Pope Leo XIV celebrated an open-air Mass before about 1.2 million people in Madrid, where he praised Spain’s religious traditions and urged Catholics to serve the poor and forsaken. The visit is his first to an EU country outside Italy and the first papal trip to Spain in about 15 years.
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Pope Leo XIV began a weeklong visit to Spain by urging people to reject polarisation and defend peace. The trip includes a youth rally in Madrid, an address to parliament, a visit to the Sagrada Familia and a stop in the Canary Islands focused on migration.
Pope Leo XIV calls for disarming artificial intelligence and stronger ethical oversight in his new encyclical, warning that unchecked AI could diminish humanity and normalize conflict worldwide. The document urges responsible care and slower AI adoption to protect human dignity.
President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV have engaged in a public dispute over the U.S. war in Iran, with Trump criticizing the pope's calls for peace and the pope urging an end to violence. The conflict has divided opinions among Trump supporters and religious leaders about the roles of political and spiritual authority in war.
Pope Leo XIV rejects President Trump's accusations of weakness and poor foreign policy, reaffirming his commitment to peace rooted in the gospel. Trump criticized the pope's stance on crime and Iran, prompting a rare direct response from the pontiff during an African tour.
On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Reverend Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking the first time in centuries that the traditional Mass could not be held there, due to heightened security amid conflict between Israel and Iran. The move, justified by Israeli authorities as a safety measure against missile threats, sparked widespread international condemnation for infringing on religious freedoms and access to holy sites. In response to the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office pledged to facilitate worship for church leaders during the remainder of Easter week, highlighting the ongoing tension between security and religious rights in Jerusalem.
The Vatican has announced that a papal conclave will begin on May 7 to elect a successor to Pope Francis, following his funeral attended by world leaders and mourners. Over 100 cardinals under the age of 80 will participate in this traditional and structured process in the Sistine Chapel, reflecting the Catholic Church's commitment to continuity and stability. The conclave's outcome will determine the new pope, who will emerge to greet the faithful in St. Peter's Square, marking a significant moment for the church's future leadership.
The funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City was attended by a large gathering of dignitaries, religious leaders, and followers, highlighting his dedication to the poor and marginalized communities. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a homily emphasizing Pope Francis' message of "Build bridges, not walls," reflecting his commitment to fostering connections and peace. The ceremony underscored Pope Francis' legacy, particularly his advocacy for refugees and displaced persons, and served as a reminder of his enduring influence on global issues.