Pope Leo XIV praises the work of the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa to foster fraternity between Christians and Muslims, saying that their common witness shows how religions can work together to promote peace and the common good.

“In a world increasingly marked by religious radicalization, division, and conflict, your common witness shows that it is possible to live and work together in peace and harmony, despite cultural and religious differences.”  Pope Leo XIV gave this encouragement to the delegation from the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), headquartered in Kenya, a pan-African Christian organization founded in 1959 with the objective of building good relations between Christians and Muslims on the continent.

Quoting the Declaration Nostra Aetate on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, Pope Leo recalled that the Catholic Church calls for mutual understanding and respect for the followers of other religions, affirming that she “rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions,” for they “often reflect a ray of that truth, which enlightens all men and women.” 

“Every authentic journey toward unity and communion undertaken by Christians and by people of good will,” the Pope said, “is the work of the Holy Spirit and requires hearts open to encounter and dialogue so as to embrace one another in genuine fraternity.”

“In a world increasingly marked by religious radicalization, division, and conflict,” he stressed, “your common witness shows that it is possible to live and work together in peace and harmony, despite cultural and religious differences.”

The Pope reiterated that religions bear a great responsibility “to help our people to break free from the chains of prejudice, anger, and hatred; to help them rise above egoism and self-centeredness; to help them overcome the greed that destroys both the human spirit and the earth.”   In this way, the Pope said, we can lead our people to become prophets of our time, with “voices that denounce violence and injustice, heal division, and proclaim peace for all our brothers and sisters.” Pope Leo XIV concluded with an invitation for those present to go forward as artisans of peace, witnesses of hope, and builders of true fraternity.

The late American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified at a Mass presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

Venerable Fulton J. Sheen of the United States is set to be beatified on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will preside at the beatification Mass, representing Pope Leo XIV.

After his heroic virtue was recognized, Fulton Sheen was declared Venerable in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. In 2019, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing a miracle through his intercession. This recognition cleared Archbishop Sheen for beatification, after which he will have the title “Blessed.”

The future Blessed Fulton Sheen was known for his dynamic preaching, especially on television and radio.

Born to an Irish family in El Paso, Illinois, on May 8, 1895, Sheen discovered his call to the priesthood at the age of 24 and was ordained a priest in 1919.

He pursued higher studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington (US), the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. 

He returned to the U.S. in 1926 and began teaching at the Catholic University of America, a position he held until 1950. Sheen served as the Bishop of Rochester, New York, from 1951 to 1969, and Pope Paul VI later appointed him as the Titular Archbishop of Newport, Wales, in 1969. 

A gifted teacher and speaker, Sheen’s homilies were much appreciated. In 1930, he began participating in the Sunday radio program entitled “The Catholic Hour,” which reached an estimated four million listeners at the height of its popularity.

In 1951, he began hosting a weekly television series, “Life is Worth Living,” on matters of faith that attracted some 30 million viewers.     He died in New York at the age of 84, on December 9, 1979.

On the study day at the Vatican Apostolic Library when the journalists asked Cardinal Pietro Parolin the Secretary of State about the Traditional Latin Mass, following the publication of the Pope’s message, signed by the Secretary of State, to the French Bishops during their plenary assembly. In the letter, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern that “a painful wound continues to open in the Church regarding the celebration of the Mass” and encouraged everyone “to generously include those sincerely attached to the Vetus Ordo.” Following this, Cardinal Parolin reiterated that “the liturgy must not become a cause of conflict and division among us.” He stressed the importance of “finding a formula that can meet the legitimate needs. I believe there can be, without making the liturgy a battleground.”

On a study day at the Vatican Apostolic Library Cardinal Pietro Parolin responds to journalists’ questions. He expresses his hope that in the Holy Land, Holy Week celebrations can at least be celebrated inside sacred sites.

 “Put an end to this foolishness that is war.” This was the appeal Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin voiced to a group of journalists, on the sidelines of a study day dedicated to the statesman Alcide De Gasperi, held at the Vatican Apostolic Library on March 26.

He expressed that his thoughts are with the Holy Land, which is preparing to live through a Holy Week with significant limitations and restrictions due to the war. The Cardinal also expressed hope that “at least within” the holy sites, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, “the rituals may still be celebrated.” Looking ahead to Easter, Cardinal Parolin renewed the call to end violence. “Easter is the feast of peace, the peace of the risen Lord, and therefore,” he said, “it is a special occasion to renew this invitation and put an end to this foolishness that is war.”

The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has released the third Final Report from the study groups created after the first session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod. The new report comes from Study Group No. 5 and focuses on women’s participation in the life and leadership of the Church.

The study groups were originally established by Pope Francis to reflect on important themes raised during the synodal discussions. The latest report is now available in Italian and English, along with a short summary in several languages on the official website of the Synod.

The report is divided into three main parts. The first part explains the background of Study Group No. 5 and describes how the group carried out its work and discussions.

The second part presents the main reflections that came from the study. It highlights the experiences and contributions of women who are already serving in different responsibilities within the Church. The report notes that the role of women in the Church is an important “sign of the times” and invites deeper reflection and listening within local Churches around the world.

It also points to recent steps taken by Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis in appointing women to leadership roles in the Roman Curia as examples for the wider Church.

The third part of the report includes a detailed appendix with studies and materials about women in the Bible, important women in Church history, and modern testimonies of women contributing to leadership in the Church.

Women from different parts of the world gathered in Rome on March 9 for a special program focused on the role of women in the Church and society. The event was organized by the British Embassy to the Holy See and the Australian Embassy to the Holy See under the theme “Women of Faith: Student Leaders of Tomorrow.”

The meeting was held around the time of International Women’s Day. Fifteen young women from thirteen different countries took part in a daylong program. They represented various universities and organizations based in Rome.

During the discussions, participants shared ideas on how faith and values can inspire women to work for positive change in society. Topics such as peace building, poverty reduction, education, and climate change were part of the conversations.

The program also included talks from several diplomats serving at the Holy See, including representatives from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Their experiences encouraged participants to reflect on leadership, family life, and service in society.

One participant from Colombia said that seeing women leaders who balance family life, work, and faith gave her hope and confidence about the future. Another participant from Kenya, who works with survivors of human trafficking, stressed the importance of women supporting other women who have faced difficult situations.

She explained that women often understand the struggles of other women more deeply and can offer special care and encouragement.

The gathering highlighted that women have an important and unique role in the Catholic Church and society. By sharing their faith and leadership, they can help bring hope and support to many people, especially women and children in difficult situations.

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako from his position as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Baghdad. The resignation was submitted according to the norms of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

In a letter explaining his decision, the Cardinal said he had already considered resigning two years ago when he turned 75. At that time, he had discussed the matter with Pope Francis, who encouraged him to continue serving for some more time.

The Cardinal recently decided to submit his resignation to the Pope so that he could spend more time in prayer, writing, and simple service to the Church. He clarified that the decision was completely voluntary and that no one forced him to step down.

During his years of leadership, the Cardinal said he guided the Chaldean Church through many difficult challenges. He worked to maintain unity within the Church and spoke out for the rights of Christians and all people in Iraq.

He described his 13 years of service in Baghdad as a time of pastoral care and dedication. He also thanked God for the support he received from family members, colleagues, and those who worked with him throughout his ministry.

The Cardinal also shared details about his personal life, saying he does not own a house or a car. His savings come from many years of priestly service. He said his true wealth is his service to the Church and the many books and articles he has written.

An eight-year-old girl from the Archdiocese of Tokyo in Japan is inspiring many with her simple but strong faith. Minami Kimura, a second-grade student, has decided to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Minami first shared her wish with her mother last May. Though still very young, she said her decision came from a deep love for God and a desire to follow the teachings and character of Jesus. Her interest in faith grew during her studies at Shirayuri Gakuen, a Catholic school where students learn Bible stories and Christian values.

According to Minami, her faith began when she was in kindergarten. From the age of three, she felt a close connection with Jesus and believed that He was like a member of her family. As she grew older, religion classes and discussions about God and the life of Jesus strengthened her belief and desire to become closer to God.

A Jesuit priest, Kiyoshi Shibata, from St. Ignatius Church (Kojimachi Church) is helping prepare Minami for baptism. Her mother, Miko, says that although she herself was not very religious before, her daughter’s decision encouraged her to learn more about Christianity.

Inspired by Minami’s faith, the mother has also decided to receive baptism. Both mother and daughter are preparing to be baptized together on Easter Sunday.

Their story shows how the sincere faith of a child can inspire an entire family to grow closer to God.

Pope Leo XIV will address the Spanish Parliament, known as the Cortes Generales, on June 8 during his upcoming visit to Spain. This event marks an important step in strengthening diplomatic relations between Spain and the Vatican.

Although previous popes such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain in the past, this will be the first time a pope addresses a joint session of the Spanish Parliament. The session will include members of the Congress and Senate, and only the Pope and the President of the Congress, Francina Armengol, will speak during the meeting.

The Pope’s visit to Spain is scheduled from June 6 to June 12 and will include several religious and diplomatic activities. Church leaders in Spain have welcomed the visit and described it as a moment of joy and hope for the country and the Catholic community.

During the trip, the Pope will also take part in the inauguration of the tower dedicated to Jesus Christ at the famous Sagrada Família basilica, one of the most well-known churches in the world.

Another important part of the visit will be his trip to the Canary Islands, where he plans to meet people and understand the challenges faced by migrants arriving in the region.

The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the Vatican, the Spanish Church, and Spanish society.

A growing Christian community known as Tavnet is helping people who convert to Christianity from Muslim backgrounds find support and guidance in their faith journey.

The inspiration behind the network comes from a man named Hassan, a former Shia Muslim scholar. He began studying the Bible and Christian theology with the intention of finding mistakes in Christianity. However, his life changed after attending Holy Communion on Christmas morning in 2018. During the Eucharistic celebration, he said he experienced a deep realization about the truth of the Christian faith. That moment eventually led him to embrace Catholicism.

The community is named after Nicholas Tavlik, a Christian martyr who preached the Gospel in Jerusalem in the 14th century. Today, the Tavnet network connects around 300 believers across different parts of the world who have chosen to follow Christ.

Members of the network say that people who convert to Christianity often face serious challenges. These difficulties can include pressure from family members, social rejection, or even threats in some places. Tavnet aims to support such individuals spiritually and emotionally.

The group helps new believers understand the Catholic faith in ways that respect their cultural background. It also offers safe opportunities for prayer and receiving the sacraments. For those who are rejected by their families or communities, the network provides encouragement and spiritual support.

Members say their mission is guided by the love of Christ. Instead of seeing Muslims as enemies, they focus on dialogue, prayer, and friendship. They also see Mary, Mother of Jesus as a bridge between Muslims and Christians.