VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marking the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched their first attacks on Iran and since the Israeli military resumed strikes in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire."On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this […]

ROME (CNS) — Believing problems and differences can be resolved with war is absurd, Pope Leo XIV said, chastising those who use God's name in their dark and deadly pursuits."God cannot be enlisted by darkness," he said in his homily during Mass in a parish on the outskirts of Rome March 15. "Rather, he always comes to bring light, hope […]

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Godfrey Mullen, O.S.B., as Bishop of Belleville. Bishop-elect Mullen is a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and current administrator of the Diocese of Belleville. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 2026, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Mullen was […]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) –The Catholic Church is made up of diverse people who are united by their faith in Christ and are called to welcome all of humanity, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience.“Its unifying principle is not a language, a culture, an ethnicity, but faith in Christ,” he said in St. Peter's Square March 11.Continuing his […]

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Emanuel Hana Shaleta from the pastoral governance of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego. The resignation was accepted in February and publicized in Washington, D.C., on March 10, 2026, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. At the same time […]

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the designation of “Chaplain to His Holiness” upon Reverend Michael J.K. Fuller, General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The pontifical honor comes with the title of Monsignor.“In his work, Fr. Fuller has demonstrated a pastoral heart, a theologian’s mind, and a worthy steward’s deft guiding hand,” said Archbishop Paul […]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Of the many traditions and penitential practices observed during the season of Lent, one of the more visible is the stark change in church decor and a complete absence of flowers.That shift was markedly noticeable during Pope Leo XIV's series of pastoral visits to different parishes in Rome.  Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in the Church […]

ROME (CNS) — Every Catholic parish needs to show that Jesus, who promises a just, true and full life, is always near, Pope Leo XIV said."I encourage you to ensure that parish activities are a sign of a Church that — like a mother — takes care of her children, without condemning them, but rather welcoming them, listening to them, […]

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Titular Archbishop of Sepino, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Caccia, 68, has served as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations since 2019, and succeeds Cardinal Christophe Pierre, 80, who has held the post since 2016.Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of […]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — More than 50 years before the first Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome, the Vatican had already hosted what might have been the very first international sporting and gymnastics event with athletes living with disabilities.With the Winter Paralympic Games starting in Milan-Cortina March 6 and running until March 15, the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, […]