Pope Leo XIV

No Papal Souvenirs in Sight: Pope Leo XIV Breaks with a Modern Tradition

There’s no explicit ban, of course. The Vatican has always walked a delicate line between respecting the sacredness of the papal office and tolerating a cottage industry that, for many Roman families, represents a legitimate livelihood. But Pope Leo XIV seems to be charting a different course—one that resonates with his discreet and austere profile so far.

Jul 16, 2025 15:59

Valentina di Giorgio

Jubilee 2025•Young People

Rome Prepares for a Youthquake: A Million Young Pilgrims Expected for 2025 Jubilee

The Vatican has already received over 500,000 requests for lodging, but organizers stress that this is only a fraction of the full crowd expected. Many groups from Italy, Europe, Latin America, and Asia have arranged their own accommodations or plan to attend only the weekend events

Jul 13, 2025 19:12

Valentina di Giorgio

Cardinals and Bishops•Rome

Cardinal Makrickas takes the helm of the Roman basilica of St. Mary Major: the oldest Marian church in the West

The change marks more than an administrative adjustment. It symbolizes a broader generational and geographical shift within the leadership of the Roman Curia, as Cardinal Makrickas—born behind the Iron Curtain in Soviet-occupied Lithuania—becomes the first Lithuanian to assume stewardship of the Liberian basilica in modern times.

Jul 07, 2025 13:23

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Church and World•Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Iranian Ambassador to the Vatican asks Pope Leo XIV in letter to defend Khamenei against USA and Israel

The letter, sent amid rising international tensions, calls on the Pontiff not merely as a head of state, but as a global moral and religious authority, to speak out against what the ambassador termed a “direct assassination threat” against a figure who, in Iran’s view, is both a political leader and a sacred religious authority for Shi’a Muslims.

Jul 07, 2025 13:19

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Cardinals and Bishops•Protection of vulnerable people•Rome

Vatican Assembles Independent Tribunal to Try Former Jesuit Marko Rupnik

The announcement was made on July 3 by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. In statements to the press following a press conference at the Vatican during which the new Mass form “for the care of creation” was presented

Jul 06, 2025 23:41

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Pope Leo XIV•Vatican City

Pope’s first private audience with movie star: who was it? This is the photo of the Oscar winner with Leo XIV

The Oscar-winning actor arrived in Rome the previous evening aboard a private flight from New York, ahead of the meeting arranged in conjunction with his latest project: «Maserati: The Brothers», a film currently in production across various locations in Italy. The Vatican confirmed the encounter shortly afterward

Jun 17, 2025 19:43

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Causes of Saints•Jubilee 2025•Pope Leo XIV

A Double Canonization Marks a New Papal Chapter: Leo XIV Sets Dates for Frassati, Acutis, and Seven Others

Originally, these two canonizations had been scheduled separately: Acutis on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday, as part of the Jubilee of Adolescents; and Frassati during the Jubilee of Youth in late July. However, both were postponed after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21

Jun 13, 2025 16:22

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Local Church•Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Pope Leo’s visit to Argentina unofficially confirmed after audience with President Milei

Pope Francis, famously refrained from returning to his homeland throughout his 12-year pontificate, despite repeated invitations. That silence, interpreted by many as a form of protest or emotional distance from his native country’s political class, has often been a source of speculation and even resentment among Argentines

Jun 10, 2025 09:59

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Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV removes controversial Italian bishop as head of John Paul II Institute for the family

Though this change does not formally amend the statutes revised in 2019—which grant the Pope direct discretion in such appointments—it represents a reorientation

May 19, 2025 18:18

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Vatican Diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV’s audience with the Ukrainian president

Just last May 12 it was made public that the Pope and Zelensky had a telephone conversation in which the Ukrainian president invited the Pope to visit the country.

May 18, 2025 19:21

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Dicasteries•Pope Leo XIV

Media pressure on the Pope? Synod Secretary General releases letter to the Pope

The subtext of the letter is difficult to ignore. While couched in deferential language, the message is clear: the Synod Secretariat expects the new pope not only to honor the framework established under Francis, but to actively implement it. “The indications of the Final Document,” they write, “can already be put into practice in local Churches,” as study groups prepare proposals for decisions that “involve the whole Church.”

May 15, 2025 15:26

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Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Zelensky calls Leo XIV: Ukrainian President invited Pope to visit the country

The announcement followed a telephone conversation between the two leaders on May 12, their first since the former Bishop of Chiclayo, Robert Prevost, was elected Supreme Pontiff just days earlier.

May 12, 2025 17:21

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