Cindy Wooden

Vatican agency says 17 churchworkers murdered in 2025

January 6, 2026

Seventeen Catholic priests, sisters, seminarians and lay workers were murdered in 2025, according to Fides, the Vatican's missionary news agency.

As Holy Doors close, cardinals emphasize God's arms are always open

December 29, 2025

The path to conversion, the door to God's mercy and the call to live in Christian hope all continue beyond the Jubilee Year, said the three cardinals who closed the Holy Doors at three major basilicas in Rome.

Open your hearts to baby Jesus and one another, Pope Leo says on Christmas

December 25, 2025

Jesus entering the world as a little baby in need of everything is a sign of God's solidarity with every person in need, longing for love and a helping hand, Pope Leo XIV said at Christmas morning Mass.

Pope Leo encourages priests to share responsibilities with laity

Thanking priests, he urges clergy to recognize gifts of laypeople

December 22, 2025

At a time when so much pressure and so many demands are placed on priests, they should find support, freedom and relief in recognizing the gifts of laypeople and collaborating with them, Pope Leo XIV said.

Pray for peace in front of the Nativity scene, Pope Leo asks children

December 22, 2025

Pope Leo XIV asked children to pray in front of their Nativity scenes this Christmas and, especially, to pray "that all the world's children may live in peace."

Pope Leo, Israeli president speak by phone about Sydney attack, peace in Gaza

December 17, 2025

Pope Leo XIV and Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke by telephone Dec. 17, just days after a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia led to the deaths of 15 people.

Come all ye faithful

December 17, 2025

Christmas carols in every language and culture are expressions of how music can convey “feelings and emotions, even the deepest movements of the soul,” Pope Leo XIV said after listening, clapping and singing along at the Vatican Christmas concert with the poor.

Pope Leo condemns 'antisemitic violence,' 'terrorist massacre' in Sydney

December 15, 2025

Condemning the attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Pope Leo XIV said, "Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence! We must eradicate hatred from our hearts."

Advent call is to cooperate in building a kingdom of peace, Pope Leo says

December 8, 2025

Preparing the way of the Lord means taking concrete steps to help usher in God's kingdom of peace, Pope Leo XIV said on his first Advent Sunday back at the Vatican after his trip to Turkey and Lebanon.

Michael Bublé among artists performing at Vatican's Christmas show for poor

December 5, 2025

Pope Leo XIV asked Canadian singer Michael Bublé and other artists to do their very best when performing a Christmas concert for the poor.