Pope Leo XIV addressed young people in Rome, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth, authentic relationships, and the transformative power of prayer, especially in overcoming loneliness and superficial connections in the digital age.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the sexual abuse crisis in the Church, emphasizing the importance of listening to victims, fostering dialogue among cardinals, and continuing efforts for reform and support, including upcoming meetings and initiatives rooted in Vatican II principles.
Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the institutions and volunteers who contributed to the Jubilee Year of Hope in Rome, highlighting their often unseen efforts that enabled millions of pilgrims to experience hope and spiritual renewal. He emphasized the importance of hope for young people and encouraged ongoing faith and role models, concluding with a blessing and a Jubilee crucifix as a symbol of gratitude.
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.
Catholics from Jordan gathered at Bethany Beyond the Jordan to celebrate the Baptism of the Lord with a mass attended by over 5,000 people, including diplomats and church representatives, praying for peace in Palestine and encouraging pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
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.
Pope Leo XIV announced plans for an annual Consistory, with the next scheduled for June near the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, emphasizing continuity, synodality, and global Church unity, while also addressing issues like Venezuela and the role of laity and women in the Church.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been appointed as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland, with the appointment made by Church President Dallin H. Oaks on January 8, 2026.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of unity, discernment, and mission during a Vatican meeting with cardinals, highlighting themes of synodality and evangelization, and encouraging ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the Church to proclaim the Gospel and adapt to contemporary challenges.
Brother Anatoliy Yevtushenko was sentenced to two years in prison by the Sovetskiy District Court of Krasnodar on December 23, 2025, exemplifying patience and endurance in the face of persecution, inspiring others to remain confident in Jehovah’s mercy.
Pope Leo XIV is holding his first Extraordinary Consistory on January 7-8, involving discussions on church governance, synodality, and liturgy, with meetings behind closed doors and a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV closed the 2025 Holy Year by condemning consumerism and xenophobia, emphasizing themes of welcoming strangers and promoting peace, while also initiating discussions on church liturgy and overseeing major public works in Rome. The year saw a record number of pilgrims and a historic transition to an American pope, with preparations for the next Jubilee in 2033.
Pope Leo XIV marked the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope by closing the Holy Door during the Epiphany Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, reflecting on the themes of hope, divine manifestation, and the ongoing search for God in today's world, emphasizing that true hope and renewal come from humility and openness to God's presence.
Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2026, marking the end of the Holy Year 2024-2025. The ceremony involves the physical closing of the door leaves during a solemn Mass, followed by a private walling-up of the door with a brick wall and a capsule containing the Jubilee record, coins, and keys. This tradition signifies the conclusion of the Holy Year, while God's mercy remains open.