Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed out the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year by denouncing today’s consumerist and anti-foreigner sentiment, capping a Jubilee that saw some 33 million pilgrims flock to Rome and a historic transition from one American pontiff to another.
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Vatican claims a Holy Year success with 33 million pilgrims
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday will officially close out the Holy Year and shut the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, capping a rare Jubilee that was opened by one pope and closed by another.
Israel bans dozens of aid groups from Gaza, including Caritas, drawing condemnation
A patriarchate spokesperson said Caritas Jerusalem would continue its humanitarian and development operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, in accordance with its mandate.
Pope Leo mourns tragic New Year fire in ski resort bar; 40 presumed dead
“Pope Leo XIV joins in the mourning of the families and of the entire Swiss Confederation” and “wishes to express to the relatives of the victims his compassion and his concern.”
Vatican says close to 3 million people saw Pope Leo at the Vatican in 2025
Close to 3 million pilgrims and visitors attended audiences, liturgies or meetings at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV from the time of his election in May through December, according to the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
Czech archdiocese welcomes pioneering ‘3D church’
The Czech Republic’s Archdiocese of Prague has welcomed pre-Christmas plans to build a major new parish church using 3D printing technology, after architects insisted the method would slash costs and offer exceptional decorative and acoustic possibilities.
As a year of two popes ends, Catholics and the world watch as Leo takes charge
While the year was marked by profound change, the new pope emphasized his intention to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in a spirit of continuity with his predecessor.
Faith leaders who died in 2025: Pope Francis, theologians and activists
Figures from the realms of politics to sports, from presiding over the Vatican to Temple Square, are among those who died in 2025 and will be remembered for shaping the world of faith.
As Holy Doors close, cardinals emphasize God’s arms are always open
On the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, Pope Leo will solemnly close the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, formally concluding the Holy Year 2025, which Pope Francis opened on Christmas Eve 2024. But diocesan and other local celebrations of the Jubilee concluded Dec. 28.
Nigerian Catholic Church leaders give mixed reaction to US airstrikes
Some Nigerian Catholic Church leaders welcomed U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic State group militants, but some church leaders questioned the religious framing for the strikes.
