In his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV began his series of catecheses on Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. He said that the Council's description of the Church's "pastoral character as constitutive...is not a question of naïve optimism, but rather a renewed fidelity to the Mystery of Christ who, by becoming incarnate, chooses to share our life: He made Himself 'like His brethren in every respect' (Hebrews 2:17; cf. 4:15) and took upon Himself the consequences of sin, dying 'as a ransom for all' (1 Timothy 2:6)." ...read more

On August 29, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, as well as liturgical Protestant communities, commemorate the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The Gospels of Mark (6:17-29) and Matthew (14:3-12) mention that the desert ascetic, baptist, and prophet was martyred on the orders of King Herod Antipas at the request of Herodias, his brother’s widow, and her daughter. ...read more

In his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV concluded his catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, Vatican II's Constitution on the Liturgy. Reflecting on the Council's fundamental principles for liturgical reform, he said that "through the Church’s ritual actions, whilst the memorial of the work of salvation is celebrated, the opportunity is provided to experience a true relationship with God, coming into contact with the salvific event. Since the gestures, the words of the sacred liturgy are critical to realizing this experience, the participation of the faithful cannot be passive." ...read more

At the heart of Paris stands the Sainte-Chapelle. a monument that bears witness both to the history of France and to the Christian faith. Built in the 13th century at the request of King Louis IX, it was intended to house precious relics of the Passion of Christ. Discovering its history also means discovering the story of a king whose reign profoundly shaped medieval France. ...read more

In his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, Vatican II's Constitution on the Liturgy. Reflecting on the highly important role of singing and music in the liturgy, he said that it "fosters communion. It contributes to the unity of hearts, overcoming differences between people and bringing everyone together in praise of God through the symphony of voices. Thus, it becomes an epiphany of the Church, a tangible manifestation of the communion that belongs to her very nature." ...read more

In this month of August, our Holy Father invites us to pray for evangelization in the city: That in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community. ...read more