EWTN News Explains: What Is a Papal Encyclical?
Papal encyclicals are a powerful way the pope shapes global debates and articulates Church doctrine, but how should Catholics understand them? With the announcement of Pope Leo XIVʼs first papal encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: “On the Protection of Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” there is much anticipation as to what guidance the pope […]
Pope Leo explains why Vatican II’s reform did not change only ‘the rites’ of the liturgy
On May 20, the pope began a series of messages focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” a constitution on the sacred liturgy and the first document promulgated by the Second Vatican Council. Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the liturgy occupies a central place in the life of the Church, since it “touches the very heart” of […]
Pope Leo: Many Youth Disappear After Confirmation
Speaking to a group of young people soon to be confirmed, Pope Leo XIV encouraged perseverance in the faith and emphasized that faith is lived in community, not in isolation. Pope Leo XIV lamented that after being confirmed, many young people no longer attend church. He asked those awaiting confirmation to “pay special attention” to […]
Pope Leo Expresses Concern for Lebanon’s Future
The pope met with the chief bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia headquartered in Lebanon, emphasizing his concern for that country and the role of ecumenism for Christian unity. On Monday, May 18, Pope Leo XIV received at the Vatican His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the […]
Pope Leo XIV Thanks Catholic Extension Society
The pope expressed his gratitude to the papal society founded in 1905, which raises funds to support and strengthen under-resourced mission dioceses throughout the United States. In an address to its board of governors, Pope Leo XIV thanked the Catholic Extension Societyon May 18 for the assistance it provides to the poor. The pontiff praised […]
SSPX and Rome: A Half
As one of the leading experts on Lefebvrism sees it, reconciliation is impossible as long as the Society of St. Pius Xʼs rejection of certain parts of the Second Vatican Council persists. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) went from full communion with Rome to formal rupture in less than two decades, a break […]
Vatican to publish Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical May 25
The pope signed ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ (“Magnificent Humanity”) on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the publication of the landmark social encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum.’ The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published on May 25, with the title Magnifica Humanitas. Pope Leo will speak at a presentation for the release of […]
Pope Leo XIV: AI Must Preserve Human Voices
The pontiff marked World Communications Day by urging technology to remain centered on human dignity. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Catholics and communicators to promote forms of communication that respect the truth of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, while also calling for renewed care for creation and […]
Vatican Sets Up Commission on Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV approved the new body as the Vatican prepares for his first encyclical, expected to address artificial intelligence through the lens of Catholic social teaching. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has approved the creation of a new Vatican commission on artificial intelligence to coordinate the Holy See’s response to the rapidly expanding […]
Pope Leo XIV Rejects Death Penalty in Drug Fight
The pope addressed parliamentarians and representatives from across Europe, Central Asia and North America participating in a conference on illicit drugs hosted by the Italian Parliament. Pope Leo XIV called for respect for human dignity in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking and reiterated his rejection of the death penalty, torture, and any […]
