Pope

Chicago rabbi gifts Pope Leo XIV a White Sox kippah during Vatican visit

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a native of Chicago’s South Side, repeatedly advocated after his selection last year for the release of the Israeli hostages.

A delegation of Chicago faith leaders meet with Pope Leo XIV on May 28, 2026.
Fuzzy security footage showing thief running with skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, May 13, 2026.

Czech police hunting for thief who stole medieval saint's skull from church

 Pope Leo XIV speaks as he attends a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in Luanda, Angola, April 18, 2026.

Pope Leo denies targeting Trump, says comments misread during Africa tour

AI-generated illustrative image: The world prefers Jews who die, not Jews who fight, the writer says.

Dead Jews are not the problem. The ones who survive are - opinion


'War is always a defeat': Pope calls to end wars in Gaza, Ukraine

"We should never forget that war is always a defeat," Pope Francis said.

 Pope Francis reacts during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 20, 2024.

My Word: White flags, red flags, giving in, and giving up - opinion

The pope is not alone in confusing white flags with white smoke while the world burns.

POPE FRANCIS leaves after the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on Wednesday

Pope sees 'hypocrisy' in those who criticize LGBT blessings

He also stressed that such blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions.

 Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, November 4, 2023

Pope says Africans are 'special case' when it comes to LGBT blessings

Blessings were allowed last month in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which has caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church.

 Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope 'colluding with forces of evil' against Jews, South Africa's chief rabbi says

Defending Israel's right to self-defense, Chief Rabbi of South Africa Dr. Warren Goldstein accused the Pope of "primitive pacifism."

 (L-R) South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Pope Francis

Pope Francis deplores Israeli killings of civilians at Gaza church

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.

 Pope Francis leads an ecumenical prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, September 30, 2023.

Pope deplores end of Israeli-Hamas truce, calls for new ceasefire

"Many hostages have been freed but many are still in Gaza. We think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing their loved ones again."

 Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope says conflict between Israel and Hamas has gone beyond war to 'terrorism'

The Pope asked for prayers so that both sides would "not go ahead with passions, which in the end, kill everyone".

 Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope Francis to meet with Gaza hostages' families

The Vatican has been vocal in calling for the release of all hostages as well as a ceasefire.

 Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, November 4, 2023

Pope Francis urged to intervene in Israeli hostage crisis

The hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, are reported to be in dire conditions, with fears of torture and urgent medical needs.

 Pope Francis meets with the delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis at the Vatican, November 6, 2023.