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Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pope Leo XIV. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on Wednesday. Photo: Sputnik via Reuters
Ukraine war

Putin and Pope Leo discuss Ukraine war, as pontiff presses for peace

The Russian leader, however, claimed Kyiv was ‘betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out of acts of sabotage’ in his country.

Celebrity style

Why some royals wore white to Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass

China-Vatican relations

Pope Leo prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome

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Ukraine war

‘Inelegant?’ Russia casts doubt over Vatican as venue for Ukraine talks

Pope Leo had said the Vatican could act as a mediator in global conflicts, but Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said ‘many people are fantasising’ about meeting location.

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Pope Leo talks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Vatican on Sunday. Photo: via EPA-EFE
Middle East

Israeli strikes kill 82 in Gaza, amid outrage as aid fails to reach Palestinians

The strikes occur amid halted aid delivery as international pressure, including from the new pope, increases for Israel to ease its offensive.

United States

Vance gives Pope Leo an invitation from Trump to visit White House

The Chicago-born pope accepted the invitation letter and replied: ‘at some point’.

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Ukraine war

Trump says Russia and Ukraine to negotiate ceasefire ‘immediately’

US president also says conversation with Russian leader yielded agreement that Washington and Moscow pursue large-scale trade once war ends.

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US President Donald Trump (left) held a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss hopes for ceasefire progress in the Ukraine war. Photo: AFP

Video | Pope Leo speaks out for ‘martyred Ukraine’ at inaugural mass

In a prayer after the mass, Leo noted efforts to end the Ukraine war before holding a private audience with President Volodymyr Zelensky

Italy

Italy’s Meloni scores diplomatic ‘win’ by bringing US, EU to same table

Meloni said she was ‘very proud’ to host US Vice-President J.D. Vance and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to ‘start a dialogue’.

European Union

At inaugural mass, Pope Leo warns against exploiting nature, marginalising poor

In a prayer after the mass, Leo noted efforts to end the Ukraine war before holding a private audience with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

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Pope Leo, right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Sunday. Photo: Presidential Press Service / Handout / EPA-EFE
Ukraine war

Zelensky, Vance shake hands at Vatican after Oval Office row

Zelensky and Vance last met at the White House in February, in a meeting described as one of the worst diplomatic incidents in recent history.

US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive to the inaugural mass of the Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday. Photo: dpa
Religion

Opinion | Pope Leo stands as a counterpoint to Trump’s polarising leadership

Despite reservations about his US background, Leo’s ties to the Global South and support for the marginalised have won him global acceptance.

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Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Like popes, China’s emperors went by titles that reflected their legacy

How Chinese emperors’ titles, like papal ones, reflected their legacies and why their birth names were considered taboo during their reigns.

Pope Francis

J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio to attend Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass

Pope Leo had been critical of Trump and Vance before taking leadership of the global Roman Catholic Church.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance departs Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, in Ciampino, Italy on April 20, 2025. Photo: AFP
ATP

Pope Leo receives world No 1 Sinner at Vatican after pontiff’s tennis confession

Top-ranked player visits new leader of Catholic Church during off day at Italian Open, with offerings of tennis racquet and a little hit-out.

Pope Leo XIV declined when Jannik Sinner handed him a racquet and asked him to play during a private audience at the Vatican. Photo: dpa
Religion

Pope Leo offers to mediate between world leaders to end wars

Ending conflicts has been a dominant theme in Pope Leo’s addresses since he became pope last week.

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Chosen one: a visual guide to Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics

Explore our infographic on Leo XIV, the first American pope, and how he was elected as leader of the Catholic Church.

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Italy

Pope Leo urges release of reporters held for ‘seeking truth’ at Vatican gathering

During the pope’s first address, President Zelensky invited him to Ukraine, seeking hope amid conflict.

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Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Religion

Pope Leo XIV sees AI as main challenge for humanity, explains link to his name

The new pontiff then visited the tomb of Pope Francis and a sanctuary south of Rome on his first trip outside the Vatican.

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United States

From Villanova to the Vatican: American ‘Bob’ becomes Pope Leo XIV

The US university, steeped in Augustinian tradition, celebrated its first papal link – Cardinal Robert Prevost.

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Religion

New pope vows to bring light to world’s ‘dark nights’ after historic election

America’s first pope gives first homily after he was chosen as the successor to Pope Francis.

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Pope Leo XIV, centre, after holding mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. Photo: Vatican Media via AP
Religion

America’s first pope once leveled criticism at Trump and Vance. Maga is not amused

Robert Prevost - now Pope Leo - has proven unafraid to tackle prickly political issues on social media.

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Andrea Gallardo from Texas wears an American flag after Pope Leo appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Photo: AP
Catholic Church

What’s in a name? Pope Leo XIV’s choice signals commitment to social justice

Before his appointment as the new pontiff, Cardinal Robert Prevost was a fierce critic of Trump’s deportations and anti-immigrant policy.

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