Vatican

OSV News photo/Reo Casilli, Reuters

Italy

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

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.

• Pope Leo shares meal with vulnerable guests at Castel Gandolfo

  

  By PAULINA GUZIK, OSV News
  Published July 14, 2026

  Under the Italian sun of Lake Albano and the shade of Castel Gandolfo’s Borgo Laudato si’ trees, Pope Leo XIV enjoyed lunch with people experiencing social vulnerability. Around 200 people from the Diocese of Rome took part in the event on July 11.

• Vatican declares SSPX in schism

  

  By PAULINA GUSIK, OSV News
  Published July 2, 2026

  The Vatican has declared the Society of St. Pius X to be “in schism” after the traditionalist group consecrated four bishops without the papal mandate.

• Eucharist transforms believers into Christ’s body and counters division, pope says

  

  By JOSEPHINE PETERSON, Catholic News Service
  Published June 24, 2026

  Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience,