Pope Leo XIV

Approval, public consensus and visibility are often given undue importance in modern society, shaping how people think, behave and even understand themselves, Pope Leo XIV warned in his Jan. 18 Angelus address.

Pope Leo XIV met Jan. 15 with the families of victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire on New Year's night, which took the lives of 40 people and injured 116 in a Swiss resort tragedy.

As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over the escalating situation.

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado asked for Pope Leo XIV's help in securing the release of political prisoners in the country following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Baptizing one's children is as essential as providing them with food and clothing, Pope Leo XIV told parents.

After an intense day of roundtable discussions, the "low-batteried" but "very pleased" cardinals wrapped the first historic extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV. They left the consistory with a clear vision of the new pontiff for "a Church that cares."

Pope Leo XIV gathered cardinals present for the extraordinary consistory this week for an early morning Mass Jan. 8 in St. Peter's Basilica, telling them they're together not to promote "agendas," but to take part in a "discernment" that "comes from the Lord."

The teachings of the Second Vatican Council are still "the guiding star" the Catholic Church is meant to follow, Pope Leo XIV said.

As the new year begins and the Jubilee Year comes to a close, Pope Leo XIV will hit the ground running with an extraordinary consistory taking place in Rome this week.

The powerful and violent cannot control, suppress or commodify God's grace, friendship and will to usher in a new dawn, Pope Leo XIV said.