Sixty-two Indigenous artifacts from the Vatican's Anima Mundi collection have been returned to Canada, arriving in Montreal on December 6, 2025. This act of reconciliation, initiated by Pope Francis and fulfilled by Pope Leo XIV, includes items from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, marking a significant step in addressing historical injustices.
Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of hundreds of students and priests kidnapped in Nigeria and Cameroon. Speaking from St. Peter's Square, the Pontiff expressed deep sorrow over the abductions, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure their freedom and ensure schools and churches remain safe havens.
Pope Leo XIV is reportedly prepared to offer broad exemptions to 'Traditionis Custodes', the 2021 document restricting the Traditional Latin Mass. This signals a more generous approach, with renewable two-year dispensations for bishops and a focus on ecclesial unity.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Nigerian-born theologian and canonist Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as the new Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. This significant appointment, announced on November 19, 2025, places him in a key administrative role within the Vatican, underscoring the growing recognition of African clergy in the Roman Curia.
Special study groups, initially established by Pope Francis and continued under Pope Leo XIV, have released interim reports addressing critical topics such as the role of women, priestly formation, and 'emerging' issues. These reports are part of the ongoing Synod on Synodality, aiming to translate its vision into concrete reforms within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to host approximately three dozen Hollywood actors and directors at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace this Saturday, November 15, 2025. The event, part of the ongoing Jubilee Year, aims to foster dialogue on artistic creativity and human values, with notable attendees including Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, and Spike Lee.
Pope Leo XIV will welcome approximately three dozen Hollywood actors and directors to the Vatican this weekend for a special audience. The event aims to foster dialogue on artistic creativity's role in the Church's mission and the promotion of human values, as part of the ongoing Holy Year celebrations.
Pope Leo XIV is set to welcome a delegation of prominent Hollywood actors and directors, including Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, to the Vatican this weekend. The gathering, part of the ongoing Holy Year celebrations, aims to foster dialogue on artistic creativity and its role in promoting human values and the Church's mission. The event marks a continued effort by the Holy See to engage with the world of cinema.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at Rome's Archbasilica of St. John Lateran on November 9, 2025, the Feast of its Dedication. In his homily, the Pontiff described the Church as a 'construction site' and a 'living temple,' urging the faithful to build on the solid foundation of Christ with humility and patience.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a 'Doctrinal Note on Certain Marian Titles' titled 'Mater Populi Fidelis,' clarifying Marian devotions. The document, approved by Pope Leo XIV, explicitly states that the title 'Co-redemptrix' is inappropriate for the Virgin Mary, citing concerns it could obscure Christ's unique role as Redeemer.
Pope Leo XIV spoke on November 4, 2025, addressing the spiritual rights of migrants in US detention, rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and the ongoing Father Marko Rupnik abuse case, calling for dialogue and justice.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have commenced a two-day state visit to the Holy See, marking a historic moment as the first British monarch in 500 years to pray publicly with a Pope. They met with Pope Leo XIV and participated in an ecumenical service focused on Christian unity and environmental care.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its second annual report, calling for financial reparations for clergy sexual abuse victims and tougher, more transparent sanctions for abusers. The report, informed by survivor input, emphasizes the Catholic Church's moral obligation to heal deep wounds and reform its handling of abuse cases.
Pope Leo XIV addressed approximately 4,000 pilgrims from over 70 countries at the Vatican's Jubilee of Roma, Sinti, and Travelers. He lauded their profound faith and unwavering hope despite centuries of marginalization, emphasizing their role in renewing the Church's spiritual life and calling for an end to prejudice.
Pope Leo XIV is set to canonize seven new saints in a solemn ceremony at St. Peter's Square on October 19, 2025. The group includes the first saint from Papua New Guinea, a Venezuelan 'doctor of the poor,' a martyred Armenian archbishop, an Italian lawyer, and three nuns, marking a significant moment for the global Catholic Church.
An unidentified man urinated on the Altar of Confession in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday, October 11, 2025, during Holy Mass. The act, witnessed by hundreds, led to his swift removal by security and has sparked renewed concerns over security at the Vatican's most sacred sites.
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality Mass in St. Peter's Square on October 12, 2025, emphasizing faith's role in fostering communion and welcoming a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Pontiff called for continued efforts towards a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land and expressed sorrow over violence in Ukraine.
The Vatican Apostolic Library has confirmed the provision of dedicated prayer spaces for visiting Muslim scholars, a development affirmed by its Vice Prefect, Fr. Giacomo Cardinali. This initiative, revealed in an interview with 'La Repubblica', underscores the library's commitment to universal scholarship and interfaith hospitality, while also prompting discussion within some circles.
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the October 7 Hamas attack and lamented Palestinian deaths, while announcing his first apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The trip will include commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and promoting peace in the Middle East.
During his weekly General Audience on October 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Christ's resurrection, highlighting that joy can exist even in the midst of suffering. Speaking from St. Peter's Square, the Pontiff underscored God's unfailing love, which transforms disappointment into hope and illuminates life's wounds.
