‘We can always begin anew’: Pope Leo leads peace meeting in heart of Cameroon’s conflict zone April 16, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News A religious sister in Cameroon who was kidnapped just a few months ago by separatists and held hostage for three days in the bush was among those who shared her testimony with Pope Leo XIV April 16 in an emotional peace meeting in Cameroon’s northwest city of Bamenda, a region marred by years of separatist violence.
Americans continue to feel drawn to Pope Leo, first American pontiff, a year after election April 16, 2026By Simone Orendain OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News A year into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is still enjoying popularity and rockstar-like fame, especially in Chicago, his hometown. Beyond the pop-culture interest, some of the faithful told OSV News his message of peace, dedication to the faith and outreach to young people have stood out.
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon as ‘a servant of dialogue’ amid violent separatist conflict April 16, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on April 15, delivering a forceful appeal for peace to a nation scarred by years of separatist violence, telling the country’s leaders that “there is such a hunger and thirst for justice” as thousands lined the streets of the capital to welcome him.
US bishops’ doctrine chair defends Church’s just war tradition after Vance comments April 16, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Shortly after Vice President JD Vance appeared to warn Pope Leo XIV to “be careful” when speaking about theology and taking issue with his description of the U.S. conflict in Iran as unjust, the U.S. bishops’ point-man on doctrine issued a forceful statement on the Church’s teaching about just war theory.
Catholic groups slam Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, a ‘shepherd’ of souls, not a politician April 16, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News A number of Catholic organizations are speaking out in defense of Pope Leo XIV, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his harsh criticism of Pope Leo XIV — with Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, also claiming the pope should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology” in criticizing the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran.
Vatican foundation announces global events to honor Benedict XVI ahead of 2027 centenary April 15, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation announced a series of initiatives across several continents that will take place throughout 2026 to mark the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI’s birth.
Pro-life groups urge DOJ to stop opposing state abortion pill lawsuits April 15, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Respect Life, World News A coalition of 78 pro-life groups sent a letter to acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the Department of Justice to stop asking courts to dismiss or pause state lawsuits to roll back the Biden administration’s eased restrictions on mifepristone.
Cameroon separatists declare temporary ceasefire ahead of pope’s visit to conflict-hit regions April 15, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Separatist factions operating in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions announced a temporary cessation of hostilities ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s stop in Cameroon on the second leg of his papal visit to the African continent.
Pope Leo on papal plane to Cameroon: St. Augustine invites all to search for God and truth today April 15, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV spoke to journalists aboard the papal plane on April 15 on the five-hour flight from Algeria to Cameroon, underlining St. Augustine’s enduring importance today, saying that the saint’s invitation “to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today.”
DOJ report accuses Biden administration of ‘weaponizing’ prosecutions of pro-life activists April 15, 2026By Kurt Jensen OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Respect Life, World News More than a year after President Donald Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists convicted of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE Act, and the Justice Department announced it would severely limit prosecutions of such cases, the department has issued an 882-page report accusing the Biden administration of weaponizing the prosecutions.
Dominicans who care for poor cancer patients sue over state’s transgender mandates April 15, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, World News The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who operate a 42-bed nursing home that provides palliative care for the dying poor, are suing New York state over a 2024 law requiring long-term care facilities to use preferred pronouns and assign rooms based on gender identity.
Pope Leo XIV sets stage for June consistory with letter to cardinals April 15, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV sent a letter to the College of Cardinals thanking them for their participation in the January consistory and preparing the conversation for their next gathering June 26-27 — right before the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
