Tag: Pope Leo XIV

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Pope Leo XIV Turns 70: Balancing Tradition and Change in the Vatican

allycaralgoa

On Sunday, September 14, Pope Leo XIV celebrates his 70th birthday. Though he is a relative newcomer to the papal role, with only 132 days in office, his leadership has already sparked debate across the Catholic world.

Observers note that Leo differs from his predecessor, Pope Francis (2013–2025), in both style and approach. In August, he took extended retreats at Castel Gandolfo — a papal summer residence Francis avoided. His use of the ornate papal stole, a vestment rich with symbolism, has reinforced a more traditional image, drawing comparisons to Benedict XVI.

Leo is also preparing to move into the Apostolic Palace, the Vatican’s historic residence overlooking St. Peter’s Square, vacant since 2013 and extensively renovated for his arrival.

At the same time, Leo projects vitality and relatability. Stories from his former fitness trainer highlight his enthusiasm for sports, tennis, and his passion for the Chicago White Sox. Catholic theologian Benjamin Dahlke describes him as a “highly professional” leader, deliberate in speech and decision-making, much like an experienced executive.

While his appointment of bishops suggests a conservative leaning, Pope Leo has also shown openness to dialogue. He has voiced support for synodal processes that involve lay participation and even welcomed Fr. James Martin, SJ, a prominent LGBTQ+ Catholic pastor, to a private audience.

For many, it remains too early to predict the defining direction of Leo’s papacy. Yet his blend of tradition and openness hints at a leadership style both deeply rooted in heritage and attuned to the challenges of the modern Church.

As Pope Leo XIV turns 70, the Catholic world watches with keen interest to see how he will shape the future of the Church.

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Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Together in Historic Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Ordinary Public Consistory on Friday morning, where he formally confirmed the canonizations of eight Blesseds. Among them were Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two widely beloved figures whose lives—though lived in different centuries—embodied a vibrant, youthful witness to faith.

Originally, Acutis was scheduled to be canonized during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, while Frassati’s canonization was planned for August 3, the close of the Jubilee for Youth. Both events were postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, which left their canonization dates in question.

That uncertainty ended when Pope Leo XIV announced the decision to canonize both young men together on September 7. The celebration drew widespread global attention, especially from the young faithful who had long looked up to Acutis—the first saint of the twenty-first century—and Frassati, whose early 20th-century life of charity and activism had already earned him the nickname “The Man of the Beatitudes.”

The ceremony reflected the Church’s recognition of the enduring impact of youth saints who lived out their faith in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and skill in using technology for evangelization, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, celebrated for his joyful service to the poor and political engagement grounded in Gospel values, now stand together as saints for a new generation.

Pope Leo XIV also announced that seven more Blesseds would be canonized in October. Among them are Archbishop Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, martyred during the Armenian Genocide in 1915, and Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea who was executed in 1945 for continuing Christian ministry under Japanese occupation. To Rot will become the first saint from Papua New Guinea.

Other future saints include Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles, founder of the Servants of Jesus in Venezuela; and Maria Troncatti, a missionary with the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians.

Two laymen were also approved for canonization: Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist who became a devout Catholic and established the Marian Shrine at Pompeii, and Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, a Venezuelan physician known for his generous service to the poor.

Together, these canonizations reflect Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to honoring a wide range of vocations and testimonies of faith—across eras, cultures, and walks of life.

International

Pope Leo XIV to Canonise Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Vatican City | August 27, 2025: The Catholic Church is preparing to welcome two modern heroes of faith into sainthood. Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially canonised by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony on September 7, 2025 at the Vatican.

The announcement was originally made by Pope Francis, but the canonisation ceremony was postponed due to his passing. Now, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising these holy young men for their exceptional lives of virtue and service.

Carlos Acutis (1991–2006)
 Often called the “Saint of the Internet,” Carlos Acutis was a teenage tech genius who used his skills to create a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite his young age, Carlos lived a life of profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and frequently said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

He died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
 Known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio Frassati was a charismatic, athletic, and deeply spiritual youth who dedicated his life to social justice, charity, and helping the poor. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived his faith not in a monastery but among the people — often using his own resources to feed the hungry and care for the sick.

He passed away at the age of 24, after contracting polio, likely from one of the poor people he was serving.

Their canonisation is especially significant in today’s age. It sends a powerful message: Holiness isn’t just for the cloistered — it’s possible in everyday life, through technology, activism, education, and service.

Their lives speak directly to the youth of the 21st century, making sainthood relatable, attainable, and real.

📍 Canonisation Date & Details

  • Event: Canonisation of Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
  • Presiding Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV
  • Expected Attendance: Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world

The Vatican is preparing for an event of great spiritual significance and international interest.

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Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

August 22, 2025 — In a heartfelt and urgent call for global unity, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has invited the entire Universal Church to dedicate Friday, August 22 — the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary — as a solemn day of prayer, fasting, and penance for world peace.

Responding to this call, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has extended the invitation to all the faithful, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill across India.

“Our world is currently grappling with the devastating effects of war, violence, and hatred,” said CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. “The cries of the poor and the innocent rise unceasingly.”

He continued, “As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, the Holy Father has asked us to pray and fast with intention and urgency. On behalf of the CBCI, I request every parish and religious community to organize at least one hour of Eucharistic Adoration, praying for peace and reconciliation among all nations.”

Additionally, families are encouraged to pray the Holy Rosary together, entrusting their hopes and prayers to Mary, Queen of Peace, whose intercession remains powerful and timeless.

This day of spiritual solidarity comes at a time when conflict and division continue to afflict many regions across the globe. In coming together in prayer and fasting, the Church hopes to invoke healing, understanding, and unity.

The CBCI’s appeal transcends religious lines, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in this collective intention for peace.

International

PHLPost Releases Commemorative Stamp Honoring Pope Leo XIV

Tanisha Cardozo

📬✨ In a heartfelt tribute to the Catholic faith and its enduring influence, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has unveiled a special commemorative stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV.

Priced at ₱17, the stamp features a dignified portrait of the pontiff set against the backdrop of symbols representing his papacy — offering both visual elegance and spiritual resonance. Only 10,000 copies have been printed, making this release a limited-edition treasure for philatelists, history buffs, and the devout.

🕊️ According to PHLPost, the move underscores its commitment to “preserve history, culture, and faith through philately,” the cherished tradition of stamp collecting. With papal-themed stamps consistently ranking among the most sought-after in the world, this release is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and faithful globally.

More than a collector’s item, the Pope Leo XIV stamp is a symbol of reverence, a nod to the role of the Catholic Church in shaping both Philippine and global history. PHLPost’s initiative not only celebrates a religious figure but also reinforces the relevance of stamps as cultural artifacts in the digital age.

🖼️ With fine detail and rich symbolism, the stamp becomes both a work of art and a piece of spiritual heritage — blending Filipino creativity with timeless devotion.

Whether you’re a devoted collector or a casual enthusiast, this latest release from PHLPost is a meaningful reminder of how faith and tradition can be beautifully preserved — one stamp at a time.