The pope celebrated the Mass in the small Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, just across the main square from the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo. The pope arrived in the hilltop town south of Rome July 6 for a brief vacation until July 20.

Basing his reflection on the insight of Vatican II that whatever is genuinely human resonates in the hearts of Christians, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Czerny, assures “all those who work at sea … that they are in the heart of the Church; they are not alone in their demands for justice, dignity, and joy.”

Teachers often reflect on standout students – the brilliant minds, the star athletes, the unforgettable personalities. But very few can say one of their former students became pope.

Ukraine’s religious leaders have issued a “desperate cry” to the global faith community, pleading for international action in ending “the humanitarian and spiritual catastrophe” resulting from Russia’s war on their nation.

Vestments worn by Pope Leo XIV and his concelebrants July 9 at the first Mass “for the care of creation” were made by a firm in his hometown of Chicago.

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for peace negotiations.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated a new formulary of the Mass “for the care of creation.”

After more than a decade without its most famous vacationer, the quiet town of Castel Gandolfo once again counts the pope among its summer residents.

Local churches and bishops worldwide will be instrumental in helping implement the proposals and foster the spirit of the 2024 final document of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, the Vatican synod office said.

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for July is for expanded formation in discernment.