From aggression to response to aggression: Examining just war
Gathered in Rome for this year’s June consistory, cardinals tackled a delicate theme raised by Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical: Questioning "just war" theory.
Anna Kurian
Latest articles by Anna Kurian
Are there more Augustinians at the Vatican now?
Though his fellow Augustinian friars are more visible at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV is prioritizing institutional competence over religious "family ties."
Vibrant song and dance a big part of Leo’s Africa trip
During Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Africa, millions of joyous Catholics have taken to the streets to welcome him with vibrant music and traditional dances.
‘Mother of the Heart’ brings hope on old slave trade route
Angola's most important Marian shrine is a reminder of a tragic history and a hopeful future. Pope Leo led the Glorious Mysteries there on Sunday.
In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV shows his passion for peace
During his visit to Bamenda in northern Cameroon, the Pope, usually soft-spoken, delivered his message with an intensity rarely seen since his election.
Duolingo would be proud: Leo’s language skills shine in Africa
During his historic 11-day tour of Africa, Pope Leo XIV is honoring the continent's diverse cultures by speaking directly to the faithful in five languages.
Leo in Augustine’s land: A day in his spiritual master’s steps
Despite heavy rains, Pope Leo XIV traveled to the coastal city of Annaba to honor St. Augustine. He is the first pontiff in history to visit Algeria.
In Algeria, Pope steps away from cameras to pray with martyrs
Pope Leo stopped at the home of fellow Augustinians, two of whom, Spanish nuns, were martyred in 1994: “No one can take our lives because we have already given them,” Sister Esther wrote, in prophetic words.
Jubilee 2025: Opened by Francis, closed by Leo XIV (Pictures)
The great jubilee of 2025 has come to an end. Rich in events and surprises, this Jubilee of Hope was opened by one pope and closed by another.
Who are the people in Pope Leo XIV’s inner circle?
Leo XIV is reserved, and a certain discretion continues to surround his inner circle — but here are some of the well-known figures close to the current pontiff.
Leo XIV makes “Pope Video” for monthly intentions his own
He’s impressing his personal style on the monthly videos, leading viewers in prayer, instead of explaining the prayer intention as Francis did before him.
Taking social media to the Throne of Peter
We now have a pope who was personally active on various social media platforms before his election. His familiarity with technology informs his teaching.
From Chicago to the Vatican, a white ping-pong table for Leo XIV
A white ping-pong table “made in Chicago,” engraved with the papal coat of arms, was presented to Leo XIV by Robert Blackwell Jr., CEO of Killerspin.
Young people chant ‘We want peace!’ with Pope Leo
“We want peace in the world!” At the urging of Pope Leo XIV, 120,000 young people chanted this slogan in St. Peter's Square at the opening of their Jubilee.
When Mozart proved himself a child prodigy at the Vatican
In 1770, young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, aged 14, transcribed from memory Allegri's “Miserere,” a sacred work then jealously guarded by the Sistine Chapel choir.
Does our sporty pope have a place in the Vatican to work out?
What sports facilities will Leo XIV, the 267th pope — a tennis player, baseball fan, (possible) Roma fan, and gym regular — find at the Vatican?
The Vatican’s own “Laudato si’” wine to be available in 2027
The Vatican, the world's smallest state, will soon have its own red wine, grown on its land in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. Its first vintage is due in 2027.
St. Peter’s unveils 3 relics of the Passion once a year
Each year during Lent, St. Peter's unveils three precious relics of the Passion of Christ: Longinus’ spear, Veronica’s veil, and a fragment of the Cross.
Pope’s health at 1 month in hospital: Possible next scenarios?
Pope Francis' health has been steadily improving, but no release date from the Gemelli has been given. What are the possible next scenarios as he marks 1 month?
Is the key premise of ‘Conclave’ movie canonically possible?
And if a cardinal created “in pectore” by the pope without mentioning it publicly were to appear at a conclave, what would his status be regarding the election of the future pope?
