Vatican

Pope Leo's meeting with Herzog reveals Vatican's new diplomatic style

Leo, who became the first US pontiff when he was elected in May, takes an approach that is more muted than his predecessor Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV looks on, on the day of the weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican August 27, 2025
Pope Leo XIV leads a Holy Mass for the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who will become the first millennial to be made a Catholic saint, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, September 7, 2025.

Italian teen made first millennial Catholic saint at youthful Vatican event

 People walk past a tapestry hanging from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican depicting an image of Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who will become the first millennial to be made a Catholic saint in a ceremony led by Pope Leo, as seen from Rome, Italy, September 4, 2025.

Italian teen to become first millennial Catholic saint on Sunday

President Isaac Herzog meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, September 4, 2025.

President Herzog presses Pope Leo XIV to help free Hamas hostages


Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Meet Pope Leo XIV

President Isaac Herzog will visit the Vatican on Thursday to meet Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, focusing on hostages, antisemitism, and protecting Christians in the Middle East.

 Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd for the Angelus prayer in Piazza della Liberta (Liberty Square) in front of Palazzo Apostolico (Apostolic Palace) in the summer papal estate in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy, July 13, 2025.

Grapevine, August 24, 2025: An OK Israeli

Movers and shakers in Israeli society

CULTURE AND Sport Minister Miki Zohar ponders his next move.

The brand that made porcelain for the Vatican and Titanic tiles launches in Israel

German brand Villeroy & Boch, known for Vatican porcelain and Titanic-surviving tiles, launches its FLEUR Dopamine collection in Israel – pastel floral designs blending luxury with everyday use.

FLEUR Collection from Villeroy & Boch

Pope Leo meets Zelensky, offers to host Ukraine peace talks

Zelensky and Leo held talks in Castel Gandolfo, a small Italian hill town near Rome, where the pope is taking a two-week vacation.

 Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wave from a balcony during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 9, 2025.

Praying the world halts climate change? There's now a Catholic Mass for that

For centuries, Catholic priests have been able to celebrate special Masses to pray for their country, give thanks after a harvest or ask God to end a natural disaster.

 Pope Leo XIV celebrates the Mass on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles in St Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 29, 2025

Who Stands with Israel? Evangelicals Fill the Vatican’s Moral Void

Many had great hopes as Pope Leo XIV seemed ready to renew Catholicism's commitment to interreligious solidarity, but when missiles began raining down on Tel Aviv, those hopes were quickly tested.

 Pope Leo XIV holds general audience in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo, in first month, makes a break in style from Francis - analysis

"Leo is taking his time," Rev. Mark Francis, told Reuters. "While he is going to continue in the path indicated by Pope Francis, his disposition is very different."

 Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the Unites States looks on from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo appeals for Israel to allow humanitarian aid in Gaza

In his first Sunday message on May 11, the new pope called for an immediate ceasefire and for the release of all Israeli hostages held by the militant group Hamas.

 Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025.

The legacy of Pope Francis, marking a month since his passing - opinion

It is unfortunate that in his twilight years, the more disputable aspects of his views and conduct came increasingly to the fore, overshadowing gestures of goodwill and rights.

 AT A ceremony in 2016 where he presented his credentials as Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, Oren David gifts Pope Francis with a replica of a sixth-century hanukkiah found in the Ancient Synagogue of Ein Gedi

Personal trainer shocked to learn his client became Pope Leo XIV

Masella recalled, "I trained the future pontiff—it's incredible, but to me, he was just another client".

 Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

US Vice President Vance invites Pope Leo, an American, to visit home

After meeting Leo, Vance met on Monday with officials at the Vatican's Secretariat of State, the Church's top diplomatic office

 Pope Leo XIV meets with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, May 19, 2025.