Short, kind explanations of what the Holy Father has been doing. Each one tells you what happened, why it matters, and where to read his own words.
Travel ·
What happened: The Holy See has published the program of the Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, 6–17 November 2026.
Why it matters: He will return to Chiclayo, where he served as bishop, and pray at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Event ·
What happened: Religious leaders gathered in Assisi to mark 40 years since Saint John Paul II’s World Day of Prayer for Peace in 1986. On his doctors’ advice Pope Leo did not travel, and instead sent a video message.
Why it matters: He reminded us that prayer is the humble strength of believers, and asked God to make us “unarmed instruments of his peace.”
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Travel ·
What happened: The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Pope’s recovery is progressing well and that his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, 6–17 November 2026, will go ahead as planned. The Pope said he looks forward to returning to the continent where he has lived so many moments of his life.
Why it matters: He will return to Peru, where he served for many years as a missionary and as Bishop of Chiclayo.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Event ·
What happened: On the memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope Leo sent a video message inviting young people to register for World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027, on the theme “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
Why it matters: A lovely occasion for grandparents to encourage a grandchild — and to pray for the young people who will make this pilgrimage of faith.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Event ·
What happened: On 13 October 2026 Pope Leo had planned surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a small nodule found during routine check-ups; doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Holy See said the operation was successful and without complications, that the condition (a lung cancer) was localized, and that no further treatment is necessary. He returned to the Vatican on 17 October and prayed the Angelus the next day.
Why it matters: At the Angelus he thanked everyone who prayed for him and said the experience made him feel close to all who live with illness — a gentle invitation to keep praying for him and for the sick.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Document ·
What happened: Pope Leo published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, building on the Church’s social teaching since Leo XIII.
Why it matters: It offers a faith-filled view of new technology, centered on the dignity of every person.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Teaching ·
What happened: In 2026 Pope Leo’s Wednesday General Audiences have walked through the main documents of the Second Vatican Council, one at a time.
Why it matters: A gentle, step-by-step way to learn the Council’s teaching from the Pope himself.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Event ·
What happened: On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Leo closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, concluding the Jubilee Year 2025.
Why it matters: Millions of pilgrims came to Rome as “Pilgrims of Hope”; the Pope encouraged all to carry that hope home.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Document ·
What happened: Pope Leo published the Apostolic Letter In Unitate Fidei on the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, then went on pilgrimage to İznik (ancient Nicaea).
Why it matters: The Creed we profess every Sunday was first formulated at Nicaea; the Pope invites us to treasure it.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Document ·
What happened: For the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s declaration on Christian education, Pope Leo issued an Apostolic Letter on Catholic schools and universities.
Why it matters: Many grandparents help pass on the faith; the letter honors the work of teachers and families in forming young people.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Cause / Saints ·
What happened: Pope Leo celebrated Holy Mass with the canonization of several new saints in St. Peter’s Square.
Why it matters: He described the saints as “authentic men and women” who kept the lamp of faith burning — encouragement for ordinary believers.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Document ·
What happened: On the Feast of Saint Francis, Pope Leo published the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), on love for the poor.
Why it matters: It invites every Catholic to see Christ in the poor and to make charity part of daily life.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Cause / Saints ·
What happened: Before more than 80,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo declared Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis saints.
Why it matters: Both young men grew in holiness through daily Mass, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and simple acts of charity — a path open to every family.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va
Event ·
What happened: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected the 267th Bishop of Rome on 8 May 2025 and took the name Leo XIV. He is the first pope from the United States and the first Augustinian pope.
Why it matters: A pope born in Chicago who spent many years as a missionary in Peru now shepherds the whole Church.
Read his own words: official text on vatican.va