Pope Leo XIV defends peace, pushes Vatican reforms amid global crises; long reign shaping Church’s stance on war, refugees, and abuse accountability.
Pope Leo XIV has publicly called for reflection among Christians involved in conflicts, amid ongoing tensions in Iran and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Bishop Emanuel Shaleta resigned after being charged with embezzlement and financial crimes, with allegations including visits to a Tijuana red-light district. The Vatican is investigating both cases.
On Palm Sunday 2026, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo from entering Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns due to ongoing conflict with Iran. This marked the first such restriction in centuries, sparking international criticism and diplomatic protests over religious freedom during Holy Week.
Spain's Holy Week processions continue across the country, with traditional roles for women and men. Controversy arose in Sagunto over excluding women, but many villages defend inclusive participation. The processions, deeply rooted in regional culture, involve elaborate floats and religious observances, with growing interest despite increasing secularism.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.
The pope has arrived in Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African tour, where he has denounced resource exploitation and social inequality. The visit occurs amid criticism of President Obiang's long-standing authoritarian rule and ongoing corruption, with the church's role intertwined with the government.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed a Mass for roughly 100,000 attendees in Mongomo and is visiting a Bata prison, urging Equatorial Guinea to pursue justice and bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged amid long-standing human rights concerns and economic inequality.
Pope Leo has pushed back after President Trump accused him of endorsing Irans nuclear armament, saying the Church has opposed nuclear weapons for years and asking worshippers to pray for governments to abandon violence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met and pledged to improve VaticanUS relations while stressing dialogue on Middle East and hemisphere issues.
Sabastian Sawe has become the first official marathoner to run 26.2 miles in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30 on April 26. The 31-year-old Kenyan athlete, who debuted in Valencia in 2024, has sparked reflections on faith and national sporting identity as celebrations spread across Kenya.
Four men have been convicted of terrorism over the 2022 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State. They face ultimate death by hanging on multiple counts, with a fifth defendant acquitted. The trial linked the suspects to an Al-Shabaab cell in central Nigeria.
Pope has urged the Catholic Church to listen, tell the truth, offer justice and repair as Spain advances a government-backed reparations program for clergy abuse. Survivors say they are left in the dark about meetings with the pope and critics warn the church’s secrecy around confession continues to shield abuse. Several former Opus Dei members sought audiences without success.
The pope has begun a weeklong visit in Madrid, greeted by Spain’s Catholic royalty. He is meeting abuse-survivor groups and addressing the parliament as part of a broader effort to connect with young Catholics and European audiences amid ongoing clergy-crisis discussions.