Politics can unite instead of divide as long as it refuses to settle for propaganda that feeds on creating enemies, Pope Leo XIV said.

The Religious Activities Committee of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has announced five new religious activity programs, which enable scouts to learn more about and deepen their faith.

As part of his summer break, Pope Leo XIV visited members of the Italian Carabinieri in Castel Gandolfo and the Poor Clares in nearby Albano Laziale.

Serving life by caring for others is “the supreme law” that comes before all of society’s rules, Pope Leo XIV said.

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.