Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque town near Rome, has long been a summer retreat for popes. For centuries, it offered a cooler escape from the Roman heat. Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI spent months there, balancing rest and work. But Pope Francis broke the tradition. In 2013, he visited only three times and never returned. This decision left locals feeling abandon...
Pope Leo XIV made his way to a well-known Marian shrine near Rome. This wasn't just a casual visit. He had a strong desire to go there early in his new role. The shrine is in Genazzano, about an hour east of the city. It's home to an old image of the Virgin Mary. This image holds special meaning for the Order of St. Augustine, who run the place. The shrine is more t...
Pope Leo XIV has made his debut speech to the College of Cardinals. He has big plans for the Church. He wants to blend old values with new tech. He is not just talking about the past. He is looking ahead. He wants the Church to be ready for the future. He wants to protect the vulnerable. He wants to use the Church's teachings to guide them through the digital age. T...
The Vatican is buzzing with anticipation, but no new pope has been chosen yet. The cardinals, who are responsible for electing the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, have been locked away in the Sistine Chapel. They are voting in secret, with no communication allowed with the outside world. This means no phones, no internet, and definitely no leaks. Breaking th...
In 2014, Pope Francis toured Bethlehem in the West Bank. He used a special white vehicle, a popemobile, for his journey. This vehicle was not just any car. It was made just for his visit. Now, this same vehicle is getting a new life. It will become a mobile health clinic. The goal is to help sick and hurt Palestinian kids in the Gaza Strip. This idea got the blessing...
The upcoming conclave to choose the next pope is not just about picking a new leader. It is a battle over where the Church's power should lie. The Church is growing rapidly, especially in Africa and Asia. This growth is challenging the traditional power base in Rome. The previous pope made significant changes to the Church's structure. He appointed many cardinals fro...
The internet was buzzing with reactions after former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope. This happened just 11 days after the passing of Pope Francis. The image, which appeared on Trump's Truth Social platform, showed him in full papal attire, complete with a mitre and a large crucifix. The timing of the post was parti...
The Vatican is about to make a big choice. Cardinals from all over the world are gathering in Rome to pick the next pope. It is easy to think that they will split into typical left and right groups, just like in many countries' politics. Many church leaders who are more traditional had disagreements with Pope Francis. He was often praised by people who lean toward...
The College of Cardinals met for the sixth time on a Tuesday morning. This gathering was special because it was just days before the big election on May 7. The meeting started with a prayer and a thoughtful talk by Abbot Donato Ogliari. Over 180 cardinals were there, with more than 120 of them having the power to vote. Two cardinals won't be able to vote due to heal...
The Catholic Church is gearing up for a significant event. The Vatican has set May 7 as the starting date for the conclave, where cardinals will elect the new leader for the world's 1. 4 billion Catholics. This decision came after a series of closed-door meetings, known as general congregations, where cardinals discussed important church matters and prepared for the ...