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Pope Leo Closes Holy Year, Calls for Compassion Toward Foreigners

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Pope Leo on Tuesday formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging Christians around the world to show greater kindness to those in need, especially foreigners and migrants. Speaking at a Vatican ceremony, he reflected on the record 33.5 million pilgrims who visited Rome during the jubilee, calling on them to recognise humanity in strangers rather than viewing people as commodities.

Highlighting themes that have defined the early months of his papacy, Leo criticised what he described as a distorted global economy that seeks to profit from everything, including human movement and aspiration. Dressed in gold-trimmed vestments, the pope shut the bronze Holy Door at 9:41 a.m., officially ending the jubilee year, which traditionally symbolises peace, forgiveness and renewal for Catholics.

The 2025 Holy Year was notable as a rare historical event, having been opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, following Francis’ death in April after 12 years as pontiff. Vatican officials said pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, led by Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland. The next jubilee is not expected before 2033, when the Church may mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

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Pope Leo Voices Sadness Over Russia’s Rejection of Christmas Ceasefire

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Pope Leo has expressed deep sadness over Russia’s refusal to agree to a Christmas ceasefire in its nearly four-year-long war with Ukraine. Speaking to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the pontiff said the decision was particularly disheartening given the symbolic importance of Christmas as a time for peace and reflection.

The Pope appealed once again to global leaders and “people of good will” to respect at least Christmas Day as a pause in hostilities. He urged all sides involved in conflicts to consider a temporary ceasefire, even if only for 24 hours, as a gesture of humanity and compassion during the Christian holy period.

Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, said he hoped his renewed appeal would be heard and lead to a brief moment of peace, not only in Ukraine but across the world. His comments come amid continued fighting and international calls for restraint during the festive season.

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Vatican Commission Rules Out Women Serving as Catholic Deacons

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A high-level Vatican commission has voted against allowing women to serve as Catholic deacons, upholding the Church’s tradition of all-male clergy. The decision came in a 7-1 vote and was reported to Pope Leo, with the findings released publicly on Thursday. While the commission ruled out the possibility at this time, it recommended continued study of the issue.

The report stated that historical research and theological investigations “exclude the possibility” of ordaining women as deacons for now. However, it noted that its assessment does not allow a definitive judgment to be made, leaving room for future consideration. Pope Francis had previously set up two commissions to explore the role of women deacons, although the discussions were held in secrecy until now.

While women cannot serve as priests under Church law—a ban formalized by Pope John Paul II in 1994—the question of female deacons has remained open. Supporters cite early Church history, including references to Phoebe in St. Paul’s letters, as evidence that women once held the role. Advocates continue to push for broader inclusion within Church ministries.

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Pope Leo Urges U.S. Youth: Use AI Wisely, Not for Homework

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Pope Leo has advised American students to avoid using artificial intelligence to complete their homework, saying it should be used as a tool for personal growth rather than a shortcut. Speaking via live video from the Vatican to about 15,000 young people gathered at a Catholic youth conference in Indianapolis, the pope said AI is rapidly becoming a defining force in society, but should be used responsibly and in ways that build knowledge, not replace effort.

In the 40-minute dialogue, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — answered questions about faith, friendships, and personal development. He urged the young audience to make real connections and rely on human relationships over digital replacements.

Pope Leo also briefly touched on U.S. politics, reiterating his call for compassion in immigration debates. Criticizing divisive rhetoric, he emphasized that Christians should be “bridge builders rather than wall builders” and reminded listeners that the Church is not bound to any political party but is meant to guide conscience and promote wisdom and love.

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Vatican Clarifies: Salvation Came Through Jesus, Not Mary

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The Vatican has issued a new decree reaffirming that Jesus Christ alone redeemed humanity, directing Catholics to stop referring to the Virgin Mary as “co-redeemer.” Approved by Pope Leo, the decision closes a long-standing theological debate that has divided Church scholars and even recent popes over Mary’s role in salvation. The doctrinal office warned that the title could cause confusion and disrupt core Christian teachings.

While the Catholic Church continues to honor Mary as the Mother of God and an important spiritual intercessor, the instruction emphasizes that she did not participate directly in saving the world from sin. The document notes that by giving birth to Jesus, she played a vital part in God’s plan, but redemption remains solely the work of Christ through his crucifixion and resurrection.

The decree also reflects the stance taken by both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, who had opposed the “co-redeemer” title, unlike Pope John Paul II who once supported it before later stepping away from its use. Citing the Gospel, the Vatican recalls Mary’s humble response to becoming the mother of Jesus — “Let it be” — highlighting her faith and obedience without attributing to her a salvific role equal to Christ.

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Vatican Expresses Sadness Over Olympic Ceremony Skit Mimicking the ‘Last Supper’

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The Vatican expressed its sadness regarding a skit from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that appeared to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” In a rare evening press release issued in French, the Holy See stated, “The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices raised in recent days to deplore the offence done to many Christians and believers of other religions.”

The segment from the July 26 ceremony depicted a scene resembling the biblical moment of Jesus Christ and his apostles at their final meal before the crucifixion, featuring drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked performer portraying the Greek god of wine, Dionysus.

Organizers of Paris 2024 issued an apology two days later, clarifying that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. The artistic director of the segment explained that it was not inspired by the Christian Last Supper but rather a pagan feast associated with the historical Olympics.

The Vatican emphasized that in a prestigious event that unites the world around shared values, there should be no references that ridicule the religious beliefs of many. “Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others,” they stated.

The Vatican did not specify why it took over a week to issue its statement following the opening ceremony. On August 1, Pope Francis spoke on the phone with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, during which they reportedly discussed the Paris event. While the Vatican later confirmed the call took place, it did not provide details on the content of their discussion.

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Pope meets Jimmy Fallon and 105 other comics at Vatican

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Pope Francis recently met with over 100 comedians from around the world, including notable figures like Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, and Whoopi Goldberg, at the Vatican in Rome. The Pope highlighted the unique ability of comedians to “spread serenity and smiles” in a world filled with “many social and personal emergencies.” He emphasized that laughter is contagious and unites people.

During the event, held just hours before the Pope’s expected arrival in Puglia for the G7 summit, he praised the comedians’ talent for making people laugh. He noted that it’s possible to joke about God without offending religious sentiments, stating, “You can also laugh at God, of course, and that’s not blasphemy.”

According to US media reports, Jimmy Fallon entertained the crowd before the event began but was quickly asked to sit as the Pope was about to enter. Other notable attendees included Chris Rock, Silvio Orlando from Italy, British comedian Stephen Merchant, Whoopi Goldberg, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

This cultural gathering marked a prelude to the Pope’s participation in the G7 summit, a first for the leader of the Catholic Church. At the summit, the 87-year-old pontiff plans to call for global regulation of AI, citing its potential threats to ethics and human rights.

In his address to the comedians, Pope Francis acknowledged the current global climate of conflict-laden communication and commended the comedians for their ability to bridge diverse realities. “How much we need to learn from you,” he remarked. After the audience, the Pope briefly interacted with each comedian, though some conversations were hampered by language barriers. Conan O’Brien humorously noted that his interaction was brief and in Italian, leaving him unsure of what was said but still enjoying the experience.

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Pope allegedly used derogatory term for gay people

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Pope Francis reportedly made derogatory remarks during a private meeting with the Italian Bishops’ Conference, expressing opposition to allowing gay men to train for the priesthood even if they remained celibate. The reported comments, conveyed by various Italian news agencies, have sparked shock and concern, especially given the Pope’s previous public statements advocating respect for gay individuals.

While some supporters viewed him as changing the Church’s tone towards LGBTQ+ issues, the reported remarks suggest a different stance. Despite speculation that he might eventually permit celibate gay men to enter the priesthood, the Pope’s reported comments seem to refute this possibility.

Some defenders suggest the Pope may have unintentionally caused offense due to his limited proficiency in Italian colloquialisms, despite his upbringing in an Italian-speaking household. Reports also claim the Pope advocated for the expulsion of gay individuals from seminaries, regardless of whether they acted on their sexual orientation.

As of now, the Vatican has not issued a statement regarding the incident.

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Vatican stands firm on social issues like sex change and surrogacy

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The Vatican, led by Pope Francis, has reaffirmed its strong opposition to various issues including sex changes, gender theory, surrogate parenthood, abortion, and euthanasia in a document named “Dignitas Infinita” (Infinite Dignity). Alongside these, it also highlights concerns regarding poverty, migration, and human trafficking, seeing them as threats to human dignity.

Criticism towards Pope Francis comes from both conservative and liberal factions within the Catholic Church. While some conservatives accuse him of straying too far from traditional teachings, liberals argue that he hasn’t pushed the Church enough towards evolution on these matters.

In 2023, Pope Francis made statements allowing transgender individuals to be baptized in the Catholic Church under certain conditions and permitted priests to bless same-sex couples in specific circumstances, though maintaining the traditional view of marriage. He also tasked Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, a close associate, with examining modern societal challenges.

Cardinal Fernández faced backlash for a book he authored in the late 1990s, which delved into human sexuality in detail. Despite these controversies, Pope Francis has shown openness on certain issues like same-sex unions and women’s roles in the Church.

However, the Pope remains steadfast in his opposition to surrogacy and gender theory, condemning them as morally wrong. The recent declaration, Dignitas Infinita, denounces abortion as a severe moral crisis and surrogacy as harmful to both women and children, emphasizing the sanctity of one’s birth sex.

Pope Francis’s stance underscores the complexity of his beliefs, defying simple labels of “progressive” or “conservative.” Despite his advanced age, as indicated in his autobiography, he has no plans to retire and intends to continue serving as Pope indefinitely.

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Ukraine criticises Pope’s ‘white flag’ comment

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Ukraine has firmly rejected Pope Francis’ suggestion for Kyiv to negotiate an end to its conflict with Russia and to “raise the white flag.” The country’s foreign minister emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to its blue and yellow flag, stating they would never raise any other flag. President Zelensky dismissed the Pope’s remarks as “virtual mediation,” while a Vatican spokesman clarified that the Pope was advocating for negotiation rather than capitulation.

The Pope’s comments, made in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI and set to air on March 20, sparked widespread criticism. President Zelensky praised Ukrainian chaplains on the frontline but did not directly address the Pope’s statement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s allegiance to its flag, while the country’s ambassador to the Vatican compared the Pope’s words to advocating talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the Pope used the metaphor of the white flag proposed by the interviewer to indicate a truce achieved through negotiation, emphasizing that negotiations are not a surrender. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has continued for over two years, with Ukraine facing defensive challenges. In the United States, a bill to provide $60 billion to Ukraine was blocked in Congress, and European countries are struggling to reach a consensus on supporting Kyiv.

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