Vatican

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Vatican City

Catholics cannot be ‘unengaged spectators’ amid current events, pope says

At his Sept. 2 general audience, Pope Leo began a new series of reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution “Gaudium et Spes,” which examines the relationship between the Church and the modern world.

• The Assumption: Pope encourages reflection on Mary’s authentic beauty

  

  By JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES, OSV News
  Published August 17, 2026

  Christians are called to reflect Mary’s authentic beauty, revealed through a life of enduring love rather than worldly aesthetic standards, Pope Leo XIV said. Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption, the pope said the artistic depictions of a youthful Mary ascending to heaven stand in stark contrast to the reality of aging.

• Pope Leo XIV offers prayers, condolences as bishops urge solidarity following Colombia earthquake

  

  By JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES, OSV News
  Published August 11, 2026

  Pope Leo XIV said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction following a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia, leaving more than 100 dead and dozens of collapsed buildings.

• Pope Leo appeals for dialogue, diplomacy, prayers for just peace in Holy Land, Middle East

  

  By LINDA BORDONI, Vatican News/OSV News
  Published July 26, 2026

  Pope Leo XIV on July 26 renewed his urgent appeals for peace in the Holy Land and across the Middle East during his Angelus address in Castel Gandolfo, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence.