Pope Leo XIV met this week with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for what the Holy See called “cordial talks” regarding “countries experiencing war” including in the Middle East as well as “political tensions” and “humanitarian situations” and the need to “work tirelessly for peace.”
President Donald Trump had earlier criticized the pope and the Church’s stance on nuclear disarmament, to which Pope Leo responded, “If someone criticizes me for proclaiming the Gospel, let him do so truthfully.”
At an audience the pope referred to the Second Vatican Council’s document “Lumen gentium” to say that the Church, through Christ, has been “invested with the mission of speaking clearly to reject everything that mortifies life and prevents its development” and to “denounce evil in all its forms.”
On separate occasions Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin declared that the Holy See’s position on disarmament and peace remains clear and firm.
“The Holy See has always worked, continues to work precisely on nuclear disarmament,” he said.
The cardinal told journalists that Pope Leo in his response to criticism “goes forward on his path, in the sense of preaching the Gospel, of preaching peace – as St. Paul would say – opportune et importune (‘convenient or inconvenient’).”
First anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s Pontificate
Pope Leo has made some 400 appeals for peace during the first year of his pontificate, the anniversary of which is May 8.
The editorial director of Vatican News reflected on the momentous anniversary and a year that saw Pope Leo witness to the Gospel through unity.
Apostolic Visits to Naples and Pompeii in Italy
The pope made two apostolic visits in Italy this week: to Naples, where he said the Church must offer closeness amid inequalities and difficulties; and to Pompeii, where he prayed that through the intercession of Mary, “may there come from the God of peace an overflowing outpouring of mercy, touching hearts, calming resentment and fratricidal hatred, and enlightening those who bear special responsibilities of government.”
Vatican II Remains Central to Church, Pope Says
Pope Leo returned to his weekly catechesis on Vatican Council II, calling it the “North Star” of the Church as she continues “seeking ways and means of putting its insights into practice.”
Airstrikes in Lebanon Followed by Phone Call From Pope
As Israeli airstrikes hit multiple areas in Lebanon and Christian churches came under attack in the southern part of the country, the pope connected on a video call with priests serving people in the area, offering pastoral encouragement.
Elsewhere, Ukraine and Russia traded deadly airstrikes as even Moscow experienced a rare drone attack in a fortified suburban town.
Father Augustus Tolton to Have Shrine in Illinois
In the United States, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois announced it will build a shrine for Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, the first US Black Catholic priest, in the city of Quincy where he grew up and ministered.
Leaders of Catholic Charities USA heard words of encouragement from Pope Leo during an audience this week at the Vatican, as the Catholic aid organization continues serving vulnerable people across the United States in fidelity to the Gospel, but amid challenges.
Patti Smith Presenting Art Exhibit for Vatican at Venice Biennale
At the international art exhibition Venice Biennale, American singer and artist Patti Smith will inaugurate the first public event for the Holy See Pavilion this week. Smith will present Sonic Prayer, an exhibit dedicated to listening as an artistic, spiritual, and human experience.
It draws inspiration from St. Hildegard of Bingen — mystic, musician, theologian, and Doctor of the Church — and presented by Smith, whose art merges poetry, music, and the quest for spiritual enrichment, according to the Holy See.
Films, Books Focus on Pope’s Early Ministry, Jesuit Priest-Scientist
A new documentary titled “Leona a Roma” retraces the nearly two decades that Pope Leo XIV—then Robert Francis Prevost—spent in Rome, offering a portrait of the future pope through the memories of those who knew him during his years in the city.
Also, the new book “Free Under Grace” explores the speeches, homilies, messages, and letters of Father Robert Francis Prevost when he was Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine.
The 20th century Jesuit priest and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin is the subject of a new documentary highlighting his life, scientific thought, and spiritual vision. An American couple produced the film, “Teilhard: Visionary Scientist.”
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