Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for Ukrainians suffering from the consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure. He also expressed gratitude for the solidarity initiatives from Catholic dioceses in Poland and other countries.
The Vatican has dismissed Leo Silingardi from the clerical state, finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors. Pope Leo XIV's decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine due to the shelling of energy infrastructure. He called for an end to the war and increased efforts to achieve peace.
The Pope called on the international community and the aggressor to stop attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, as the intensifying cold makes these attacks particularly painful. The Pontiff prays for the victims and calls for an end to violence and renewed efforts for peace.
Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to seek just and lasting solutions for peace. He emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue in Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV sent three trucks with over 100,000 servings of instant soups to the regions of Ukraine most affected by the hostilities. This humanitarian aid, received from a Korean manufacturer, is important for the population facing damage to civilian infrastructure.
Pope Leo XIV delivered his Christmas message from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. In his address, he mentioned Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas, emphasizing that Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date, as one big family. He noted that everyone has one dream - peace and victory, as well as the day when everyone will gather at home in the first peaceful year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Pope's disappointment over Russia's refusal of a Christmas truce. He noted that Russia not only rejected the proposal to stop the killings but also launched a massive missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian energy system.
Pope Leo XIV called for a global Christmas ceasefire, expressing sorrow over Russia's rejection of the request. The Pontiff hopes for 24 hours of peace worldwide.
A Christmas tree was lit and a Nativity scene was opened in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The ceremony, led by Sister Raffaella Petrini, emphasized the symbolism of peace and fraternal unity.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. They discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken to Russia, and the release of prisoners of war and civilians.
Pope Leo XIV received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 9, 2025. The Pontiff called for dialogue and the establishment of a just and lasting peace, also discussing the issues of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Italy for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo. A meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome after visits to London and Brussels. He will meet with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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.
