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.
Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Open your hearts to baby Jesus and one another, Pope Leo says on Christmas
In celebrating the morning liturgy publicly, Pope Leo restored a tradition that had lapsed for 30 years.
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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 and Israeli president speak by phone about Sydney attack, peace in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV and Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke by telephone Dec. 17, just days after a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia led to the deaths of 15 people.
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Pope Leo condemns ‘antisemitic violence,’ ‘terrorist massacre’ in Sydney
Condemning the attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Pope Leo XIV said, “Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence! We must eradicate hatred from our hearts.”
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Pope Leo tells conservative E.U. group the U.S.-European alliance needs to be strong
The evening before meeting a group of conservative European politicians, Pope Leo XIV expressed disappointment at what appears to be a weakening alliance between the United States and Europe.
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Pope Leo attends Vatican Christmas concert for the poor featuring Catholic singer Michael Bublé
Christmas carols in every language and culture are expressions of how music can convey “feelings and emotions, even the deepest movements of the soul,” Pope Leo XIV said after listening, clapping and singing along at the Vatican Christmas concert with the poor.
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Pope Leo asks Michael Bublé to give his best for the poor at Vatican Christmas concert
Michael Bublé, a Catholic who spoke to reporters after meeting the pope, said he was “overwhelmed” and “I’m really still not over the moment.”
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Pope Leo arrives in Turkey giving thanks, preaching peace
Pope Leo XIV began his first papal trip speaking of dialogue, peace and thanksgiving — referring to both the holiday and his own gratitude.
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Pope Leo: Recognize the gifts of faith and life on Thanksgiving
The holiday is an opportunity “to say thank you to someone, to recognize that we all have received so many gifts,” Pope Leo XIV said.