Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Australia in 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, an auxiliary bishop of Sydney has announced.

Cameroon’s possible inclusion in the itinerary of Pope Leo XIV’s first African trip is drawing growing debate, as security concerns, political tensions and moral objections raise questions about whether the country is ready for a papal visit.

Venerable Fulton J. Sheen will soon be beatified, now that the Vatican has given the green light, the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced Feb. 9. No date or location for the beatification was given.

The Vatican press office confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has no plans to visit the U.S. this year.

Servant of God Thea Bowman’s canonization cause is moving ahead, with a Mass and ceremony marking the closure of the cause’s diocesan phase to be held Feb. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, Miss.

Peruvians reacted with a mix of joy and anticipation after Church leaders said there is an “80 percent chance” Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru later this year, likely between November and early December.

Pope Leo XIV urged Christian leaders on Feb. 6 to look to the examples of “spiritual giants” including Ss. Philip Neri, Ignatius of Loyola and Augustine as models for faith formation.

ope Leo XIV met Feb. 6 with leaders of Courage International, a Catholic apostolate that provides spiritual support to people with same-sex attraction who seek to live chaste lives in accordance with Church teaching.

The head of the Society of St. Pius X will meet with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Feb. 12 after the traditionalist group announced plans to consecrate bishops without papal approval, raising fears of a renewed schism.

Just as the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina were about to begin, Pope Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to recognize sport as an opportunity to offer much-needed human and spiritual guidance.