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5 Insights from Pope’s Lenten retreat that we all need today

As Bishop Erik Varden preaches this year’s Lenten retreat to Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, he has turned repeatedly to the searching wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Across several meditations — on idealism, freedom, truth, and even ecclesial failure — one thread stands out: conversion is concrete. It reshapes how we think, Read More…

5 Insights from Pope’s Lenten retreat that we all need today

Indian “Padre Pio” proclaimed venerable by Pope Leo XIV

On February 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV is declaring Servant of God Fr. Theopane (born Michael Koodalloor) “venerable.” This means that the Vatican has reviewed his life and has confirmed that Fr. Theopane led a life of heroic virtue. It is the next step in his cause of canonization. Once two miracles Read More…

Indian “Padre Pio” proclaimed venerable by Pope Leo XIV

German bishops elect new leader amid ongoing tensions

Bishop Heiner Wilmer of Hildesheim was elected president of the German Bishops’ Conference at the assembly in Würzburg on February 24, 2026. His predecessor, Bishop Georg Bätzing, had been in office since 2020 and was one of the main architects of the “German Synodal Path.” The 64-year-old bishop is originally from Lower Saxony, on the Read More…

German bishops elect new leader amid ongoing tensions

Leo XIV’s letter to an atheist in search of God

Since February 22, Pope Leo XIV has been participating in the traditional Lenten retreat at the Vatican with the main leaders of the Curia. It’s a time of silence, meditation, and introspection during which the Pope withdraws from public and media life. On Tuesday, February 24, however, Piazza San Pietro, the monthly magazine of St. Read More…

Leo XIV’s letter to an atheist in search of God

It’s time to change how we do immigration, bishops say

Eighteen Catholic bishops issued a strong call for reforms to immigration policy on February 24, hours before President Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term. These bishops primarily represent border dioceses across the U.S. Southwest and California. Their statement included a kind of “wish list” of specific immigration policy changes that Read More…

It’s time to change how we do immigration, bishops say

The father’s love behind Kevin James’ extraordinary fast

Actor Kevin James is best known for making audiences laugh. For years, he has built a career on humor, warmth, and an unmistakable everyman charm, whether in sitcoms, films, or stand-up routines. Yet one of the most revealing stories he has shared about his life has nothing to do with entertainment and everything to do Read More…

The father’s love behind Kevin James’ extraordinary fast

The miracle that brought a Costa Rican artist to the Vatican

Paula en el Bosque is a Catholic artist whose works have made it to the Vatican. Her creative trajectory began when she was a child, without imagining how far her journey would take her. Last December, she exhibited a “pro-life” Nativity scene during Christmas: a historic moment. Aleteia had the opportunity to hear the testimony Read More…

The miracle that brought a Costa Rican artist to the Vatican

The unexpected benefits of being retired when Lent arrives

Retirement is often imagined as a season of abundant free time, long mornings, and leisurely afternoons. Many retirees, of course, know better. Days quickly fill with school runs for grandchildren, volunteer commitments, appointments, travel, half-finished projects, and the curious discovery that life does not, in fact, slow down quite as dramatically as promised. And yet, Read More…

The unexpected benefits of being retired when Lent arrives

Dates for 3 international Pope Leo trips in 2026

The Vatican press office officially announced on February 25, 2026, the dates of three upcoming international trips of Pope Leo XIV. The Pope will first travel to Monaco on March 28, his first European destination outside of Italy. He will then undertake a tour of four African countries from April 13 to 23. This trip Read More…

Dates for 3 international Pope Leo trips in 2026

Leo XIV has a history of governing with a firm hand

“Leo XIV is taking his time”; “Will he be able to act decisively?” “Will he be able to take a stand?” … These murmurs are heard in the Vatican — and beyond — whenever a new Successor of Peter takes on the role. Between the lines, some criticize the pope for “procrastinating” on decisions, or Read More…

Leo XIV has a history of governing with a firm hand