Overview
- The Vatican, which hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, said the talks were heartfelt and renewed a shared pledge to keep strong Holy See–U.S. relations.
- Leo XIV celebrated his first anniversary on Friday in Pompeii, urging prayers for peace before thousands and warning that wars and an arms-driven economy endanger human life.
- After new attacks from President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the pope replied that the Church rejects nuclear weapons and said critics should stick to the truth about his call for dialogue.
- His first encyclical is expected in the coming days, with reporting pointing to a focus on artificial intelligence, the crisis of international law, and today’s social questions.
- Inside the Church he has slowed contentious changes, declining formal blessings for same‑sex couples for now, while German bishops praised his steady focus on peace and the poor.