Thousands of women honor Mary as tradition unites generations

Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters have made pilgrimages to Our Lady of Piekary for generations, bringing their intentions and family stories. Pope Leo XIV greeted the pilgrims during his Angelus address in Castel One of the participants, Dominika Szczawińska, told Vatican News: “I used to come here as a young wife, praying for a child, … Continue reading “Thousands of women honor Mary as tradition unites generations”

Pope renews appeal for end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank

Pope Leo’s appeals at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus included a call for an end to violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank; his hopes that sporting events can be a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity; and special greetings to Polish pilgrims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of … Continue reading “Pope renews appeal for end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank”

Earthquake in Indonesia kills 38; Catholic festival cancelled

At least 38 people have died and thousands have been displaced after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s predominantly Catholic island of Flores. The Diocese of Labuan Bajo canceled the closing celebrations of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival, while a major priestly formation celebration in Ledalero was moved outdoors after earthquake damage … Continue reading “Earthquake in Indonesia kills 38; Catholic festival cancelled”

Pope: ‘The purity of Mary’s soul leads us toward glory of Heaven’

During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how the Blessed Virgin Mary, through God’s grace, leads us toward Heaven, insisting that love is “humanity’s most beautiful adornment,” stressing that it “transfigures, transforms, ennobles and lifts us up, making us light, free and … Continue reading “Pope: ‘The purity of Mary’s soul leads us toward glory of Heaven’”

Hope for a wounded Amazon: “The Pope knows where it hurts us”

In the communities of the Peruvian Amazon, anticipation is growing over Pope Leo’s arrival in the country that shaped his missionary journey. The bishops of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado hope that the papal visit to Pucallpa will be much more than a celebration: a call to conversion, unity, and renewed defense of the peoples of … Continue reading “Hope for a wounded Amazon: “The Pope knows where it hurts us””