Monday’s meeting was significant, representing Leo XIV’s first clear, personal outreach to a leading traditional community and showing his willingness to listen to their concerns.

What angels. Baby cousins were blessed by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square and the adorable video went viral, ranking up 10 million views. Both the faithful and non-religious relished in the heartwarming sight.

Pope Leo XIV closed the 2025 Holy Year by denouncing consumerism and anti-foreigner sentiment, after 33 million Catholic pilgrims visited Rome. He urged Christians to welcome strangers and pursue peace.

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, he marveled at the “wisdom” of the Christmas story — an infant Jesus born to save mankind.

During Sunday prayers, Pope Leo XIV called on the world to step up efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The pontiff stressed the suffering of civilians and the need for a just and lasting peace, according to Vatican News.

Today, Pope Leo XIV was presented with the round mosaic featuring his official papal portrait — the 267th papal portrait to be placed in the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls — which will be installed at the end of the right nave of the basilica. The presentation took… pic.twitter.com/CddKjcXekt