Pope Leo XIV prayed beside a plaque in St. Peter’s Square marking the spot where St. John Paul II was shot 45 years ago.
St. Peter’s Basilica
New Stations of the Cross Unveiled at St. Peter’s Basilica for Lent 2026
St. Peter’s Basilica inaugurated a new Stations of the Cross Feb. 20, with paintings by a young Swiss artist who won the Vatican’s international art competition and said in an interview with OSV News that he was deeply moved by the experience of painting St. Veronica’s encounter with Christ.
For Its 400th Anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica To Get 21st-Century Upgrade, Vatican Announces
Four hundred years after its consecration, St. Peter’s Basilica is getting a 21st-century upgrade, with the Vatican unveiling plans for AI-powered translation services, expanded pilgrim access and high-tech structural monitoring as part of yearlong anniversary celebrations.
Chicago Native Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.
Thousands Line Streets of Rome To Bid Final Farewell to Pope Francis
The casket bearing the body of Pope Francis made its final journey through the streets of Rome accompanied by applause and shouts of gratitude from thousands of mourners.
As Pope’s Casket Is Sealed, He Is Remembered for Simplicity, Humility
After an estimated 250,000 people had passed by the body of Pope Francis, lying in an open casket in front of the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica, the casket was sealed in a private ceremony.
Thousands Wait Hours To Pay Respects to Pope Francis
After the casket bearing Pope Francis’ body was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, tens of thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects.
Prayer, Pilgrims Accompany Pope Francis’ Body to St. Peter’s Basilica
Thousands of people had made an early morning pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square April 23 to witness the transfer and pray for the late pope; they erupted in applause when his body, in an open casket, reached the square and again when it reached the top of the basilica steps.
‘Pope of Surprises’ Puts in Unscripted Appearance at Palm Sunday Mass
Pope Francis made another surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the end of Palm Sunday Mass on April 13, starting Holy Week.
Pope’s Visit to Basilica is Sign of Improved Health, Press Office Says
Pope Francis’ surprise visit to St. Peter’s Basilica to pray and see ongoing restoration work is a clear sign that his condition is improving, the Vatican press office said. The 88-year-old pope, pushed in a wheelchair by his nurse and using a nasal cannula to deliver supplemental oxygen, entered the basilica just before 1 p.m. April 10. Vatican News said he went to the basilica to pray at the tomb of St. Pius X.