Pope

'A world that is ablaze': Pope Leo laments war, environmental destruction, in Ash Wednesday service

Before sprinkling ashes on the heads of participants, a sign of mortality, the pope said the ashes could represent "the weight of a world that is ablaze, of entire cities destroyed by war."

POPE LEO XIV puts ash on a faithful's head during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome, Italy, February 18, 2026.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025.

Vatican says it will not participate in Trump's Gaza Board of Peace

Steve Bannon gestures during a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., February 20, 2025, in this still image taken from a handout video.

Steve Bannon attempted to work with Jeffrey Epstein against Pope Francis - CNN

Pope Leo XIV holds a baptism for Vatican City employees in the Sistine Chapel, January 11, 2026; illustrative.

Jesus gets a makeover as Sistine Chapel artwork undergoes restoration


'Revolutionary at the Vatican': A portrait of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was an "alien presence" at the Vatican, bringing about a revolution of modesty and simplicity within the Catholic Church.

 Professor Michal Bar-Asher Segal researches Christianity.

A troubled legacy? Pope Francis and Jewish-Catholic relations - opinion

Many in the Jewish community felt that the Vatican, which had once pledged never to stand aside when Jews were threatened, failed to condemn a group that openly calls for the annihilation of Jews.

 Pope Francis greets cardinals as he appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 13, 2025.

Pope Francis dies at 88 after long battle with respiratory illness

Francis, originally from Argentina, was the first Catholic pontiff from the Americas and began his career as a Jesuit priest in Argentina.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.

Pope Francis thanks doctors who saved his life in meeting at Vatican

The 88-year-old pontiff is gradually making more public appearances as he recovers from the biggest health crisis in his 12 years in the role.

 Pope Francis gestures during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025.

Pope Francis was so close to death that doctors considered ending treatment

The pope's official nurse pleaded with doctors to ensure that they did not stop his treatment despite significant risks.

 Pope Francis gestures during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025.

Pope Francis, showing plans to continue on, starts new process for Catholic reforms

Pope Francis approved a new three-year Vatican reform plan, pushing forward with change despite his ongoing health battle.

 Pope Francis looks on from a balcony, on the day he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican March 31, 2024.

Pope Francis health shows gradual improvement

Recent updates from Vatican officials indicated a gradual improvement in the Pope's health.

 The Gemelli Hospital.

Do 'The Prophecies of the Popes' point to 2027 doom?

Attributed to Saint Malachy, the book predicts Francis will be the last pope.

 Pope Francis arrives to attend his weekly general audience in the St. Damaso courtyard. September, 2020.

Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation, is stable, Vatican says

Vatican says Pope Francis's health is improving but he remains under close watching Rome's Gemelli hospital.

 Balloons with an image of Pope Francis float outside Gemelli Hospital, as he is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, March 2, 2025.

Pope Francis remains stable, has not had new breathing crisis, Vatican says

The pope has not had any new breathing crises, the Vatican announced in a handout.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.