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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
Florida’s Catholic bishops have appealed to President Donald Trump to pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays.
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All children kidnapped from Nigeria Catholic school will be home for Christmas
Catholics in northwestern Nigeria are celebrating just days before Christmas, as the last group of students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri has been freed.
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Pope Leo thanks priests, asks them to recognize the gifts of laypeople
“The ministry of the priest must move beyond the model of exclusive leadership, which leads to the centralization of pastoral activities and the burden of all responsibilities entrusted to him alone.”
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Pope Leo names pro-immigrant pastor bishop of Florida diocese where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is located
Pope Leo XIV on Friday named the Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of a predominantly Hispanic church in the Queens borough of New York City, as bishop of Palm Beach, Florida.
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New NY archbishop ‘committed’ to immigration issues, accountability on abuse—and staying a Cubs fan
(OSV News) — The newly named leader of the Archdiocese of New York, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, introduced himself to the faithful of his new home Dec. 18 with a pledge to become familiar with its challenges and uphold human dignity. He also highlighted his Chicago-area background, which is similar to Pope Leo XIV’s. In […]
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NY bishops ‘extraordinarily troubled’ by Gov. Hochul’s decision to legalize assisted suicide
The New York bishops called on Catholics and all New Yorkers to “reject physician-assisted suicide for themselves, their loved ones, and those in their care.”