Following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, bishops are called to be close to the people in their dioceses and peacemakers in a world marked by division and tension, Pope Leo XIV told the bishops of Italy.

Christmas markets — long considered the lively heart of Advent in Germany — are facing new uncertainty this year as towns grapple with tighter security rules and rising public anxiety.

By choosing to make his first trip as pope to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV will shine a huge spotlight on the faith Christians share and on the yearnings for peace and prosperity common to all people.

The Archdiocese of Detroit is embarking upon a two-year process of restructuring that will involve every Catholic parish in southeast Michigan, with the goal of thoughtfully aligning parishes, clergy and communities to flourish for generations to come, Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger said.

A new Vatican document on Mary affirms a Scripture-based understanding of her person and her pivotal role in salvation history, according to several experts — although some lament the document failed to confirm two key titles popularly associated with her over the centuries, while commending renewed attention to the role of Mary.

Supporters of the traditional Latin Mass have welcomed hints of an easing of restrictions, while cautioning that traditionalist practices still face tough resistance from some church leaders.

Dominican Sister María Lucía Caram Padilla was awarded the Order of Princess Olga, III class, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for her efforts in providing humanitarian aid and support since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

As night falls across continents on Nov. 19, more than 600 churches and landmarks will light up in red, reminding the world that Christian persecution remains a stark global reality.

Insisting that the dignity of all people, including immigrants, must be respected, Pope Leo XIV asked U.S. Catholics and “people of goodwill” to read and listen to the U.S. bishops’ recent pastoral message on the topic.

A new nationwide survey finds most Catholic priests in France are strikingly upbeat about their ministry. A large majority of priests in France say they are “happy,” according to a broad new survey by the “Observatory of Catholicism,” conducted with the French Institute of Public Opinion, or IFOP.