For the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics and for millions of other people as well, the Catholic Church’s 2025 was primarily about the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Vatican
Michael Bublé: Meeting Pope Leo XIV ‘Is Something I Will Carry With Me Forever’
Canadian crooner Michael Bublé took to Instagram Dec. 10 to reflect on his time there, which included a meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
By Any Name, the Mother of Jesus is Beloved by Catholics
She is known by various names, including the Virgin Mary, the Blessed Mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Or simply Mary. But whatever name Catholics prefer to call her, there is one thread that runs through all of the titles — a deep love and devotion for her.
Pope Names St. Newman Patron of His Alma Mater in Rome
The same day Pope Leo XIV proclaimed St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church, he also named the British saint patron of the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome.
Pope Leo’s First Trip Will Focus on Ecumenical, Interreligious Relations
Commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and its Creed, as well as reaffirming hopes for peace in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Turkey and Lebanon Nov. 27-Dec. 2.
Pope, British King Share Historic Prayer in Sistine Chapel
Pope Leo XIV welcomed Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the Vatican for a unique visit combining ceremonial flourishes and a historic moment of prayer in the Sistine Chapel.
Seven New Saints Canonized by Pope Leo XIV on World Mission Sunday, Including Venezuela’s First Saints
Canonizing seven new saints on World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV said God is present wherever the innocent suffer, and his form of justice is forgiveness.
Vatican Confirms Papal Trip to Turkey, Lebanon Nov. 27-Dec. 2
Pope Leo XIV’s first papal trip abroad will be to Turkey and Lebanon Nov. 27-Dec. 2, the Vatican press office announced.
Thousands of Visitors Celebrate Pope Leo’s Birthday in St. Peter’s Square
Dozens of small handmade signs and large bold banners waved in the crowd of some 30,000 visitors in St. Peter’s Square wishing Pope Leo XIV a happy birthday Sept. 14.
Pope Leo XIV Authorizes Traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Square
Pope Leo XIV has given permission for U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica during a pilgrimage in October.