Just what does it mean to be named a 'chaplain of His Holiness'?

Father Fermín González Melado, who was recently named a "chaplain of His Holiness" by Pope Leo XIV, explains the qualifications and purpose of bestowing this honorary title.

Pope Leo to mark start of Lent with historic procession on ancient Roman hill

Pope Leo XIV will preside over the traditional Ash Wednesday procession and Mass on Feb. 18 on Rome's Aventine Hill, an important place of Christian pilgrimage for more than 1,500 years.

Catholic bishop calls on Bangladesh's new leaders to protect minorities

A Catholic bishop calls on Bangladesh's newly elected government to protect minority rights after the BNP's landslide victory in the country's first election since the 2024 uprising.

European Parliament votes to condemn Turkey's expulsion of Christian workers

The near-unanimous resolution calls on Ankara to respect religious freedom and allow expelled Christian workers to return.

ICE must allow Communion, distribution of ashes at Illinois processing facility, judge says

Clergy had argued they "have lost their own religious freedom, by blanket denial of any opportunity to provide spiritual consolation."

Historic murals in Iraq emerge from the ruins of ISIS destruction

Restoration work is progressing rapidly on two 13th-century historic mural reliefs at the ancient Mar Behnam and Sarah Monastery.

The Good Maharaja who sheltered Polish children during World War II

During World War II, the unexpected intervention of the Maharaja of Nawanagar, known as "the Good Maharaja," provided hundreds of Polish children a home at his personal estate in India.

Pope Leo XIV prays for Madagascar after twin cyclones

In his catechesis before the Angelus, Leo said Jesus fulfills the Law by calling Christians beyond minimal righteousness to great love.

'It was the best thing I've ever done': Abuse victim details papal meeting

David Ryan, a 61-year-old Irishman who suffered sexual abuse as a teenager, shared his story face-to-face with Pope Leo XIV, the first time the pope met with a victim individually.

Pope Leo XIV, in first Roman parish visit, calls for 'disarming' meekness

The pontiff urged "coherence between faith and life" and persistent prayer for peace.