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Isle Catholics surprised, heartened by Pope Leo XIV
By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald It was still early in the morning for Hawaii’s faithful when news broke of white smoke pouring from a chimney atop Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel — indicating that the 133 cardinals gathered inside had elected a new pope to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. After an hour […]
Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘a united church’ at inaugural Mass
By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Launching his papacy with a call for reconciliation and communion, Pope Leo XIV formally began his ministry as the successor of St. Peter by calling for “a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.” “In this our […]
The busy life of a new pontiff
Click here to read about some of the activities that filled Pope Leo XIV’s first days of his pontificate.
New papal motto, coat of arms explained
Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV’s devotion to St. Augustine, his life and ministry as a member of the Augustinian order and his focus on the unity of the church are reflected in his episcopal motto and coat of arms. When he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after […]
Born in U.S., but a global missionary and leader
By Maria Wiering OSV News Standing on loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, newly elected Pope Leo XIV smiled, waved and appeared to hold back emotion May 8 as he introduced himself to the world as the 266th successor to St. Peter — the first American to hold that role. His first words: “Peace be with […]
From eager anticipation to celebration in St. Peter’s Square
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — When white smoke came pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica started pealing, people who had been relaxing at cafes or sitting in the shade went running or quickly walking toward St. Peter’s Square. “Hurry! Get over here! It’s […]
Bishop Silva: Pope Francis led by humble example
By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Gray skies and a heavy downpour greeted the faithful who arrived at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu April 28 — fitting conditions, perhaps, for a memorial Mass for Pope Francis, who died a week earlier, on Easter Monday. Despite the short notice and dreary weather, the […]
Reflection: Sharing the pope’s blessing with all
By Maricel and Mark Sebastian Special to the Herald Maricel and Mark, who were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Ewa in 2016, received an apostolic blessing from Pope Francis the same year. Maricel Sebastian: When a friend mentioned we could get a newlywed blessing from the pope, there were no other honeymoon plans but […]
Papal frontrunner lists have been plentiful — outside Vatican
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — After the funeral and burial of Pope Francis April 26, the attention of the world turned to who would be the next pope. The news media, blogs, pundits and people on the street all seem to have their favorite candidate or a list of “probable” next […]