This Week: Pope Leo Continues Africa Visit, Honors Pope Francis

CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of April 19, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

Begun by Pope Francis, ‘Dilexi Te’ is 100% Pope Leo’s, Cardinal Says

The apostolic exhortation "Dilexi Te" ("I Have Loved You") on the church's love for the poor, "is Pope Leo's document. It is the magisterium of the church," although Pope Leo himself wrote that it was begun by Pope Francis, said Cardinal Michael Czerny.

Pope Francis’ Decade-Old Lesson: Detainees Are Our Family

When the Holy Father visited Philadelphia in 2015, few people witnessed his visit to the men and women in a Philadelphia prison. His words to them ring as prophetic witness to us today, writes Matthew Gambino.

In Interview, Pope Talks About Abuse Crisis, Trump, Following Pope Francis

Clerical sexual abuse continues to be "a real crisis," one that the Catholic Church still must learn to deal with, particularly in improving the way it helps survivors while also ensuring the rights of the accused are respected, Pope Leo XIV said.

With Laudato Si’, Pope Francis Firmly Planted Ecology into Catholic Social Teaching

Pope Francis, who took his name from the patron saint of ecology -- St. Francis of Assisi -- died the day before Earth Day and about five weeks before the 10th anniversary of his landmark encyclical on care for creation.

With Laudato Si’, Pope Francis Firmly Planted Ecology into Catholic Social Teaching

Pope Francis, who took his name from the patron saint of ecology -- St. Francis of Assisi -- died the day before Earth Day and about five weeks before the 10th anniversary of his landmark encyclical on care for creation.

Pope Francis Renewed Our Commitment to the Common Good

The leader of Interfaith Philadelphia, Abby Stamelman Hocky, looks back on the late pope’s 2015 visit to the city as a moment when people of all faith traditions were awakened by his humble call for collective responsibility for social action.

Thousands Line Streets of Rome to Bid Final Farewell to Pope Francis

ROME (CNS) — The casket bearing the body of Pope Francis made its final journey through the streets of Rome accompanied by applause and shouts of gratitude from thousands of mourners. After the funeral Mass April 26, pallbearers carried Pope Francis’ coffin through St. Peter’s Basilica, stopping briefly at the steps leading to St. Peter’s […]

Papal Foundation Stays Close to Pope Francis, His Priorities

The Chester-based nonprofit organization funds worldwide charitable projects championed by the Holy Father in “reaching out to the poor.”

Pope Francis said Mary Picked his Burial Place, Cardinal Says

"The Virgin Mary told me, 'Prepare the tomb.'" That is what Pope Francis said Mary told him when he was discerning whether to be buried in the historic Marian church where his body will be laid to rest April 26.