Vatican Declares SSPX Bishops Excommunicated Following Unauthorized Episcopal Ordinations
The Vatican has declared six bishops of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX) automatically excommunicated after they participated in unauthorized episcopal ordinations in Écône, Switzerland, without a papal mandate and against the explicit will of Pope Leo XIV. In a decree issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 2, the Holy See described the ordinations as a schismatic act and warned that clergy and lay faithful who formally adhere to the SSPX's schism may likewise incur automatic excommunication. While reaffirming the importance of communion with the Roman Pontiff and the universal Church, the Vatican also renewed its invitation to members of the SSPX to return to full ecclesial communion.
Creation as a shared responsibility: Pope Leo XIV's call for Ecological stewardship
In Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV links care for creation with care for the human person. The encyclical calls for a renewed sense of responsibility towards the environment, reminding humanity that ecological stewardship is not merely a scientific or political issue but a moral and spiritual obligation.
The dignity of Work in a changing world: Pope Leo XIV’s vision for Labour
In Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the dignity of human labour in an age of automation, economic inequality and technological change. Building upon the legacy of Rerum Novarum, the encyclical insists that work is more than economic activity—it is a participation in human dignity, creativity and social responsibility.
Media, Communication and Truth: The Encyclical’s Message to Communicators
Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas warns that communication without truth can deepen division and confusion. Reflecting on the biblical image of Babel, the encyclical calls journalists, communicators and digital citizens to promote truth, responsibility and human encounter, making communication a force for communion rather than fragmentation.
Pope urges Fidelity to Liturgical Norms, Warns against Personal Alterations at Mass
Pope Leo XIV has urged priests to faithfully observe the Church’s liturgical norms and avoid making personal changes to the Mass. Speaking at the General Audience, the Holy Father warned that altering approved texts and practices can create confusion among the faithful and weaken ecclesial communion, while emphasising fidelity to Catholic tradition.
Truth, Freedom and Moral Responsibility in a Digital Age
Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas examines the opportunities and dangers of the digital age, warning against misinformation, manipulation and the erosion of truth while calling for ethical communication, moral responsibility and authentic human relationships.
Cardinal Czerny: Magnifica Humanitas calls the Church to a Synodal response to the Challenges of AI
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Cardinal Michael Czerny said the document invites the Church to engage courageously with the realities of artificial intelligence and contemporary society. He described the encyclical as “profoundly synodal,” calling for discernment, evangelisation, and renewed commitment to human dignity and integral development.
Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to renew Missionary Commitment ahead of World Mission Sunday Centenary
Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to renew their missionary commitment as the Church marks 100 years of World Mission Sunday. Addressing the Pontifical Mission Societies, he urged the faithful to pray, sacrifice, and support young Churches under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
Pope to lead Worldwide Rosary for Peace; Northeast Faithful invited to Join
Pope Leo XIV will lead a worldwide Rosary for Peace on May 30 at 10:30 p.m. IST, inviting Catholics globally to pray for victims of war and lasting peace. The Archdiocese of Imphal has already urged the faithful to join, with other Northeast dioceses expected to participate in communion with the Holy Father.
Pope Leo XIV’s first Encyclical calls for Human Dignity, Peace and Ethical responsibility in a Changing World
Released on the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical-Magnifica Humanitas, presents a comprehensive reflection on human dignity, artificial intelligence, labour, peace and global solidarity, inviting humanity to place the person at the centre of social, technological and economic transformation.
Care for the Poor an Integral Part of Christian Life, Says Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV said care for the poor is an essential part of Christian life, speaking to Catholic Charities USA on May 4. He acknowledged challenges faced by charitable workers and encouraged them to remain rooted in Christ’s love. The Pope also highlighted that service to the poor reflects authentic love for God.
Pope Calls for Peace, Hope, and Renewal in Easter Message
In his Easter message, Pope Francis calls the faithful to rediscover the transforming power of Christ’s Resurrection as a source of peace, hope, and renewal. Emphasising love over violence and dialogue over conflict, he urges the world to overcome indifference and become witnesses of a new humanity rooted in justice and communion.
‘Lay down your weapons’: Pope Leo XIV proclaims Christ as King of Peace on Palm Sunday
At Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed Christ as the “King of Peace,” urging the world to reject violence and warning that Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” As Holy Week begins, the Pope called all people to lay down their weapons and rediscover their shared humanity.
Church called to renew Pastoral Commitment to Families on Amoris Laetitia Anniversary, says Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed pastoral commitment to families as the Church marks ten years of Amoris Laetitia. In a message issued on March 19, he emphasised listening, synodal discernment, and updated pastoral approaches. The Pope also announced a global meeting of Episcopal Conference presidents in October 2026.
Everyone can be a Builder of Peace and Reconciliation, says Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV encouraged children and young people to reject violence and grow as builders of peace and reconciliation during a visit to Santa Maria della Presentazione parish in Rome. Addressing those preparing for First Communion, he invited them to welcome Jesus in prayer and recognise Him in acts of charity and friendship.
Pope Leo XIV announces March prayer intention: “For Disarmament and Peace”
Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics worldwide to pray for “disarmament and peace” during the month of March. Through The Pope Video, he urged nations to reject the arms race, choose dialogue and diplomacy, and ensure that the nuclear threat never again determines the future of humanity.
Peace cannot be built through Weapons but through Dialogue says Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has called on the international community to “work for peace” and seek solutions without weapons amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Speaking in Castel Gandolfo, he urged dialogue and warned that hatred in the world continues to grow.
Pope at Angelus: Christ Transfigures the Wounds of History
At the Angelus for the Second Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Transfiguration, saying that Christ the Redeemer transforms the wounds of history and reveals God’s gift of salvation. He invited the faithful to contemplate the Lord’s glory and trust in the promise of resurrection.
Bishop Martinelli Calls for Prayer as Tensions Escalate in the Gulf Region
Amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following recent military strikes, Bishop Paolo Martinelli has called on Catholic communities in Southern Arabia to pray the Rosary for peace and reconciliation. Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for dialogue, he urged unity in prayer and concern for the well-being of ordinary people.
Priestly Formation must be rooted in Living Relationship with God, Pope Leo XIV tells Seminarians
Pope Leo XIV has urged seminarians to root priestly formation in a living relationship with God, warning that life becomes disordered when this bond weakens. Addressing Spanish seminarians, he emphasized cultivating a supernatural vision of reality, interior transformation, and reliance on the Holy Spirit as the foundation of fruitful priestly ministry.
Pope Leo XIV Announces Apostolic Journeys to Africa, Monaco and Spain
Pope Leo XIV will undertake three Apostolic Journeys in 2026: a March visit to Monaco, a ten-day pastoral journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea in April, and a June visit to Spain and the Canary Islands, emphasizing peace, pastoral presence and engagement with diverse local Churches.
Pope Leo Appoints Four Auxiliary Bishops for the Diocese of Rome
Pope Leo XIV has appointed four priests of the Diocese of Rome as auxiliary bishops, restoring the traditional pastoral structure of the city’s sectors. The move strengthens episcopal leadership in Rome following recent governance reforms and underscores continued commitment to structured pastoral care in the Pope’s diocese.
“The Real Battlefield Is the Human Heart”: Pope Leo XIV on Building Lasting Peace
In the introduction to his new book Peace Be with You!, Pope Leo XIV reminds the world that peace is both a gift from God and a responsibility entrusted to humanity. Warning that peace is first lost in the human heart through selfishness and division, the Holy Father affirms: “Only peaceful hearts can build a world of peace.”
“We Are All Seekers of God and His Love”: Pope Leo XIV
Responding to a self-described atheist who confessed his deep longing for God, Pope Leo XIV said faith is not merely about belief or disbelief, but about sincerely seeking Him. Quoting St. Augustine, the Pope affirmed that those who search with an open heart are already on the path toward God. “We are all longing for Love,” he said. “We are all seekers of God.”
Bishop Erik Varden Reflects on St. Bernard During Vatican Lenten Retreat
During the Vatican’s 2026 Lenten retreat, Bishop Erik Varden reflected on St. Bernard of Clairvaux as a model of humility, conviction, and ongoing conversion. Addressing Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, he presented Bernard as a fitting companion for the Lenten journey toward authenticity and God’s transforming love.
Pope Leo XIV at Angelus: This Lent, Let God Shape Your Life into a Masterpiece
On the first Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to allow God to cleanse and transform their lives into “unique masterpieces.” Reflecting on Christ’s temptation in the desert, he encouraged prayer, fasting, silence, and works of mercy as paths toward renewal and true happiness.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Youth to Engage Society with Realism and Hope
Pope Leo XIV urged members of Italy’s Policoro Project to avoid both pessimism and naïve optimism, encouraging realistic, faith-driven engagement in society. Praising their work in youth employment and social renewal, he emphasized the Gospel, Catholic social teaching, and strong community networks as foundations for building a just future.
Pope Leo XIV Calls Church to Be Beacon of Charity Amid Urban Inequality
During a Lenten visit to Rome’s Sacred Heart Parish near Termini station, Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to be a “beacon of charity” in neighborhoods marked by inequality and social tension. He encouraged believers to embody closeness and mercy, serving migrants, refugees, students, and the homeless with concrete Gospel action.
Pope Authorizes Beatification of Lebanese Monk and French Franciscan; Recognizes Heroic Virtues of Three Others
Pope Leo XIV has authorized the beatification of Lebanese priest Béchara Abou-Mourad and French Franciscan Gabriele Maria, while recognizing the heroic virtues of three others from Italy and India. The decrees, approved by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, highlight the Church’s global witness of holiness across priestly, religious, and lay vocations.
Pope Leo XIV Calls Priests to Rekindle Faith and Urgently Proclaim the Gospel
Pope Leo XIV urged priests of the Diocese of Rome to “rekindle the gift of God” and urgently return to proclaiming the Gospel. Acknowledging fatigue and cultural challenges, he emphasized priestly fraternity, creative pastoral engagement, and renewed commitment to accompanying families and young people in faith.
HOLY MASS, BLESSING AND IMPOSITION OF ASHES HOMILY OF POPE LEO XIV
At the start of Lent, Pope Leo XIV called believers to confront sin honestly and carry “the marks” of death within them, while bearing witness to the Resurrection. Through penance and conversion, he said, Christians move “from death to life” and participate in the hope of Easter.
Pope on Ash Wednesday: “Call Death for What It Is”
On Ash Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to “call death for what it is,” describing Lent as a time of repentance, accountability, and communal conversion. Presiding at Mass in Rome, he emphasised confronting both personal sin and broader “structures of sin” in society.
Civil Harmony Ensures Services Reach All, Including the Poor: Pope
Civil harmony is key to ensuring that the poor find welcome and that essential services reach all citizens, Pope Leo XIV said on Monday. Addressing Italian Prefects, the Pope urged integrity, solidarity, and responsible governance in safeguarding the common good. Public order, he noted, must promote justice and equal access to services, especially for the vulnerable.
Listening and Fasting: A Call to Lenten Conversion Lenten Message 2026 – Pope Leo XIV
In his Lenten Message 2026, Pope Leo XIV calls the faithful to rediscover Lent as a time of conversion through listening and fasting. He invites Christians to make space for the Word of God, listen to the cry of the poor, and allow their hearts to be transformed. The Holy Father reminds us that fasting is not only about abstaining from food, but also about disciplining our desires—especially by refraining from harsh and hurtful words. Lent, he emphasizes, is a communal journey toward deeper faith, justice, reconciliation, and love.
Pope Leo XIV Appoints Sr. Nina Krapić as Deputy Director of Holy See Press Office
Pope Leo XIV has named Sr. Nina Benedikta Krapić as Deputy Director of the Holy See Press Office, effective 1 March 2026. The Croatian religious sister and communication official succeeds Cristiane Murray. With experience in journalism, law, and Church communications, Sr. Krapić brings academic and pastoral expertise to the Vatican’s media mission.
Pope Leo XIV Abolishes Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day
Pope Leo XIV has formally abolished the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, transferring its responsibilities to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. The decision aims to streamline coordination while ensuring the continuation of the global initiative, with the second edition set for 25–27 September 2026 in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace
Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong call for global peace amidst rising tensions.
Pope prays for 1,000 killed in floods in Sudan's Darfur
Pope Francis offers prayers and solidarity for the victims of the devastating floods in Darfur.