‘Hidden Glory’: Highlights from Bishop Varden’s meditations for papal Lenten retreat February 28, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Lent, News, Vatican, World News Norwegian Bishop Erik Varden preached a series of meditations for the first Lenten retreat of Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, reflecting on the splendor of truth and the Christian idea of freedom, as well as sin, abuse and Church corruption.
Augustinian shares how Pope Leo fought evil in Peru as new bust unveiled in Chicago February 27, 2026By Simone Orendain OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News The first commissioned bust of Pope Leo XIV by famed Catholic sculptor Timothy Schmalz was installed in Chicago Feb. 22 at Catholic Theological Union, the graduate theology school where the pope is an alumnus. The bust is one of only three Pope Leo sculptures by Schmalz, so far. They are all located in the Americas.
Pope Leo XIV pens book introduction: ‘Only peaceful hearts can build a world of peace’ February 27, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Books, News, Vatican, World News The text of Pope Leo XIV’s introduction to his book “Peace Be with You!” published by HarperCollins and available in bookstores in the United States and English-speaking countries starting Feb. 24.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the model of ‘perfect inculturation,’ Pope Leo says February 26, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Marian Devotion, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV has pointed to Our Lady of Guadalupe as the model of “perfect inculturation” as Mexico prepares to mark the 500th anniversary of the apparition in 2031 with a jubilee year.
Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour, trips to Spain, Monaco February 26, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV will travel to six countries over the next four months, including a 10-day tour of Africa and trips to Monaco and Spain, the Vatican announced Feb. 25.
Spanish bishops clarify Pope Leo XIV’s remarks following media reports February 25, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Religious Freedom, Vatican, World News The executive commission of the Spanish bishops’ conference clarified a recent report that alleged Pope Leo XIV had warned about attempts by far-right political parties in the country to “weaponize the Church.”
U.S. visitors’ office saw big uptick in serving pilgrims during 2025 February 25, 2026By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News The Jubilee Year, the death of Pope Francis and the unexpected election of a U.S. pope boosted the number of U.S. visitors seeking free tickets to Vatican events in 2025, said the Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV says he considered a vocation with the Salesians as a boy February 25, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, Vocations, World News Pope Leo XIV has revealed that he considered joining the Salesians as a boy before ultimately discerning a vocation with the Augustinian order, joking that the congregation of Don Bosco “came in second place” in his spiritual journey.
Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority February 24, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, News, Vatican, World News Two prominent Catholic cardinals have expressed their profound concern and sorrow over a recently announced decision by the Society of St. Pius X — which rejects the authority of the Second Vatican Council — to ordain bishops this summer without papal approval.
At Curia retreat, Bishop Varden warns of Gospel’s use ‘as a weapon in culture wars’ February 23, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Lent, News, Vatican, World News The Lenten season is a reminder that Christians are called to bear witness to Christ through authentic witness, not self-righteous indignation, Norwegian Trappist Bishop Erik Varden told the pope and Vatican officials.
Pope renews ‘heartfelt appeal’ for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Russia-Ukraine war February 23, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News Pope Leo XIV has renewed his “heartfelt appeal” for an “immediate ceasefire” in Russia’s war against Ukraine and again urged dialogue “be strengthened to pave the way toward peace.”
Pope Leo XIV tells priests not to use AI to write homilies or seek likes on TikTok February 23, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, social media, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV has urged priests to not to use artificial intelligence to write their homilies or to seek “likes” on social media platforms like TikTok.
