Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Sithembele Sipuka as the Archbishop of Cape Town, recognizing his leadership and advocacy for justice, peace, and dialogue in South Africa and beyond. Sipuka, known for his international experience and commitment to social issues, is seen as a prominent figure likely to influence the Catholic community and social discourse in the region.
The Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV's schedule for January and February, including liturgies for the Conversion of St Paul, the Presentation of the Lord, and Ash Wednesday, along with participation in Lenten Spiritual Exercises and celebrations of key religious feasts.
Pope Leo XIV is signaling a move towards traditional values and harmony within the Catholic Church, contrasting with the reformist and modernizing tendencies associated with Pope Francis, and emphasizing the Church's resistance to secular influences like AI and DEI.
Spain's Catholic Church has reached an agreement with the government to compensate victims of sexual abuse by clergy, aiming to address past failures and expand access to justice, including cases beyond the statute of limitations. The new system involves a government-managed process where victims can seek symbolic, psychological, or economic reparations, with the Church responsible for executing these reparations. This move follows global trends of addressing historical abuse within the Church and is seen as a moral and moral debt repayment.
Tina Thompson became Kansas's first woman priest in the Roman Catholic Woman Priest organization, which is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Her ordination reflects a broader movement advocating for women's roles in the church, emphasizing social justice and inclusivity, despite the church's official stance against female ordination. Thompson, who returned to her faith after years away, hopes to inspire change and promote community and spiritual diversity within and beyond traditional Catholic practices.
Bishop Michael Pham, a Vietnamese refugee and the first Vietnamese American bishop in the US, actively supports immigrants by accompanying them to court and advocating for humane treatment, driven by his own harrowing migration experience. His efforts aim to provide spiritual comfort and challenge harsh immigration enforcement practices, reflecting his commitment to social justice and compassion within the church and community.
The Jubilee Year 2025 concludes with the closing of Holy Doors in Rome's basilicas, emphasizing hope and renewal, with the final Holy Door closing at St. Peter's Basilica on Epiphany 2026, led by Pope Francis.
The article discusses tensions between Pope Leo XIV and the US government, particularly over immigration policies, highlighting the Church's criticism of deportations and the political divide among American Catholics regarding immigration issues.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Reverend James Misko, currently vicar general of the Diocese of Austin, as the new Bishop of Tucson, with a background in communications and theology, and experience in parish leadership and diocesan administration.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, recognizing his commitment to social justice issues and his mediating ability within the church, marking a significant leadership change in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Richard Moth has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and will lead the Catholic Church in England and Wales, focusing on social justice issues, community engagement, and safeguarding amid declining church attendance and societal tensions.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Reverend Monsignor Peter Bui as Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, highlighting his extensive background in theology, pastoral work, and multilingual abilities, with previous roles including Vicar for Clergy and service on the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.
Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald Barbarito of Palm Beach and appointed Reverend Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez, a Dominican-born American priest with extensive education and experience in Brooklyn, as the new Bishop-elect of Palm Beach, announced on December 19, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, a Chicago native who grew up just 14 blocks from Pope Leo, as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Dolan. Hicks, who has served in Illinois and has a deep connection to the city and its diverse community, expressed his commitment to addressing key issues like immigration and sexual abuse, and praised his predecessor's leadership.
Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Aldon Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Dolan. Hicks, with a background in Latin America and a strong stance on immigration issues, will oversee 2.5 million Catholics in the city. His appointment reflects his and the church's commitment to social justice and immigration reform amid ongoing challenges like clergy abuse and immigration enforcement.