Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for active European participation in developing a peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that the initial US plan was modified thanks to European input, and stressed the importance of Italy's role in this process.
During his first foreign visit to the Middle East, before flying to the Vatican, the Pope called on world leaders for peace and to prevent wars.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his first foreign trip to Lebanon and Turkey, visiting the port of Beirut. He prayed for the 220 people who died in August 2020 and met with relatives of the explosion victims.
Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I visited Iznik, Turkey, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. They prayed together for Christian unity at the site where the Nicene Creed was formulated.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey, beginning his first foreign trip, where he will mark the anniversary of Christianity. He will then travel to Lebanon after Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, where he will hold meetings with religious leaders and youth.
Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences over the deaths in Ukraine as a result of the recent shelling, including Kyiv. He urged not to get used to war and to pray for peace.
The Vatican has returned 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples of Canada, including an Inuit kayak, as part of a re-evaluation of the Catholic Church's role in suppressing Indigenous cultures. These items, which were exhibited in Rome 100 years ago, will now be handed over to individual communities.
70-year-old Pope Leo XIV unveiled his four favorite films released in the 20th century, ahead of a meeting with famous movie stars at the Vatican. He plans to deepen the dialogue with the world of cinema.
Pope Leo will hold a special audience with about thirty Hollywood actors and directors, including Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, at the Vatican this weekend. The event is organized as part of the Church's Holy Year to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema and promote human values.
Pope Leo XIV spent almost three hours meeting with Belgian victims of sexual abuse by the clergy, listening to their testimonies of trauma. The Catholic Church in Belgium is facing a crisis due to hundreds of abuse cases, and the Pope has pledged to combat violence and cover-ups.
The Pope called for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, expressing sorrow over the brutality in Al-Fashir. He also urged the international community to act decisively to support aid efforts.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, will make his first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The visit will include meetings with leaders, interfaith events, and a prayer at the site of the Beirut port explosion.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Pope Leo XIV and asked him to support Hungary's anti-war efforts. Orban will also discuss with Trump the impact of US sanctions against Russian oil companies.
King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV held a joint prayer in the Sistine Chapel, marking the first such event in 500 years. They recited the 'Our Father' in English, and the King presented the Pope with an icon of Saint Edward the Confessor.
King Charles III will hold a joint prayer with Pope Leo XIV during an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel. This is the first time in five centuries that a British monarch will publicly pray with the pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV canonized physician Jose Gregorio Hernandez and nun Carmen Rendiles Martinez, Venezuela's first saints. This event took place against the backdrop of an economic crisis and political instability in the country, uniting thousands of believers.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the global media, calling for resistance to lies and manipulation, supporting honest documentation of events in Ukraine and Gaza. He also called for the release of imprisoned journalists.
On September 27, in the village of Bilky, the beatification of Father Petro Pavlo Oros took place. He gave his life for Christ during the communist persecutions. The solemn Divine Liturgy was led by Bishop Teodor Matsapula.
British King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will pay an official visit to the Vatican this autumn. They will meet with Pope Leo XIV, a visit that was canceled in April due to the deteriorating health of the late Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV stated in an interview that he would not change key doctrine regarding same-sex marriage and women deacons. This hinders reforms and is a step towards traditionalists, unlike his predecessor.
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, stated that the Vatican's mission as a direct mediator in the war between Ukraine and Russia is currently unlikely. The Pontiff distinguishes between the voice of the Holy See in advocating for peace and the role of a mediator, which, in his opinion, is not as realistic.
Pope Leo XIV met with Jesuit James Martin, a well-known advocate for LGBTQ+ integration. The new pontiff confirmed the continuation of Pope Francis' policy regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance in the church.
Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and the search for a just peace for Ukraine with the participation of the international community. Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak emphasized that this is a signal to pressure Moscow.
Dozens of heads of state and government, including the US and China, sent congratulations to Ukraine on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Independence. President Zelenskyy thanked for the support in the fight against Russian aggression.
Pope Leo XVI expressed hope for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts and prayer to achieve it. He constantly communicates with political leaders and prays for progress in peace negotiations.
A number of countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, have expressed readiness to organize a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The White House is considering Budapest as the main venue for trilateral negotiations.
A new Gallup poll showed that Pope Leo XIV has the highest approval rating among Americans (+46). Volodymyr Zelenskyy received +18, while Elon Musk has a deeply negative rating of -28.
Pope Leo XIV met with Metropolitan Antony, head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. During the meeting, issues of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and current conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, were discussed.
Pope Leo XIV will hold an audience with Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk on July 26. The meeting aims to resume dialogue after tensions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate cessation of the "barbarism" of the war in Gaza and a peaceful resolution of the conflict after the shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church. Israeli attacks killed 58 Palestinians and wounded at least 60.
