International

Abu Dhabi celebrates St. Francis’ legacy of fraternity and dialogue

An event in Abu Dhabi marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, exploring his writings and their relevance to peace, interreligious dialogue, and care for creation.

Angola: Archbishop Imbamba highlights the family’s role in nurturing faith and love

The week-long conference held at the Vatican from 7 October to 14 October 2026 brought together about 200 presidents of national Bishops’ Conferences and patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia. The Conference of Angola was represented by Archbishop Jose Manuel Imbamba, the Archbishop of Saurimo and the President of the Bishops' Conference of Angolam São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST).

Pope Leo XIV appoints members of International Theological Commission

Pope Leo XIV appoints 24 members of the International Theological Commission and renews the mandates of 6 others who served during its previous five-year term.

Cardinal Dziwisz: People are most enduring monument to St. John Paul II

Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the longtime personal secretary of Pope John Paul II, celebrates Mass in Rome for the 45th anniversary of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, and highlights how the foundation helps preserve the memory of its founder but also helps future generations.

Pope continues recovery in Vatican, weekly General Audience confirmed

Pope Leo XIV will not travel to his residence in Castel Gandolfo this week but instead continue his recovery at the Vatican, and will hold his Wednesday General Audience on October 21, according to the Holy See Press Office.

Pope grants plenary indulgence for 100th World Mission Sunday

On World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV prays that the Church might always remain faithful to Jesus’ exhortation to “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all creation”

Zambia: Solwezi Diocese Joins One Million Children in Praying the Rosary

The Catholic Diocese of Solwezi recently joined the universal Church in the global campaign of 'One Million Children Praying the Rosary for Peace and Unity in the World.' The prayer event took place at St. Daniel Cathedral Parish in Solwezi, the provincial capital of North-Western Province in Zambia.

Pope at Angelus: Render unto Caesar means being truthful, free to do good

In his first public event following surgery last Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the famous saying of Christ, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”, explaining that Jesus is calling us “to be truthful, free from servile fear or hypocrisy, free to do good”.

Pope at Angelus: ‘I have truly felt your support’

Pope Leo XIV thanks doctors, nurses, and staff at the Gemelli Hospital for their care during his recent hospitalization, and expresses gratitude “to all those who have prayed for me over these past few days”.

Jesus Youth marks anniversary in Rome

Delegates of Jesus Youth groups from around the world are coming to Rome to mark 40 years of prayer and mission.

Catholics increase worldwide as number of priests edges upward

Ahead of World Mission Sunday, the Vatican’s Fides news agency releases the 2026 Church Statistics report, recording a rising number of Catholics on every continent, more priests, and fewer religious sisters and major seminarians.

'Faith moves mountains' - Child cancer patients write to Pope Leo

As Pope Leo XIV recovers from his lung operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, child cancer patients at the hospital's pediatric oncology ward have reassured him of their prayers, reiterating that 'faith moves mountains.'

'Pétros ení': New film on St Peter’s tomb features Pope Leo

On the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St Peter’s Basilica, a new film explores the faith, history and archaeology at its heart. The trailer premiered at the Rome Film Festival and features Pope Leo XIV reflecting on St Peter.

Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican after being discharged from hospital

Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Gemelli Hospital and has returned to the papal apartments in Vatican City State, where he will lead the Angelus on Sunday.

Pope’s surgeon: No clinical reason to cancel visit to South America

In an interview with Vatican News, Professor Stefano Margaritora, who operated on Pope Leo XIV on October 13, says the surgery was routine, though he experienced “a deep feeling I cannot describe.” The Pope needs about another ten days to recover fully and “was an ideal patient.”

Pope Leo greets young Ukrainian cancer survivor as he departs hospital

As he departs Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo XIV greets Varvara, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl whom he met on December 31 as she awaited surgery for cancer. She offers him a photograph of their hug in St. Peter’s Square and a stuffed toy, similar to the one that accompanied her as she fled the war.

Bishop Ignatius Ding Zuyao ordained in Haimen, China

The episcopal ordination of Bishop Ignatius Ding Zuyao takes place in Haimen, in China’s Jiangsu Province, following his appointment by Pope Leo XIV under the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China.

Pope Leo has good second night at Rome's Gemelli hospital

The Holy See Press Office says Pope Leo XIV had a good second night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, and got up and had breakfast, in their latest update since he underwent a successful lung operation on Tuesday.

Pope Leo's postoperative recovery 'progressing normally'

On his third day in the hospital, Pope Leo XIV's doctors say his chest X-ray in the morning shows 'good recovery of the lung that underwent surgery,' as he resumes his work.

Church renews commitment to families at conclusion of 'Amoris laetitia' meeting

The Vatican holds a press conference for the conclusion of the ecclesial encounter “Ten Years After Amoris laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today,” convened by Pope Leo XIV to mark the tenth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation.

Chicago school students prepare care package for Pope Leo XIV

As Pope Leo XIV recovers from lung surgery in hospital, a group of students from his hometown of Chicago are sending him get-well cards and Chicago White Sox blanket.

Catechism of Pope Leo XIV on Peace, by Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda in Cameroon

Catechism of Pope Leo XIV on Peace, inspired by Pope Leo’s Apostolic visit to Cameroon in April 2026, is a Pastoral Guide for teaching Peace.

Pope Leo: 'May families actively participate in life of the Church'

At the conclusion of the meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, Pope Leo XIV says he will review the fruits of their work and emphasizes his hope that families will always be active participants in the life and mission of local Churches.

Pope Leo's postoperative recovery progressing well

The Holy See Press Office says the Pope underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery on Wednesday morning, which confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally.

Pope Leo: Take to heart the riches of ‘Amoris laetitia’

In his homily read by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at the concluding Mass of the Vatican encounter to mark the 10th anniversary of 'Amoris laetitia,' Pope Leo XIV calls on the Church to put the Apostolic Exhortation's pastoral guidance into practice in the heart of families.

Cardinal Czerny: We must urgently adopt new behaviors to protect environment

Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, receives the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal from Villanova University at the Laudato Si’ Village in the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, and calls for humanity to urgently work to protect the environment.

Pope Leo has calm night in hospital after successful lung surgery

The Holy See Press Office says Pope Leo XIV had a calm first night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital after he underwent a successful lung operation without complications, adding that further information will be provided later in the day.

Pope Leo: 'We all are called to safeguard and promote peace'

Pope Leo XIV sends a message to a conference on Blessed Pope John Paul I at the Pontifical Gregorian University, and urges all individuals and institutions to do their part to concretely safeguard and promote peace.

Catholics gather to pray Rosary for Pope Leo as he prepares for surgery

As Pope Leo XIV prepares for surgery on Tuesday, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of Rome, will lead a Rosary at Gemelli Hospital and the Pope’s Augustinian confreres gather in prayer at a Marian shrine near Rome.

Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery at Gemelli Hospital, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the Holy See Press Office.