All posts tagged: Leos

Pope Leo’s delicate task in Equatorial Guinea: Bless the faithful, not the regime

Pope Leo’s delicate task in Equatorial Guinea: Bless the faithful, not the regime

Published by Sam Flores

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday morning (April 21), greeted by cheering crowds and a Catholic Church that sees his visit as both a spiritual embrace and a moment for national reflection. “This visit is like a sign that God has not forgotten His people,” said Malabo Archbishop Juan Nsue Edjang Mayé, ahead of the pope’s arrival. “It brings encouragement not only to Catholics, but to the whole nation, especially in times that call for unity and hope.” The pontiff landed in Malabo after concluding his visit to Angola, marking the final leg of a multicountry African tour that has consistently emphasized peace, accountability and the moral responsibilities of leadership. Observers say the pope’s visit comes at a sensitive moment in Equatorial Guinea, as growing economic pressures and long-standing governance concerns continue to shape daily life for many citizens. The Vatican has indicated that Pope Leo will address these issues during his visit. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope is expected to speak about corruption, governance …

Pope Leo’s Cameroon visit rekindles fragile hopes for peace in a nation scarred by conflict

Pope Leo’s Cameroon visit rekindles fragile hopes for peace in a nation scarred by conflict

Published by Sam Flores

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday afternoon (April 15) to jubilant crowds, stepping into a country where many see his visit as far more than a pastoral journey. For thousands of Cameroonians, especially in the English-speaking northwest, which has seen violent conflict for a decade, the pope’s presence carries the weight of something deeper: the possibility that a nation wounded by years of violence might begin, however cautiously, to imagine peace again. The apostolic visit spanning four days, part of the pontiff’s first major African tour, comes at a rare moment. Ahead of his arrival, separatist groups operating in the northwest and southwest regions announced a three-day ceasefire to allow safe passage for pilgrims and civilians traveling to papal events in Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala. RELATED: Pope Leo arrives in Africa with message of peace, unity amid global tensions For residents who have lived for nearly 10 years under the sound of gunfire, roadblocks and fear amid the ongoing violent conflict, even a brief silence has become symbolic. Since …

Pope Leo’s first Easter speech is message of peace to world at war

Pope Leo’s first Easter speech is message of peace to world at war

Published by Sam Flores

ROME — Pope Leo XIV used his first Easter speech Sunday to deliver a resounding call for peace in times of renewed war, declaring, “Let those who have weapons lay them down!” “Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!” Leo said. “Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them! We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people.” Source link

As first Easter of Leo’s papacy approaches, his priorities come into sharper focus

As first Easter of Leo’s papacy approaches, his priorities come into sharper focus

Published by Sam Flores

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Almost one year after Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter, Pope Leo XIV is approaching his first celebration of the feast as pontiff — a moment that offers a more defining glimpse into a papacy focused on unity, peace and social justice. While Leo’s first year has largely implied continuity with Francis, analysis of his leadership style highlights his willingness to empower clergy and delegate authority. On Holy Thursday (April 2), which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, Leo departed from one of Francis’ most symbolic gestures. In past years, Francis used the washing of the feet ceremony to highlight marginalized groups — including prisoners, migrants and women — underscoring his outreach to those living on the peripheries of society. This year, though, Leo washed the feet of 12 priests from the Diocese of Rome at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. The move reflects both a return to tradition — Benedict XVI, who was succeeded by Francis, was the last pope to wash the …

Harry Styles Says Why He Was at Pope Leo’s Conclave Election

Harry Styles Says Why He Was at Pope Leo’s Conclave Election

Published by Daniella Wilson

Harry Styles is finally opening up about why he was at the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV‘s 2025 conclave election. In May, Styles was spotted by fans in Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican in photos circulating online. The Hollywood Reporter later confirmed he was in attendance. Now, seven months later, the Grammy winner has addressed the moment, recently telling BBC Radio 1 and when the topic came up, he mentioned how he ended up witnessing the historic event — and revealed it wasn’t intentional. “I was getting a haircut in Rome,” Styles said. “I heard all these people start shouting, ‘Habemus papam! Habemus papam!’ People are just running down the street. So the guy cutting my hair stopped cutting my hair, and he was like, ‘Habemus papam! There’s a new pope!’” The “Watermelon Sugar” singer continued, “So then he finished up, and I was like, ‘I’m a five-minute walk from there,’ so I walked over there. It was wild.” The moment came shortly after Pope Francis’ death in April 2025 at the age of …