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 […]
Faith called essential to Christian life
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The greatest enemy of faith is fear, Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience. That is why faith is the first gift “that must be welcomed and asked for daily, so that it may be renewed in us. It is seemingly a small gift, yet […]
Families must pursue love, togetherness, pope says
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Meeting with thousands of Italian grandparents and their children and grandchildren, Pope Francis insisted repeatedly, “Love makes us better.” “Love makes us better; it makes us richer, and it makes us wiser, at any age,” he said April 27 to the young and old who filled […]
Notre Dame’s ‘extraordinary rebirth’ inspires joy
By Caroline de Sury OSV News PARIS — Archbishop Laurent Ulrich found himself taking over the Archdiocese of Paris in the spotlight — three years after the Notre Dame fire, as the world watched the cathedral being rebuilt and as it waits for the work to be completed. “When I was welcomed as archbishop of […]
Nicaragua asserts control over church during Holy Week
By David Agren OSV News CUERNAVACA, Mexico — Catholics turned out in large numbers to celebrate Holy Week in Nicaragua. But the ruling Sandinista regime prohibited public exhibitions of faith — such as processions and reenactments of the passion of Christ — as it continued exercising control over religious activities in what’s becoming an increasingly […]
Beatification causes advance for surfer and skateboarder
By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald We’re stoked. Last month the Vatican advanced the causes for beatification for an avid surfer and a skateboard enthusiast. Both were in their 30s when they died. Guido Vidal Schaffer, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 22, 1974, was a doctor, a surfer and surf instructor who […]