Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Christmas Mass as pontiff on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Square, drawing thousands of worshippers despite heavy rain. Around 5,000 people gathered outside the basilica to follow the ceremony on large screens, while another 6,000—including senior clergy and diplomats—attended inside. The 70-year-old American-born pope described Christmas as a celebration of faith, mercy, and hope, and criticized what he called a “distorted economy” that turns people into commodities.

Leo’s address avoided direct political commentary, focusing instead on spiritual reflection. His restrained tone contrasted with that of his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in April. The Mass included traditional hymns and rituals, such as placing the infant Jesus statue in a manger. Leo also revived an older tradition by scheduling a second Christmas Day prayer and the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the basilica balcony.

Earlier, the pope urged a global ceasefire for Christmas, lamenting Russia’s rejection of the appeal regarding Ukraine. The celebration also marked the conclusion of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, which brought millions of pilgrims to Rome.

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis’s death in May, has reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict. Speaking during an in-flight press conference on his first foreign trip from Turkey to Lebanon, the Pope said that while Israel currently rejects this approach, the Vatican continues to view the establishment of a Palestinian state as essential for lasting peace. His visit comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, adding significance to his remarks. During his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and discussed both the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, emphasizing Turkey’s potential role in promoting peace. He also condemned rising global violence in the name of religion and praised Turkey as an example of peaceful coexistence among different faiths.

The Vatican has issued new guidance reaffirming that Catholics should have only one spouse, emphasizing monogamy as central to a happy and faithful life. Approved by Pope Leo, the directive from the Church’s top theological office urges its 1.4 billion followers worldwide to commit to a single partner and avoid multiple sexual relationships. The statement criticizes the practice of polygamy, particularly prevalent among some Catholic communities in Africa, asserting that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman based on equality and mutual commitment. The document does not address same-sex marriage but highlights the 'beauty and sacredness' of traditional marriage. The guidance follows heated debates at Vatican conferences in 2023 and 2024, where bishops and cardinals discussed how to uphold Catholic teachings amid changing cultural norms. The Church reiterated that while marriage is indissoluble, annulments may be granted if a union was invalid, and no one should remain in abusive relationships.

In his first official address on Sunday, Pope Leo urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages. He also emphasized the need for a “genuine and lasting peace” in resolving the Ukraine crisis. Quoting his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo described the ongoing violence and conflicts as fragments of a “piecemeal World War III.” Welcoming the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, he said he prays for divine intervention to bring about miraculous global peace. Expressing deep sorrow over the war in Gaza, the Pope said, “No more war.” He also highlighted the suffering of the people of Ukraine and called for immediate humanitarian aid in Gaza, alongside the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

On the second day of the conclave, thick white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled the election of a new Pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States has been chosen and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Thousands of pilgrims erupted in applause at St. Peter’s Square as the chapel bells rang, officially ending the election process. Former U.S. President Trump called the historic election of an American pope a "great honor" for the nation.

Pope Francis is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs, the Vatican has confirmed. According to Al Jazeera, on Monday, a significant buildup of mucus in his lungs led to two episodes of severe respiratory distress. He also suffered from bronchospasms.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis issued a new statement on Monday, expressing concern over the repeated failures of international organizations in preventing wars. Since February 14, no photos or videos of the Pope have been released, marking one of the longest absences in his papacy.

Pope Francis’ health has deteriorated, with Vatican authorities confirming on Saturday (February 22) that his condition is now critical. The 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted to a hospital in Rome on February 14 for treatment of bronchitis and a medical evaluation. Further tests revealed pneumonia in both lungs, exacerbating his pre-existing asthma condition. As a result, his health has become increasingly fragile. The Vatican reports that the Pope remains conscious and alert, spending most of his time seated, but requires additional oxygen and blood circulation support. His platelet count has also dropped significantly. Amid growing concerns, discussions about a possible resignation have begun within the Church.

Pope Francis, aged 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last Friday due to health complications. Despite five days of continuous treatment, his condition remains unchanged. The Vatican stated that the Pope is facing a "complex clinical picture" and may need to stay in the hospital for several more days. However, they reassured that he remains in good spirits. Previously, his health issues had forced others to read his speeches on his behalf. Due to his condition, the Vatican has canceled his weekly Wednesday audience.