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Pope to Italian newspaper: Foster dialogue and resist polarization
In a message for the 30th anniversary of the Italian newspaper "Il Foglio", Pope Leo XIV reminds the press of their responsibility to resist "extremist and misleading polarization that reduces reality to a parody of itself."
Pope: St. Rose of Lima a shining example of our vocation to holiness
Pope Leo XIV blesses a Marian mosaic and an image of St. Rose of Lima in the Vatican Gardens, and upholds the first saint born in the Americas as an example of our earthly journey of sanctification.
Children in Darfur on the brink between abandonment and hope
The UN Children's Agency warns it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach just one child in Sudan's Darfur region amid a violent situation.
Pope Leo: 'No peace is possible while humanity wages war against itself'
Pope Leo XIV tells young participants in the Political Innovation Hackathon’s 'One Humanity, One Planet' Conference that 'there can be no peace while humanity wages war against itself,' and warns that 'no policy can genuinely serve the people if it denies the unborn the gift of life, or if it neglects to support those in need.'
Pope sends 80th birthday wishes to Cardinal Christophe Pierre
A telegram conveying Pope Leo XIV’s best wishes was read during a gathering held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington to celebrate Cardinal Christophe Pierre on his birthday. Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, was present at the event.
Pope expresses closeness to victims of deadly storm in Portugal
Pope Leo XIV sends a telegram to all those affected by Storm Kristin, which has killed at least 6 people and crippled central Portugal.
Pope Leo urges Olympic athletes to foster respect, team spirit, sacrifice
Pope Leo XIV sends his encouragement to athletes competing in the 25th Winter Olympic Games, held in Milan and Cortina, inviting them to embrace the true values of sport.
News from the Orient - January 23, 2026
In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we take a look at the Nineveh Fast celebrated in particular by the Syriac Churches.
Pope releases prayer intentions for 2027
Human dignity, art, life, migrants, the elderly, young people, and artificial intelligence: these are some of the themes of the prayer intentions that Pope Leo has entrusted to his Worldwide Prayer Network for next year.
Pope to Peruvian Bishops: Live like the Apostles
Pope Leo XIV urges the bishops of Peru to renew their commitment to unity, fidelity to the Gospel, and pastoral closeness, as they face the challenges of evangelisation in today’s world. He also recalls his personal pastoral experience in the nation and admits that Peru has “a special place in my heart.”
US Bishops urge Trump Administration to extend protection for Haitians
As Haitians residing in the United States face the end of temporary protected status, US Bishops call on the Trump Administration to act in a “just and merciful way” by extending their temporary residency permits.
ZCBC and Catholic University of Zimbabwe partner for Psycho-Spiritual Therapy Training
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) have formalised a partnership aimed at strengthening safeguarding and holistic formation in Zimbabwe’s education system through psycho-spiritual therapy and counselling training.
Pope: Young people, be next generation of intercessors for world’s needs
Pope Leo XIV meets with the leadership and members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and thanks them for their work. He encourages them to continue their mission and invite young people to take part.
Holy See and diplomats echo Pope Leo’s call for an ‘unarmed’ peace
An interreligious service hosted by the Holy See’s Mission to the UN in Geneva gathers diplomats and religious leaders to reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 World Day of Peace Message amid escalating global conflicts. Cardinal Pizzaballa and the ICRC stress the urgent need for justice, humanitarian law, and a “demanding hope” grounded in dialogue and human dignity.
Pope Leo expresses gratitude for 800 years of Toledo Cathedral
Pope Leo sends a letter to the faithful of Toledo in which he highlights the spiritual, historical and social richness of the Primate Cathedral and encourages participation in the liturgical and cultural events planned for 2026.
Pope: May the Olympics promote welcome, solidarity, and peace
Pope Leo sends a telegram for the arrival of the Athletes’ Cross at the Church of San Babila in Milan, where it will be kept for the entire duration of the Winter Olympics.
Pope holds surprise lunch with Peruvian bishops
The Peruvian bishops describe Pope Leo's unexpected participation at a lunch in Rome as “a gesture of closeness and communion”.
President of USCCB calls for Holy Hour for the United States
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issues a call to pray for renewal in the United States and in people’s hearts in the midst of the “current climate of fear and polarization”.
Cardinal Ambongo highlights the enduring relevance of Ecclesia in Africa after three decades
Ecclesia in Africa continues to be a pivotal document for the Church on the continent, even after 30 years. This affirmation was articulated recently by African Bishops meeting in Chad for a plenary assembly of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACERAC).
Pope: Even amid crises, Church in Africa 'is a living, strong, dynamic reality’
In a message to the Bishops of Central Africa, Pope Leo XIV recognizes the great challenges the pastors in their region face, and emphasizes that “faced with the evils that undermine society," including tribalism, interethnic conflicts, wars, and family divisions, "the Gospel calls for reconciliation and the pacification of hearts.”
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