Pope Leo XIV

The sanctity of life, from conception to its natural end, must be defended, especially now, in a world marked by "the madness of war," Pope Leo XIV said.

As the U.S. and Israel-Iran war enters its fourth week, Pope Leo XIV appealed during his Sunday Angelus prayer March 22: "Persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and paths of peace may finally open up."

Pope Leo’s March 2 message to participants in the international encounter for peace and reconciliation at Loyola University Chicago.

All baptized Christians share in the Church's mission and, guided by the Holy Spirit, are fit for renewing and building up the Church, Pope Leo XIV said at his weekly general audience.

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV will be honoured in the nation's former capital of Philadelphia for his efforts to promote religious liberty as well as freedom of expression and conscience.

Believing problems and differences can be resolved with war is absurd, Pope Leo XIV said, chastising those who use God's name in their dark and deadly pursuits.

Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and condemned the "atrocious violence" of the U.S.-Israeli-led war on Iran, which has spread across the region.

Pope Leo XIV met privately March 11 with the cardinal archbishop of Tehran after the Belgian-born prelate was evacuated from Iran amid U.S. and Israeli military strikes on the country.

Praying at the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke said he laid down "the joys, pains and hopes" of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

The Catholic Church is made up of diverse people who are united by their faith in Christ and are called to welcome all of humanity, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience.