Vatican

The Vatican said 36 cardinals, 270 bishops and hundreds of priests had signed up to celebrate the Mass along with Leo in a sign of the saints’ enormous appeal to the hierarchy and ordinary faithful alike.

Pope Leo XIV Installed as Bishop of Rome | Honours Pope Francis at Saint Mary Major | N18G

Pope Leo XIV was officially installed on Sunday, May 25, at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Elected on May 8, he assumed his role as bishop of Rome and symbolically took possession of the throne of Saint Peter. In his inaugural address, he quoted Saint Augustine, saying, “Christian with you and bishop for you,” reflecting his Augustinian roots. After the mass, he blessed the people of Rome from the basilica’s balcony. Later, he visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 and chose to be buried there rather than in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo also paid homage to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, a symbol of protection for Romans. Earlier in the day, he visited city hall and greeted the mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.

Russia Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Trump Proposes Vatican As Venue, Europe Welcomes | N18G

On May 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for holding Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks at the Vatican, emphasizing its symbolic significance. During a White House event, he recounted a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he asked, "When are we going to end this, Vladimir?" Trump acknowledged the significant financial commitments by the U.S. to Ukraine due to the Biden administration's support and expressed confidence that both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky are inclined towards a resolution. While Trump announced that ceasefire talks would begin immediately, no major concessions were made during his call with Putin. European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, welcomed the possibility of Vatican-mediated talks. However, the Vatican did not confirm any official offer. Italy expressed readiness to facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, with Pope Leo XIV suggesting the Vatican could mediate global conflicts.

Black smoke signals no pope elected on first day of conclave vote

When a pope is chosen, white smoke will emerge, but this had not been expected on Wednesday - a pontiff has not been picked on the first day of a conclave in modern times.

All eyes on Vatican as conclave starts to pick next pope

As the Vatican begins its largest-ever conclave, the Catholic Church faces a pivotal choice between global growth and internal division, with possible successors from Africa or Asia.

Who will succeed Pope Francis? Cardinals enter seclusion ahead of secret conclave to elect new pope

The conclave will start behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with all cardinals under the age of 80 able to vote on who should be the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

Conservative hopes for a post-Francis papacy face realities of Vatican power dynamics

Following Pope Francis’s death, conservative Catholics are hoping for a traditionalist successor. However, Vatican insiders and experts cited by The Washington Post say such a shift remains highly improbable.

After Pope Francis laid to rest, cardinals prepare for crucial conclave

With Pope Francis laid to rest, cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect his successor, amid hopes and concerns about the future direction of the Catholic Church.

Meet Cardinal Kevin Farrell, acting head of Vatican after Pope Francis’ death

Cardinal Kevin Farrell has assumed interim leadership at the Vatican following Pope Francis' death. As camerlengo, he manages the Vatican's affairs, confirming the pope's death and overseeing funeral and conclave preparations.

Global tributes pour in to honor Pope Francis following his death

Global tributes pour in for Pope Francis after his death at 88. Leaders from around the world praised his humility, dedication to peace, and advocacy for the poor, while others noted his controversial stances.

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Double Pneumonia Battle | Global Mourning Begins | N18G

Pope Francis, the beloved head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 following a serious battle with double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his passing after days of intense medical care and a prolonged respiratory crisis. As tributes pour in from across the globe, 1.4 billion Catholics enter a period of mourning for the spiritual leader who guided the Church for over a decade.

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A Look Back at His Legacy and Final Moments

Pope Francis passes away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and dedication to social justice. Read more about his life, achievements, and final moments.

‘God's Influencer’ Carlo Acutis set to become world’s first millennial saint, to be canonised by Pope Francis on April 27

Acutis, who learned several computer coding languages and developed websites for his parish and the wider Church, died from leukaemia aged 15 in 2006.

Pope Francis plans to appear in public on Sunday for first time in five weeks

Francis, 88, was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required evolving treatment.

Pope Francis' doctor says pontiff isn't out of danger but his condition isn't life-threatening

Francis' doctors delivered their first in-person update on the pope's condition, saying that he will remain hospitalised at least all of next week.

Pope Francis Opens Historic "Holy Door" at Rome's Rebibbia Prison for 2025 Holy Year | N18G

Pope Francis visited Rome's Rebibbia prison on December 26, marking a historic moment by opening a special "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, dedicated to hope. This is the first time a pope has opened such a door at a prison. The Holy Year, which began on December 24, will run until January 6, 2026, and is a time for peace, forgiveness, and pardon. Traditionally, Holy Years involve the opening of four special "Holy Doors" at papal basilicas in Rome. Pope Francis, known for his attention to the incarcerated, has frequently visited prisons during his papacy.

Sexual pleasure is 'a gift from God', lust 'devastates relationships' says Pope Francis

The Pope made the comments days after his new head of doctrine, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, was criticised for a book he wrote and published in the late 1990s -- 'Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality'.

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if they don't resemble marriage

The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.

Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican

In a written statement, the Vatican said the two men spoke about Ukraine's "humanitarian and political situation provoked by the war going on.''

'Sex is one of the beautiful things given by God': Pope Francis

Pope Francis was quizzed on a variety of topics, including LGBT rights, abortion, the porn industry, sex, and faith and sex abuse within the Catholic Church.

Week in pictures: Stunning photos from around the world

From New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York's Times Square, to Palestinians inspecting the site of a house demolished by the Israeli army in the West Bank village of Kafr Dan, to the body of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lying out in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, this photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images from around the world in the past week.

From Rome to Moscow, Presidents and Church leaders pay respects to Benedict XVI

In Italy, President Sergio Mattarella said Benedict XVI would be “unforgettable” for the Italian people.

Pope Benedict XVI | His life in pictures

Pope Benedict XVI, who served as leader of the Catholic church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, has died aged 95. In 2013, he became the first pontiff to resign as head of the Catholic Church since the Middle Ages. The German pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, had been living a quiet life in a former convent inside the Vatican grounds since his shock decision to step down in February 2013. We take a look back at his life in this section.

'Giant of faith': Tributes for ex-pope Benedict XVI

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the former German pontiff as a "special church leader" who helped shape the Catholic church.

Former Pope Benedict XVI, first to resign in over six centuries, dies aged 95

"With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 am in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican," the spokesperson of Vatican said in a statement.