Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

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 […]

Pontiff declares in prayer vigil: ‘It is time for peace!’

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Warning against an increasingly unpredictable and aggressive “delusion of omnipotence” threatening the globe, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders and individuals to empty their hearts and minds of hatred and violence, and to start serving life. “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough […]

Pope Leo retraces St. Augustine’s steps in Algeria

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By Courtney Mares OSV News ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV offered Mass April 14 at the basilica built near the site where St. Augustine died nearly 1,600 years ago, making a deeply personal pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Augustine in Algeria. “Here the martyrs prayed; here St. Augustine loved his flock, fervently seeking […]

Talk Story: ‘Even just one of these children’

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Office for Social Ministry “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Mt 18:5) In the bright light of Easter, when the church proclaims that life has overcome death, we are invited to look more closely at where that new life is most fragile — and most revealing. This year, Pope Leo XIV […]

Pope responds to criticism with ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’

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By Courtney Mares and Kate Scanlon OSV News ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO ALGIERS — Pope Leo XIV said April 13 he has “no fear” of President Donald Trump’s administration and responded to Trump’s criticism by telling journalists that his message to the U.S. president is “the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the peacemakers.” […]