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The rite for the Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of Leo XIV
The celebration marking the official beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate on May 18 is a solemn liturgy. The rite highlights the bond with the Apostle Peter and his martyrdom, which nurtured the nascent Church of Rome, and the significance of the “Petrine” episcopal insignia conferred upon the Pope: the Pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman.
Global hunger surges amid wars, climate crisis and funding gaps
The 2025 Global Network Against Food Crises report reveals a sharp rise in global hunger. Over 295 million people now face severe food insecurity, an increase of 14 million from the previous year.
Ex-classmate remembers Pope Leo XIV as 'man of integrity'
Fr Anthony Pizzo, Prior of the Midwest Province of the Augustinian Order, shares his personal experience of Pope Leo XIV, describing him as a man of integrity, balance, and deep commitment to the mission of the Church.
Over 100 people killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza as death toll crosses 53,000
More than 100 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Friday as the death toll in the enclave, since 7 October 2023, crosses 53,000. Gaza's health ministry said hundreds more were injured in addition to those killed.
Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd
The Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization speaks with Vatican News about Pope Leo XIV, shares his spiritual experience of the conclave, and reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis nearly a month after his passing.
CEAST welcomes new Pope and looks forward to Ad Limina Visit
The President of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) has said that the Church in the region warmly welcomes the new Pope and that the Bishops are eager to meet the Holy Father at the Vatican during their upcoming ad limina visit.
Pope to Diplomatic Corps: Build peace with justice, truth, and hope
Pope Leo XIV addresses the Diplomatic Corps and encourages the ambassadors to pursue paths of peace with justice, truth and hope.
Pope Leo XIV meets with head of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
The Major Archbishop of Kyiv expresses his gratitude to Pope Leo while meeting with him in a private audience on Thursday morning. The Archbishop gives him a painting entitled “Requiem Prayer” depicting the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Chinese Catholics celebrate the opening of two new churches
Chinese Catholics see the inauguration of new churches in the nation's Hubei Province and Shanxi Province as concrete signs of perseverance on the path of faith.
Shireen Abu Akleh and the quest for justice
Anton Abu Akleh speaks to Vatican Media about his sister Shireen, the Palestinian Catholic journalist and “voice of the oppressed people of the Holy Land” who was shot dead three years ago.
Istanbul hosts first direct Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Hundreds of journalists gathered in Istanbul on Thursday afternoon as Ukraine and Russia were scheduled to hold their first direct talks there after more than 3 years of war. Russia has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will not be taking part despite having called for the talks himself.
Bishops of Africa and Europe: 'Africa does not need charity but justice'
Before the EU Foreign Ministers meet next week, the two conferences stress the need to shift back to “partnership grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity.”
Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions
On Tuesday 13 May, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, a measure repeatedly called for by local churches and NGOs, and by the Syrian people. However, Syrian Christians remain cautious and want to continue to ensure that the right of every community 'to live in dignity' is respected, according to Fr Georges Sabé, a Marist priest in Aleppo.
Pope to Lasallian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness
Recalling the saying of St. John Baptist de La Salle "Your altar is the classroom," Pope Leo XIV commends the educational efforts of the De La Salle Brothers, and encourages them to continue "inspiring joyful and fruitful paths of holiness."
Church in Myanmar appeals for solidarity and aid
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in March, the Church in Myanmar expresses joy for the election of Pope Leo XIV and makes an appeal to the world for assistance with the dire humanitarian situation.
Cardinal Parolin: We hope talks in Istanbul open paths to peace
On the sidelines of an event on Ukraine at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaks about the direct negotiations starting Thursday in Türkiye, saying, “We hope this is a serious starting point to end the war."
UNRWA makes urgent appeal for immediate end to Gaza siege
Juliette Touma, UNRWA's Director of Communications highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urges the international community to do “everything possible” to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of aid.
Holy See reaffirms commitment and support to stop child labor
In his address during the interactive dialogue entitled “On Childhood With Dignity”, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, cited Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical "Rerum Novarum" in reaffirming every child’s right to grow through education and opportunities “to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Ghana Bishops’ Conference builds partnerships to confront spill-over terrorism
In a bid to strengthen national and regional efforts against violent extremism and instability, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), through its Directorate of Governance, Justice and Peace, has begun forging new partnerships with key government stakeholders.
Pope Leo XIV meets with tennis champion Jannik Sinner
As the 2025 Italian Open is underway in Rome, Pope Leo XIV receives professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the Vatican, along with his family and the president of the Italian Tennis Federation.