By Courtney Mares OSV News ROME — Beneath the Roman pines of the Aventine Hill, Pope Leo XIV led a solemn penitential procession Feb. 18 to Rome’s oldest extant basilica, marking the first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate with a call for “countercultural” repentance for sins from individuals, institutions and the church itself. Priests, bishops […]
A true parish welcomes all and seeks harmony, Pope Leo says
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service OSTIA LIDO, Italy — An authentic Christian community knows how to sincerely and joyfully welcome everyone: Catholics, non-Catholics and people of no faith at all, Pope Leo XIV said. “A true parish” is where “we all learn to say ‘Welcome,’ not only with words, but with a spirit of […]
Pope: Holy Doors are shut, but God’s mercy endures
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The powerful and violent cannot control, suppress or commodify God’s grace, friendship and will to usher in a new dawn, Pope Leo XIV said. “Around us, a distorted economy tries to profit from everything. We see how the marketplace can turn human yearnings of seeking, traveling […]
Cardinals affirm fraternity, continuity at consistory
By Paulina Guzik OSV News VATICAN CITY — After an intense day of roundtable discussions, the “low-batteried” but “very pleased” cardinals wrapped the first historic extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV in a spirit of fraternity, with a sense of knowing each other better and saying they “discovered” the pope, while he did “more […]
On Christmas, pope calls on faithful to open their hearts
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Jesus entering the world as a little baby in need of everything is a sign of God’s solidarity with every person in need, longing for love and a helping hand, Pope Leo XIV said at Christmas morning Mass. “The Word has pitched his fragile tent among […]
Pope Leo XIV thanks priests, urges commitment to synodality
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — At a time when so much pressure and so many demands are placed on priests, they should find support, freedom and relief in recognizing the gifts of laypeople and collaborating with them, Pope Leo XIV said. “The ministry of the priest must move beyond the model […]
Papal panel rejects ordination of women to diaconate
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A commission set up by Pope Francis to study women deacons has voted against the possibility of ordaining women deacons while also supporting more study on the issue. The panel also expressed hope that women’s access to other ministries would be expanded. Pope Francis established the […]
Christmas carols are a ‘divine gift’ for all, pope says
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Christmas carols in every language and culture are expressions of how music can convey “feelings and emotions, even the deepest movements of the soul,” Pope Leo XIV said after listening, clapping and singing along at the Vatican Christmas concert with the poor. “As the melodies touched […]
Pope gives thanks, calls for respect in first overseas trip
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service ANKARA, Turkey — Pope Leo XIV began his first papal trip speaking of dialogue, peace and thanksgiving — referring to both the holiday and his own gratitude. On the plane to Turkey Nov. 27, he wished a Happy Thanksgiving to the Americans among the 80 journalists traveling with him […]
Pope Leo’s Middle East trip to focus on dialogue, peace
By Cindy WoodenCatholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and its Creed, as well as reaffirming hopes for peace in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Turkey and Lebanon Nov. 27-Dec. 2. The Vatican released the itinerary for Pope Leo’s first foreign trip Oct. […]