Pope

In Madrid, Pope calls for compassion towards 'every human being'

The pope also expressed hope earlier that Madrid would "remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by genuine human values."

|ByREUTERS
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.
A delegation of Chicago faith leaders meet with Pope Leo XIV on May 28, 2026.

Chicago rabbi gifts Pope Leo XIV a White Sox kippah during Vatican visit

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a native of Chicago’s South Side, repeatedly advocated after his selection last year for the release of the Israeli hostages.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Fuzzy security footage showing thief running with skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, May 13, 2026.

Czech police hunting for thief who stole medieval saint's skull from church

In its statement, police have urged the public to reach out with any information that may aid them in locating the thief and the skull.

|ByREUTERS, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Pope Leo XIV speaks as he attends a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in Luanda, Angola, April 18, 2026.

Pope Leo denies targeting Trump, says comments misread during Africa tour

That speech, said Leo, "was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting."

|ByREUTERS

Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire in Easter address

Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war.

MARCH 31, 2024ByREUTERS
Pope Francis looks on from a balcony, on the day he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican March 31, 2024.

'War is always a defeat': Pope calls to end wars in Gaza, Ukraine

"We should never forget that war is always a defeat," Pope Francis said.

MARCH 20, 2024ByREUTERS
Pope Francis reacts during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 20, 2024.

My Word: White flags, red flags, giving in, and giving up - opinion

The pope is not alone in confusing white flags with white smoke while the world burns.

MARCH 15, 2024ByLIAT COLLINS
POPE FRANCIS leaves after the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on Wednesday

Pope sees 'hypocrisy' in those who criticize LGBT blessings

He also stressed that such blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions.

FEBRUARY 7, 2024ByREUTERS
Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, November 4, 2023

Pope says Africans are 'special case' when it comes to LGBT blessings

Blessings were allowed last month in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which has caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church.

JANUARY 29, 2024ByREUTERS
Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope 'colluding with forces of evil' against Jews, South Africa's chief rabbi says

Defending Israel's right to self-defense, Chief Rabbi of South Africa Dr. Warren Goldstein accused the Pope of "primitive pacifism."

DECEMBER 19, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
(L-R) South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Pope Francis

Pope Francis deplores Israeli killings of civilians at Gaza church

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.

DECEMBER 17, 2023ByREUTERS
Pope Francis leads an ecumenical prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, September 30, 2023.

Pope deplores end of Israeli-Hamas truce, calls for new ceasefire

"Many hostages have been freed but many are still in Gaza. We think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing their loved ones again."

DECEMBER 3, 2023ByREUTERS
Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope says conflict between Israel and Hamas has gone beyond war to 'terrorism'

The Pope asked for prayers so that both sides would "not go ahead with passions, which in the end, kill everyone".

NOVEMBER 22, 2023ByREUTERS
Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.

Pope Francis to meet with Gaza hostages' families

The Vatican has been vocal in calling for the release of all hostages as well as a ceasefire.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023ByREUTERS
Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, November 4, 2023