For Pope Leo XIV, Christian unity is not just an ideal, but an imperative January 14, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Feature, News, Vatican, World News As the Catholic Church prepares to join Christians around the world in commemorating the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the theme chosen also reflects Pope Leo XIV’s hope of unified humanity in an increasingly individualistic world.
Jubilee set to mark 800th year since St. Francis’ death; saint’s body to be displayed January 13, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News Pope Leo has established that from Jan. 10, following the closing of the church’s Jubilee Year, until Jan. 10, 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”
New papal staff highlights Christ’s victory over death, papal liturgies office says January 13, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News, Worship & Sacraments While Catholics have been accustomed to the famed silver papal staff featuring the suffering of Christ crucified and used by the pontiffs for decades, a new staff, or crosier, used by Pope Leo XIV, emphasized the victory of the risen Christ over death.
Pope calls for peace and dialogue as protests continue in Iran January 12, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Uncategorized As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over the escalating situation.
Venezuelan Nobel laureate Machado asks pope for help in freeing political prisoners January 12, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Caribbean, News, Vatican, World News Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado asked for Pope Leo XIV’s help in securing the release of political prisoners in the country following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Hundreds bid ‘adieu’ to Brigitte Bardot at funeral in Saint-Tropez January 8, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews, News, Obituaries, World News Crowds gathered in the French coastal town of Saint-Tropez to bid a final farewell to actress Brigitte Bardot.
Pope Leo’s first Extraordinary Consistory: What to expect? January 6, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News As the new year begins and the Jubilee Year comes to a close, Pope Leo XIV will hit the ground running with an extraordinary consistory taking place in Rome this week.
Pope Leo, bishops react to U.S. capture of Maduro with concern for Venezuela January 5, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Caribbean, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the United States in a large-scale attack.
‘Hope does not disappoint:’ A Jubilee for the history books December 27, 2025By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Jubilee 2025, News, Vatican, World News For Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer of the Jubilee 2025 events and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the pope’s death “created a silence that was felt in the streets of Rome and the world, as well as in every Christian community.”
Missionary on the move: Where Pope Leo XIV might travel next in 2026 December 26, 2025By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News As Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his first apostolic visit to Turkey and Lebanon, he gave a hint on his flight back to Rome as to which other countries he might visit in 2026.
Amid ‘fragile’ ceasefire, Caritas Jerusalem seeks to ‘replant hope’ in Gaza this Christmas December 17, 2025By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Conflict in the Middle East, News, World News As the celebration of Christ’s birth draws near, the traditional Christmas tree lighting in various places, including Bethlehem and the Vatican, is meant as a sign of joyful expectation for the coming of salvation.
‘Enough’ of antisemitic violence, say pope, archbishop after Australia attack December 15, 2025By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Gun Violence, News, World News Two gunmen targeted Jewish beachgoers at an event celebrating the first day of Hanukkah in an apparent terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, New South Wales police said.
