Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV formally began his Petrine Ministry on Sunday, May 18, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square.

In his first address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to build a world founded on peace, justice, and truth—pillars he described as essential to the Church’s diplomatic mission.

The General Secretariat of the Synod has extended a heartfelt message of gratitude and support to Pope Leo XIV, following his recent election as the new Bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter.

In a clear sign of continuity and connection with the faithful around the world, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to actively maintain the Vatican’s official social media presence—affirming the Church’s mission in the digital age.

From May 12 to 14, the Vatican is celebrating the Jubilee of the Eastern Catholic Churches, bringing together the faithful and hierarchy of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches for a rich program of Divine Liturgies and prayers in their respective rites.

Pope Leo XIV met with hundreds of media professionals gathered in Rome for the Conclave, urging them to embrace a form of communication that fosters peace, dignity, and truth in a fractured world.

On the first Sunday of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV appeared at the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to lead the faithful in the Regina Caeli prayer, marking Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, and the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

On Saturday afternoon (May 10), shortly after 4:00 p.m., Pope Leo XIV made a private pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a cherished Marian sanctuary entrusted to the Augustinian Order.

he motto:Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.” The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”

In his first formal address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday May 10, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, prayer, and pastoral direction, urging unity and continued fidelity to the Church's mission.

In a move reflecting his thoughtful leadership, Pope Leo XIV has decided that the Heads and Members of the Roman Curia will temporarily remain in their current roles until further notice.

The election of Pope Leo XIV ushers in a hopeful new season for the global Church—especially for the faithful in Asia and across the developing world.

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and becoming the first American-born pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history on May 8.

The Church rejoices as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, taking the papal name Leo XIV.

As white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out, the world receives the joyful news: Habemus Papam — We have a Pope! But what exactly unfolds behind the scenes before this historic announcement is made?

Habemus Papam! White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:10 p.m. Rome time (9:40 p.m. IST) today, marking the successful election of a new pope — the 267th successor of St. Peter and spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The first day of the conclave to elect the 267th Pope concluded without success, as black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 9:00 p.m. on May 8, Wednesday, indicating no candidate received the required two-thirds majority vote.

No Pope was elected on the first day of the conclave to choose the 267th successor of St. Peter. Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 9:00 p.m. on May 7, Wednesday, signaling that the initial round of voting had concluded without a successful result.

In a deeply prayerful moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal electors gathered this morning at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice—the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff—just hours before the Conclave to elect the 267th Successor of St. Peter begins.

In a pivotal gathering ahead of the papal conclave, the twelfth and final General Congregation of Cardinals convened on Tuesday May 6 at 9:00 AM in the Vatican.