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Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to read printed books

The pontiff marked the centenary of the Vatican Publishing House, saying printed books remain a vital “opportunity to think” in the digital age.

‘A breath of hope’: Pope Leo XIV encourages Lebanese priests through video call

The pope expressed his encouragement to the priests who are working in war- torn southern Lebanon. The Holy Father said he prays for them, supports them, and gave them his blessing.

Fidelity, enthusiasm, and faith: Pope Leo XIV welcomes Swiss Guard recruits

Twenty-eight Swiss Guards were sworn in Wednesday at the Vatican.

Bethsaida excavation turning ‘Bible stories into Bible realities’

Recent excavations at the site match the account of an eighth-century Bavarian bishop who wrote about a church in Bethsaida that was built over the home of Sts. Peter and Andrew.

Pope Leo meets U.S. Secretary of State Rubio amid tensions with President Trump

The pontiff met with the secretary of state amid Trump's ongoing criticism of the Holy Father and the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV accepts Filipino priest’s withdrawal as bishop-designate

Father Gerardo F. Saco Jr. cited "human limitations" in withdrawing from the Diocese of Tagbilaran weeks before his scheduled May 26 episcopal ordination.

Lithuanian families rally to save pro-life maternity home blessed by John Paul II

Lithuania's only consistently pro-life maternity home — once blessed by St. John Paul II — faces closure under a government merger plan opposed by more than 12,000 petitioners.

In Syria, renaming schools fuels debate over historical, cultural, and religious identity

Critics warn that the efforts to rename many of Syria's schools could jeopardize the country’s identity and diversity.

Organized crime ‘rules’ in several states in Mexico, cardinal warns

Through violent tactics and the lucrative drug trade, Mexican cartels have made deep inroads into a number of local and state governments in the country.

Cardinal Parolin says talks with German bishops continue, calls sanctions talk premature

Cardinal Pietro Parolin also discussed Thursday's meeting between Pope Leo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump: Rubio’s message to Pope Leo XIV should be ‘Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon’

The president again claimed Pope Leo XIV "seemed to be saying" Iran should be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. The Holy Father has never said this and has spoken against nuclear weapons.

Pope Leo XIV expected to visit France in late September, bishops announce

While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué that Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit France in late September.

Vatican confirms official itinerary for Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain

The pontiff will meet with clergy, religious, and government officials, celebrate four public Masses, and visit social service centers and a migrant reception center.

Poll: Most Americans dislike Trump’s jabs at Pope Leo XIV, favor Leo’s call for peace

The poll shows that Americans have a negative view of Trump's direct criticisms of Leo at a time when the pope is generally popular and the president's approval is shrinking.

Christians must defend themselves amid rising persecution, Nigerian prelate says

Following the resurgence of violence in Nigeria, the judicial vicar of the Port Harcourt Diocese has called for Christians to promote peace while not ignoring the need to protect their lives.

Synod report includes testimonies from civilly ‘married’ homosexuals

A Vatican synod study group’s final report includes testimony from two men in civil marriages with other men and calls for a listening-based approach to difficult doctrinal and pastoral questions.

Researchers name moth species after Pope Leo XIV

“The pontiff is a strong advocate of climate and environmental protection, and we hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity,” researchers wrote.

India’s state elections deliver split verdict for Christian community

Christian leaders welcomed the Kerala and Tamil Nadu outcomes but voiced alarm at the BJP's historic sweep of West Bengal and a third-term win in Assam.

Pope Leo XIV appoints Jesuit priest as bishop of Honolulu

Father Michael T. Castori, SJ, was appointed the sixth bishop of the U.S. diocese.

Psychological distress in priests: Causes, warning signs, and how to address it

Father Wenceslao Vial, a physician and professor, explained that psychological distress is common in society and also affects priests, and warning signs should be heeded and professional help sought.

Notre Dame Cathedral’s stained-glass dispute enters new legal phase

Controversy surrounding the decision to replace some of Notre Dame’s historic windows with a contemporary design has escalated to legal action and calls for peaceful protests.

Street in Brooklyn Heights renamed to honor Servant of God Dorothy Day

The intersection of Pineapple and Henry streets in Brooklyn Heights was renamed “Dorothy Day Way” on May 2.

Pope Leo XIV: Church serves coming of God’s kingdom in history

The pontiff said the Church is a pilgrim people called to proclaim Christ’s salvation while rejecting all that wounds human life.

Rubio: ‘There’s a lot to talk about’ with Pope Leo XIV

Secretary Rubio said he plans to discuss religious freedom and persecution of Christians in the May 7 meeting. Rubio said the meeting is unrelated to President Trump's criticisms of the Holy Father.

U.S. bishop urges Congress to ‘put children and families first’ in appropriations process

U.S. bishops are calling on Congress to promote policies that support women and children, defund abortion providers, and support restorative reproductive medicine.

René Henry Gracida, Corpus Christi bishop and World War II veteran, dies at 102

Earlier this year, in one of his last public statements, he exhorted listeners that "As long as your faith is a motivating factor in your life, guiding what you do, you're on the right track."

On his 56th birthday, new bishop in Philippines appointed by Pope Leo XIV

A priest for 29 years, Bishop-designate Nick Argel Vaquilar holds a licentiate in theology and a doctorate in biblical theology. He has served as a parish priest, formator, professor, and rector.

‘Prison or exile’: Priest in Nicaragua reveals how the dictatorship persecutes the Church

A priest in Nicaragua details conditions in the country as the Catholic Church continues to operate under intense persecution, including surveillance of clergy and restrictions on activities.

Irish bishop: Truth about abortion is ‘it not only kills babies, it wounds women’

In a homily before Ireland’s 2026 March for Life, Bishop Kevin Doran demonstrated from both science and philosophy the humanity of the unborn child and opposed a new bill expanding abortion.

Pope Leo XIV says violence is a last resort, rejects Trump’s claim about supporting nuclear weapons

Just war is "a very complex problem. You have to analyze it on many levels," Pope Leo XIV said.

Hezbollah supporters allegedly launch digital campaign targeting Maronite patriarch

Hezbollah supporters have reportedly used AI-generated manipulated images to attack Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

Outrage grows over alleged bulldozing of Catholic monastery and school in Lebanon

The mayor of Yaroun, a village in southern Lebanon, and the Melkite Greek Catholic bishops have reacted to the alleged demolition of a monastery and school by Israeli forces.

Legionaries leader rebuilds vocation after Maciel scandal: Pain ‘opened our eyes’

Father Carlos Gutiérrez López, the new general director of the Legionaries of Christ, speaks about transparency, renewal, and the long road of healing after the crimes of founder Marcial Maciel.

Families of Pakistan church bombing victims call delayed compensation ‘mockery of justice’

More than 12 years after twin suicide bombings at All Saints Church in Peshawar, survivors say government aid is too little and too late.

Catholics in Sweden receive rare electoral guidance on life issues

The Diocese of Stockholm's justice and peace commission published a document urging Catholics to consider candidates' positions on abortion and euthanasia.

Former political prisoner shares what life is like in Iran

The expert estimates that a majority of the country's population opposes the current regime. He says 10-15% support the government, while another 30% are "politically neutral."

Bishops offer firm support for legislation to combat human trafficking

The Church "is a steadfast voice against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, as well as a longtime provider of services and pastoral care to victims of these crimes,” the bishops wrote.

Catholic, interfaith leaders press Ohio lawmakers to abolish death penalty

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, a Catholic, is expected to issue a statement on the death penalty after the May 5 primary election.

Vatican publishes 2024 letter prohibiting formal blessings for homosexual couples in Germany

As it was already circulating on the internet, the Vatican decided to go public with a 2024 letter to the German bishops reiterating that blessings for same-sex couples could not be formalized.

Christians comprise barely 2% of Holy Land: ‘Pray for a future,’ abbot urges

With a shrinking Christian population, the Holy Land could end up being a “Christian Disneyland” featuring the holy sites as tourist attractions but with no living Christian presence.

Supreme Court temporarily lifts ban on mail-order abortion drugs

At the behest of two abortion drug companies, the Supreme Court is temporarily lifting the ban on mail-order abortion drugs after a lower court ruled that the policy undermined Louisiana state law.

DePaul University conference on Pope Leo draws conversation about AI, human dignity

AI “machines do not have soul,” Jesuit Father Philip Larrey said. “Only God can be responsible for the creation of the soul.”

Catholic mental health professionals react to executive order removing barriers to psychedelic drugs

The executive order notes that more than 14 million American adults now suffer from serious mental illness, a large rise from a decade ago.

Bishop Chylinski urges compassion during Mental Health Awareness Month

“Know that no matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re suffering, that in Christ there is always hope,” Auxiliary Bishop Keith Chylinski of Philadelphia said. “You are never alone.”

Who was Pope Leo XIV before he became pope?

A new book gathers writings and meditations from Leo’s years as Augustinian prior general, offering a look at the spirituality that shaped his pontificate.

Catholic community in shock after terrorists torch historic church in Mozambique

The bishop of the Pemba Diocese in northern Mozambique has expressed sadness and solidarity with victims of violence in a region where Islamist insurgency has persisted for nearly nine years.

Canadian priest offered euthanasia twice while recovering from hip fracture

A Vancouver priest says he was twice offered assisted death by hospital medical staff who knew he was a priest and opposed to euthanasia — a practice critics say is growing.

Pope Leo to meet Rubio following tensions with Trump

The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the pontiff will meet with the U.S. secretary of state on May 7.

Pope Leo XIV: U.S. charities face challenges, but Christ is with us

The pope met on Monday with representatives of Catholic Charities USA.

Pope Leo to visit a much more secularized Spain since Pope Benedict’s World Youth Day in 2011

Two experts analyze the state of the Catholic faith among Spanish youth today, noting that while Spain is increasingly secularized, the faith is growing among young people.