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.
The Israel Defense Forces are launching ground military operations in central Gaza for the first time, issuing evacuation warnings for Palestinians in Deir al-Balah. Civilians are ordered to move south to the Mawasi area on the coast.
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton, a Chicago suburb, has been sold for $375,000, 70% higher than the initial asking price. The village of Dolton plans to turn it into a landmark in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Chicago.
President Zelenskyy discussed war and peace talks with Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican confirmed its readiness to host representatives of Ukraine and Russia for possible negotiations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Italy and held an audience with Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo. The meeting was confirmed by Sky TG24 and journalist Jacopo Jacoboni.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Castel Gandolfo for a six-week vacation, the first papal visit in 12 years. The 69-year-old pontiff plans to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenges of his pontificate.
Pope Leo XIV greeted Ukrainian pilgrims and expressed condolences to those affected by the natural disaster in the USA. He also called for prayer for peace, addressing rulers.
Pope Leo XIV expressed support for Ukraine, sharing the pain of those who mourn loved ones and have suffered from a "meaningless war. " He emphasized that the faith of the Ukrainian people is undergoing a difficult test.
Pope Leo XIV called artificial intelligence a threat to humanity. He called for reliance on the teachings of the Church to respond to the challenges of AI and protect human dignity.
Al Pacino became the first film actor to be received by Pope Leo XIV. The audience took place in the Vatican as part of the presentation of the film Maserati: The Brothers.
Pope Leo XIV announced the date of canonization of Carlo Acutis. The Italian teenager, who died of leukemia, will become the first saint of the new millennium.
The Catholic Church is open to finding a solution for the joint celebration of Easter in order not to violate the principles of the Council of Nicaea. This will give more strength to the preaching of the Gospel.
Russian media reported on a phone call between Putin and Pope Francis, during which the dictator expressed interest in a peaceful settlement, while accusing Ukraine of escalating the conflict and engaging in terrorism.
Pope Leo XIV has strongly called for an end to the war in Ukraine, especially after the latest serious attacks. He stressed the need to "support every initiative for dialogue and peace."
Pope Leo XIV called for prayer for peace in Ukraine, which is suffering from the shelling of civilians. He confirmed his readiness to host peace talks at the Vatican.
The Vatican has released a series of stamps with Leo XIV dedicated to key moments of his pontificate. The stamps depict various stages of the inauguration of the first American Pope.
