World Jan 13 Machado meets with Pope Leo, seeks support for Venezuela's transition By Giada Zampano, Associated Press
World Jan 11 Pope Leo XIV baptizes 20 infants in tradition marking end of the Christmas season In his first baptismal ceremony as pope, Leo celebrated the Lord’s gift of faith to the children, saying that it gives sense to the gift of life. By Associated Press
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. By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press
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. By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press
World Dec 25 In his first Christmas Day message, Pope Leo XIV calls for 'justice, peace and stability' in war-torn areas Leo called for "justice, peace and stability" in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria, prayers for "the tormented people of Ukraine," and "peace and consolation" for victims of wars, injustice, political stability, religious persecution and terrorism. By Silvia Stellacci, Colleen Barry, Associated Press
Dec 18 Bishop Ronald Hicks named new archbishop of New York By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press 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… Continue reading
Dec 14 Pope criticizes overcrowding in prisons during special Mass for detainees, guards and families By Nicole Winfield, Paolo Santalucia, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Dec 02 Pope Leo sends message of support to southern Lebanon on final day of his foreign trip By Nicole Winfield, Kareem Chehayeb, Bassem Mroue, Associated Press Pope Leo XIV has prayed at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, urging justice for the 218 victims. Continue reading
Dec 01 Pope Leo XIV prays for peace at tomb of Lebanese saint revered by Christians and Muslims alike By Nicole Winfield, Kareem Chehayeb, Trisha Thomas, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Nov 30 Watch 6:52 Peace remains elusive for Lebanese Christians as Pope Leo visits war-torn country By Simona Foltyn, Adrian Hartrick, Mohammed Zanaty On his first international trip as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is carrying a message of unity and peace to the Middle East. Sunday in Lebanon, he challenged leaders to be true peacemakers and set aside their differences. It’s a precarious… Continue watching