What's happened
Pope Leo celebrated New Year’s Day with Mass and prayer, marking the end of the 2025 Holy Year and emphasizing peace among nations and within families. He plans to convene a cardinals' meeting to seek counsel on church governance, reviving a tradition not often used by Pope Francis. The Holy Year drew millions to Rome.
What's behind the headline?
Pope Leo’s actions reflect a strategic move to reinforce traditional church authority amid a period of transition. His revival of the College of Cardinals’ meetings signals an intent to strengthen internal counsel and governance, contrasting with Pope Francis’ more informal approach. The emphasis on peace and the Holy Year’s success highlight the Vatican’s focus on spiritual leadership during a time of global instability. This approach may also serve to bolster the church’s relevance and unity, especially as it navigates internal and external challenges. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to project stability and continuity, positioning Leo as a unifying figure in a complex geopolitical landscape.
What the papers say
The New Arab, NY Post, The Independent, and SBS provided detailed coverage of Pope Leo’s New Year’s activities, Holy Year closure, and his diplomatic tone. The articles collectively highlight his focus on peace, tradition, and church unity, contrasting with recent papal shifts. The New Arab emphasizes his prayer for peace, while the NY Post and The Independent detail the Holy Year’s impact and the upcoming cardinals’ meeting. SBS offers insights into Leo’s first Christmas message, emphasizing his diplomatic style and concern for migrants and war-affected populations. These sources collectively portray a pope balancing tradition with contemporary issues, aiming to reinforce the church’s spiritual authority.
How we got here
The 2025 Holy Year, a rare event occurring every 25 years, was inaugurated by Pope Francis in December 2024 and concluded on January 6, 2026. It attracted millions of pilgrims to Rome, coinciding with significant church transitions, including the election of the first U.S. pope. Pope Leo, elected in May, has a diplomatic style and is focusing on unity and peace.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Did Pope Leo Say for the New Year and What’s Next for the Church?
Pope Leo marked the start of 2026 with a powerful message of peace and unity, closing the 2025 Holy Year that drew millions to Rome. As the church looks ahead, many wonder what the Pope’s words mean for global peace efforts and the future plans of the Catholic Church. Here are the key questions and answers about the Pope’s New Year message, the significance of the Holy Year ending, and what’s next for the church.
-
What Are the Main Global Conflicts Happening Right Now?
Staying informed about current international conflicts is crucial in understanding the world's political landscape. From ongoing protests and legal battles to military crashes and energy attacks, these events shape our global future. Below, explore the key questions about today's hotspots and what they mean for the world.
-
What Are the Key Global Events and Decisions Coming Up?
As the world faces ongoing conflicts, political shifts, and major international developments, it's natural to wonder what’s next. From leadership decisions to geopolitical tensions, understanding these events can help you stay informed. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions about upcoming global decisions and their potential impact.
More on these topics
-
Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy as well as the capital of the Lazio region. The city has been a major human settlement for over two millennia. With 2,860,009 residents in 1,285 km², it is also the country's most populated comune.
-
Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory