commission again votes against ordaining women as deacons A second Vatican study commission has determined that women should not be ordained as deacons, dealing another setback to Catholic women who hope one day to be able to preside at weddings, baptisms and funerals.
World Dec 02 Pope Leo sends message of support to southern Lebanon on final day of his foreign trip Pope Leo XIV has prayed at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, urging justice for the 218 victims.
World Dec 01 Pope Leo XIV prays for peace at tomb of Lebanese saint revered by Christians and Muslims alike Leo is bringing a message of peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence at a time when political tensions in Lebanon are worse than they have been in years.
World Nov 30 Pope calls on Lebanese leaders to be true peacemakers as he seeks to bring message of hope Pope Leo XIV challenged Lebanon’s political leaders on Sunday to be true peacemakers and put their differences aside, as he sought to give Lebanon’s long-suffering people a message of hope and bolster a crucial Christian community in the Middle East.
World Nov 29 Pope visits Istanbul's Blue Mosque without praying as he focuses on Christian unity Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque on Saturday but didn't stop to pray, as he focused more on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for Eastern and Western churches to be united.
World Nov 28 Pope joins Eastern and Western patriarchs at historic Christian site in Turkey to pray for unity The prayer marked the highlight of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey and the main reason for his trip, the first of his pontificate.