Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Migration tops pontiff’s agenda in Canary Islands

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service ARGUINEGUIN, Spain — Standing at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, where thousands of migrants arrive each year after dangerous journeys from Africa, Pope Leo XIV recalled the biblical sea monsters Leviathan and Rahab. Yet the greatest threats lurking in these waters, he said, are not creatures of Scripture. […]

Iconic basilica’s newest tower receives blessing

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By Courtney Mares OSV News BARCELONA, Spain — Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica June 10, inaugurating the crowning spire that makes the iconic church the tallest Catholic church the world and urging people to lift their gaze to Christ “who alone reveals to us […]

Pope receives standing ovation for powerful speech

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By Courtney Mares OSV News MADRID — In a sweeping address to the Spanish parliament, Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful defense of the dignity of every human life, declaring that its protection is not a partisan issue but “a goal of civilization,” while addressing the issues of abortion, migration, freedom of conscience, the seal […]

In first encyclical, Pope Leo urges world to ‘disarm’ AI

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By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Presenting the first encyclical of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence must be “disarmed,” urging governments, tech leaders and society to confront the rapidly growing technology before it weakens human relationships, critical thinking and peace itself. With its authoritative teaching, the 82-page encyclical, […]

Pope defends church reform amid rift with traditionalists

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By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Amid renewed tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist Catholics over the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo XIV defended church reform as a legitimate process that adapts to current needs while remaining rooted in authentic tradition. During his May 27 general audience in St. […]

Pontiff marks anniversary with visit to Marian shrine

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By Courtney Mares OSV News POMPEI, Italy — Pope Leo XIV marked the anniversary of his May 8 election by making a pilgrimage to celebrate Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Pompei, one of Italy’s most beloved Marian shrines, placing his pontificate under the protection of the Virgin Mary. […]

1 year in, Pope Leo leans on prudence, quiet power

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By Paulina Guzik OSV News On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel and the world heard “Habemus Papam.” Journalists gathered at the top of the arm of Bernini Colonnade in Rome, upon hearing from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti: “Robertum Franciscum sanctae Romanae ecclesae cardinalem Prevost,” frantically asked: “Chi e?” — or “who […]

Pope, Anglican archbishop share call to work together

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By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Although the path to full communion has become “more difficult to discern,” Catholics and Anglicans must continue on the path of dialogue and “proclaim Christ to the world,” Pope Leo XIV said in his first meeting with Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullally of Canterbury. In his address to Archbishop Mullally […]

Pope urges new priests to ‘keep the door open’ for all

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By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Priests are called each day to leave the doors of the church open to a “suffering humanity” in need and not “be an obstacle to those who wish to enter,” Pope Leo XIV told 10 deacons just before ordaining them to the priesthood. The vocation to priestly ministry is […]