Catholic News
- Pope Leo: Give the common good first priority in peace negotiations (Dicastery for Communication)
Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for prayer for peace on August 17 and said that the common good should be given first priority in negotiations. “Let us pray that efforts to bring wars to an end and to promote peace may bear fruit, and that in negotiations the common good of peoples may always be placed first,” Pope Leo said following his Angelus address. The Pontiff made his remarks two days after the 2025 Russia–United States Summit and a day before a meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders. - French archbishop revokes appointment of rapist as chancellor (Pillar)
Archbishop Guy de Kerimel, who had touched off angry reactions in July when he named a priest who had been convicted of rape to become the diocesan chancellor, has revoked the appointment. Archbishop de Kerimel announced on August 16 that he had changed his decision, “in order not to provoke division among bishops.” He was evidently referring to a statement released a few days earlier by the leaders of the French bishops’ conference, urging him to reconsider the appointment. The archbishop had earlier defended his choice, saying that the appointment of Father Dominique Spina, who had served a five-year prison term after his 2006 conviction for molesting a teenage boy, was an act of mercy, noting that the priest was no longer serving in pastoral ministry. The work in chancery, he said, would be “a sign of hope” for priests guilty of abuse. Now, the archbishop said, “I must ask forgiveness from the one I named and in whom I trust, for not having been able to find the rightful place to which he is entitled.” - Live out Christ's truth despite the cost, Pontiff tells pilgrims (Dicastery for Communication)
During his August 17 Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo reflected on the opposition about which Christ spoke in the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 12:49-53). “Jesus uses strong images and great frankness to teach his disciples that his mission, and even that of his followers, is not a ‘bed of roses,’ but a ‘sign of contradiction,’” Pope Leo said to pilgrims and residents of Castel Gandolfo. “Being or doing good does not always receive a positive response.” “Acting in truth has its cost, because there are those in the world who choose lies, and the devil, who takes advantage of the situation, often seeks to block the actions of good people,” the Pope continued. “Jesus, however, invites us with his help not to give in and conform ourselves to this mentality, but to continue to act for our good and the good of all, even those who make us suffer.” - The proclamation of Christ must be the center of Church's social action: papal message to Church in Peru (Vatican Press Office)
In a message to participants in the Peruvian bishops’ 2025 Social Week, Pope Leo XIV recalled the example of Peruvian saints and wrote that “all social action of the Church must have as its center and goal the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.” Pope Leo, quoting a 1975 homily of Pope St. Paul VI, also wrote that “we must not depart from the Gospel, nor break the law of charity in order to seek, by ways of violence, a greater justice.” The Pope’s message was dated August 4; the Vatican released it on August 15, during the three-day Social Week (August 14-16). - Israel orders evacuation of Gaza parish (Vatican News)
The Israeli government has ordered the evacuation of the neighborhood that includes Gaza’s only Catholic parish. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family church, reports that the evacuation order covers “the entire neighborhood,” including the parish property, which has been hit twice in recent weeks by shelling. Israel plans to move all residents of the area to the southern part of Gaza. Father Romanelli questions: “Where can they find the space for all the inhabitants?” - 'Our victory over death begins here and now,' Pope preaches on feast of Assumption (Dicastery for Communication)
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the pontifical parish of Castel Gandolfo on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the first time since 2014 that a pope has celebrated Mass publicly on the feast of the Assumption. “Prior to being our final destiny, the Resurrection transforms—in soul and body—our dwelling on earth,” Pope Leo preached. “Mary’s song, Magnificat, strengthens the hope of the humble, the hungry, the faithful servants of God. These are the men and women of the Beatitudes.” The Pope concluded: Let us not be afraid to choose life! It may seem risky and imprudent. Many voices whisper: “Why bother? Let it go. Think of your own interests.” These are voices of death. But we are disciples of Christ. It is his love that drives us—soul and body—in our time. As individuals and as the Church, we no longer live for ourselves. This—and only this—spreads life and lets life prevail. Our victory over death begins here and now. - Jimmy Lai's health issues force trial postponement (Crux)
The Hong Kong trial of Jimmy Lai, the Catholic publisher and democracy activist, was postponed twice last week—first because of a typhoon warning, then because the defendant’s health. Lai, who has been jailed since 2020 on various charges connected with his role as a leader in the pro-democracy movement, now faces felony charges, under Hong Kong’s sweeping national-security law, of “collusion with a foreign state.” The 77-year-old convert to Catholicism, who declined to leave Hong Kong and chose to fight the legal charges, could face life imprisonment. The final phase of his trial was scheduled to open on Thursday, August 14, but was postponed because of an adverse weather forecast. On Friday, when his lawyers said that Lai was suffering heart palpitations, the trial was put off again. Closing arguments began on August 18. - Recalling Pius XII's words, Leo XIV entrusts prayers for peace to Mary (Dicastery for Communication)
Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for prayer for peace on August 15, and in doing so recalled words written by Venerable Pius XII when he solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption in 1950. “Today we wish to entrust our prayer for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven,” Pope Leo said. “As a Mother, she suffers for the evils that afflict her children, especially the little ones and the weak. So many times throughout the centuries, she has confirmed this through messages and apparitions.” “In proclaiming the dogma of the Assumption, while the tragic experience of the Second World War was still painfully present, Pius XII wrote, ‘We may hope that those who meditate upon the glorious example Mary offers us may be more and more convinced of the value of a human life,’” Pope Leo recalled. “He expressed the wish that never again might any ideology ‘ruin the lives of men by exciting discord among them.’” Pope Leo added: How timely these words remain! Even today, sadly, we feel powerless before the spread of violence in the world—a violence increasingly deaf and insensitive to any stirring of humanity. Yet we must not cease to hope: God is greater than the sin of human beings. We must not resign ourselves to the prevalence of the logic of conflict and of arms. With Mary, we believe that the Lord continues to come to the aid of his children, remembering his mercy. Only in this mercy can we return to the way of peace. - Look at Mary and rediscover hope, Pontiff says at Castel Gandolfo (Dicastery for Communication)
In his Angelus address on the feast of the Assumption, Pope Leo XIV said that “Mary, whom the risen Christ carried body and soul into glory, shines as an icon of hope for her pilgrim children throughout history.” Addressing residents and pilgrims in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo recalled Dante’s description of the Blessed Virgin Mary as “the living fountainhead of hope.” “Sisters and brothers, this truth of our faith is perfectly in line with the theme of the present Jubilee: ‘Pilgrims of hope,’” the Pope continued. “While we journey forward, as individuals, families and communities, especially when the clouds come and the road seems difficult and uncertain, let us lift our gaze, let us look at her, our Mother, and we will rediscover the hope that does not disappoint.” - New York archdiocese to unveil massive mural in cathedral (Art Daily)
The Archdiocese of New York has announced that the largest single work of art to grace St. Patrick’s cathedral—a painting that will cover three walls of the entrance vestibule—will be unveiled in September. The mural by Adam Cvijanovic, entitled What’s So Funny about Peace, Love, and Understanding, commemorates the appearance of Our Lady at Knock, Ireland, while including a number of prominent figures from the history of Catholicism in New York, including St. Francis Cabrini, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Pierre Toussaint, Dorothy Day, and Archbishop John Hughes, who began the construction of St. Patrick’s cathedral. - Papal tribute to St. Frances of Rome for her zeal, docility, commitment to Church's unity (Vatican News)
In an Italian-language message for the 600th anniversary of the oblation of St. Frances of Rome, Pope Leo XIV recalled her zeal, docility, and commitment to the Church’s unity. Quoting Pope Eugene IV (who reigned from 1431-47), Pope Leo wrote that “our society needs women” who are “passionate about the Gospel” and “fired by God’s zeal, eager to serve the Most High in a spirit of humility and, as far as their fragility allows, to imitate the apostolic life to win themselves for Christ and live in community and charity.” Pope Leo also quoted Pope St. John Paul II and described him as “another great pope.” Pope Leo addressed his message to the Oblate Sisters of Tor de’ Specchi in Rome, founded by St. Frances in 1433. - Alabama diocese places vicar general on leave after report of relationship (Pillar)
Father Robert Sullivan, a vicar general of the Birmingham diocese, has taken a leave of absence, following the publication of a report that he carried on a sexual relationship with a young woman beginning when she was 17. The Guardian reported that the priest continued the relationship for several years, providing the young woman with money and eventually persuading her to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The diocese has placed Father Sullivan on leave while the report is investigated. - Burn with 'fire' of God's love, Pope says at Mass and lunch with the poor (CNS)
On August 17, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Sunday Mass at the Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano (Italian homily) before dining with 110 poor and homeless persons at nearby Castel Gandolfo (video). “Let us not leave the Lord outside of our churches, our homes or our lives,” Pope Leo preached during Mass. “Rather, let us welcome him in the poor—and then we will make peace even with our own poverty, the kind we fear and deny when we seek comfort and security at all costs.” Referring to the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 12:49-53), the Pope also preached that the fire that Christ brings is “the fire of love—a love that stoops to serve, that responds to indifference with care and to arrogance with gentleness; the fire of goodness, which doesn’t cost like weapons do, but freely renews the world.” - Papal prayer for South Asian flood victims (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for victims of flooding that has left hundreds dead in three South Asian nations. “I am close to the peoples of Pakistan, India, and Nepal who have been struck by violent floods,” Pope Leo said on August 17. “I pray for the victims, for their families, and for all those who suffer because of this calamity.” - At Malawi's first national Eucharistic congress, delegates call for greater reverence (CWN)
The Church in the southeastern African nation of Malawi recently concluded its first national Eucharistic congress. - Pope answers questions on Trump-Putin summit, Gaza, Vatican diplomacy (Vatican News)
In response to questions from reporters who met him as he arrived at the papal summer residence on Castel Gandolfo on August 13, Pope Leo XIV spoke about his hope for a ceasefire in Ukraine and a humanitarian response to Gaza. Questioned about the scheduled summit meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, the Pontiff said: “We must always seek a ceasefire.” He asked, “after all this time, what is the purpose of war?” Regarding the Israeli plan to occupy Gaza, the Pope voiced serious concern. “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved,” he said. “We cannot go on like this.” Calling for the release of hostages, he added: “But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.” When asked about Vatican efforts to ease these crises, Pope Leo answered that “we are working hard, let’s say, on ‘soft diplomacy.’” He explained that the Vatican always seeks solutions through dialogue, “because these problems cannot be solved by war.” - Federal court revives campaign against LIttle Sisters of the Poor (Becket Fund)
A federal court in Pennsylvania has ruled that the Little Sisters of the Poor must provide abortion coverage in their health-care plans, reviving a legal dispute that has continued for fourteen years. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor in a related case, upholding a federal rule that exempted religious groups from the abortion-coverage mandate. But the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania have pursued the case, issuing new requirements, which the district court approved. The Little Sisters of the Poor have announced plans to appeal the decision, continue the legal battle. - Vatican Museums to perform 'extraordinary maintenance' on Michelangelo's Last Judgment (Finestre sull'Arte)
Paolo Violini, the head of the Vatican Museums’ restoration laboratory, said that “extraordinary maintenance” of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment will take place during the first three months of 2026. Violini, who cited the high number of visitors as the reason for the maintenance, also announced a five-year restoration of the Raphael Loggia of the Apostolic Palace. - Seek St. Maximilian Kolbe's intercession for peace, Pope Leo urges (CWN)
At the conclusion of his August 13 general audience, Pope Leo XIV addressed Polish-speaking pilgrims and upheld St. Maximilian Kolbe as an example and intercessor. - Ukrainian Catholic bishop says half of his parishes have been closed, occupied, or destroyed (Aid to the Church in Need)
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop of Donetsk said in an interview that “before the war, we had over 80 parishes, but more than half closed, are under occupation, or were destroyed.” Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, SDB said that the situation in his area is “increasingly worse. The drones make every place unsafe, including for civilians. Along the front line, some 18 miles from my territory, people leave their homes at night, in fear of being crushed to death, and go to sleep in the countryside by the lakes.” “What hurts most is seeing that the world remains silent while civilian areas are bombed and people are killed,” he added. “The only thing that gives us hope is that God is stronger than the evil we can find in the world.” - More...