Pope Leo XIV paid a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace of Mentorella, high in the Monti Prenestini mountain range of central Italy.

Efforts to serve, defend and build up the Catholic community in the Amazon region must be centered on the proclamation of the Gospel, Pope Leo XIV said.

Spending the day with the poor, Pope Leo XIV prayed that Catholics would make sure their parishes are welcoming of all people and would be “on fire” with God’s love.

The bishop of Colorado Springs, Colorado, announced in late July his office would “study and discern” the “massive undertaking” of determining whether to open a sainthood cause for a teenager who was killed after he tackled the shooter during a school shooting incident six years ago in suburban Denver.

As the calendar marks 100 days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy Aug. 16, experts are scrutinizing his words and actions in hopes of pinpointing his leadership style, priorities and vision for the church’s future.

Mary’s “yes” to God, to life and to love continues “in the martyrs of our time, in witnesses of faith and justice, of gentleness and peace,” Pope Leo XIV said as he celebrated Mass on the feast of Mary’s Assumption into heaven.

Pope Leo XIV was elected May 8, making Aug. 16 the 100th day since he stepped out on to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the new pope. He will celebrate his 70th birthday Sept. 14.

Pope Leo XIV’s dissertation — which he defended in 1987 for his doctoral degree in canon law — will soon be widely available through The Catholic University of America Press in Washington.

Arriving in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV told reporters he hoped U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin can find a way to reach a ceasefire in Russia’s war on Ukraine when they meet in Alaska.

God never gives up on anyone, even when the person betrays God’s love, Pope Leo XIV said.