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Pope Leo XIV meets with media professionals in Rome to cover the papal election, and urges them to serve truth and promote peace, saying communication helps create a society’s culture.

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Japanese Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo says Pope Leo XIV’s previous work as a missionary and as a Vatican official were important reasons he will make a good pontiff.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said he was confident that Pope Leo XIV would continue the programs of the late Pope Francis for the poor and neglected, even if these projects might take “different expressions.”

Chiclayo, Peru, May 11, 2025 / 18:23 pm (CNA).

In a jubilant atmosphere, more than 10,000 faithful gathered in front of the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo in Peru to celebrate a thanksgiving Mass for the election of Pope Leo XIV, who was bishop of the diocese for more than eight years.

The celebration vibrated with joy following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez — both a U.S. and Peruvian citizen — as successor to Peter on May 8.

Dozens of local priests joined Chiclayo Bishop Edinson Farfán at the Saturday evening celebration. The plaza in front of the cathedral was outfitted with an outdoor platform and altar for the occasion, surrounded by musical bands and giant banners with the image of the pontiff and phrases from his first papal greeting from St. Peter’s Square.

Leo XIV’s love for Peru and an invitation to an apostolic visit

In his homily, Farfán spoke of the profound love the new pontiff has for Peru — a country he first visited in 1985 — and, in a special way, for the Diocese of Chiclayo, which he pastored from 2014 to 2023.

The bishop of Chiclayo noted the deep spiritual connection then-Bishop Prevost had with the expressions of faith of the Peruvian people: from his devotion to the Señor Cautivo of Ayabaca and the Señor de los Milagros to his love for the Peruvian saints: Rose of Lima, Martin de Porres, Francis Solano, John Macias, and Toribio de Mogrovejo.

“He drew on the popular religiosity of the feast of the Most Holy Cross of Chalpón de Motupe, of the Eucharistic City of Eten with the Eucharistic miracle of the Divine Child, and of the feast of the Captive Nazarene of Monsefú, on his very birthday,” Farfán recalled.

“His beloved Diocese of Chiclayo, as he called it in his first address, was for him a school of faith, of closeness, of humanity,” he affirmed, adding that this city in northern Peru “is a simple town that he loved deeply and that he continues to carry in his heart.”

Farfán also announced that the diocese will extend an “invitation for him to visit us” and said that “without a doubt, Chiclayo will be in his heart.”

The prelate further emphasized the pastoral profile of Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “a shepherd with the smell of sheep,” deeply human, sensitive to the suffering of the most vulnerable, and close to the needs of the people.

“He taught us to live the Gospel from closeness, with the poor, with the most vulnerable, with those who suffer, migrants, and refugees,” Farfán said, emphasizing that his choice of the papal name is a nod to Pope Leo XIII, “the precursor of the Church’s social doctrine.”

“He is a man deeply sensitive to social justice... he bears the name of Leo XIV in appreciation and fidelity to Leo XIII and his great encyclical Rerum Novarum, which speaks of the dignity of work and of the worker, of social justice and the common good.”

The homily also referenced the role the new pope played during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he pastored the Diocese of Chiclayo.

“You are witnesses of all that this pastor did in this difficult time. He, like Jesus, made signs of the kingdom of God with his life... he fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed all,” he recalled.

Farfán asked the faithful to imitate these “signs of the kingdom of God” and live with the same sentiments as Christ: closeness, mercy, justice, and communion.

Like a good Augustinian, the bishop emphasized, Leo XIV possesses a spirituality rooted in interiority and dialogue.

“He is a pastor who listens and engages in dialogue, willing to discern with wisdom the path God desires for his Church. He knows very well that without Christ we can do nothing… With Christ, everything! Without Christ, nothing!” he said.

The Eucharistic celebration concluded with cheers and applause, with a message of hope and prayer for the pontificate of the new successor of Peter.

“I’m sure he will also tell us: Courage, brothers; let us not allow our hope to be stolen. May the Holy Spirit accompany and strengthen him, and may Mary, the Mother of Good Counsel... protect and inspire him always,” Farfán concluded.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with Catholic songs, fireworks, and typical folk dances from the region.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

CNA Staff, May 11, 2025 / 14:20 pm (CNA).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released a new 10th anniversary preface to a major document on the Church’s response to pornography, offering fresh recommendations for parents, clergy, educators, and civil leaders on combatting porn’s influence in an age of increased social isolation and the rise of artificial intelligence.

“Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography” calls for a renewed commitment to chastity and offers a message of hope and healing through Christ and the Church’s ministry, positioning the Church as a “field hospital” for those wounded by pornography.

The 50-page document includes a new introduction penned by the bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, providing an update to a document the bishops first released in 2015 — years before the social upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the founding of new “user generated” porn platforms such as OnlyFans, and the rise of sophisticated AI-generated “deepfakes” that proliferate fake pornographic imagery, often utilizing celebrities’ images without their consent.

Pornography, the bishops write, “gravely contradicts” the virtue of chastity to which all people — no matter their state in life — are called, offering a “deceptive substitute for real relationship” and posing a “serious threat to love in the life of the individual and the community.”

Jesus himself condemns the pornographic attitude in clear terms: “Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Mt 5:28), they note.

The bishops say the “loneliness epidemic,” which for years has exacerbated society’s appetite for porn, has only grown more acute since the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“Social isolation was already a danger in an individualistic society like ours, but it has worsened due to the continued spread of social media and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have confirmed that isolation and increased exposure to mobile devices have severely damaged the mental health of consumers, especially young people,” the document reads.

“This isolation threatens one of the deepest desires of the human heart. The desire for genuine relationship is intrinsic to human nature and its goodness is revealed by God: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’ (Gn 2:18).”

In recent years, the document continues, reports have emerged of the multibillion-dollar pornography industry’s use of deceptive tactics to draw in and addict users, including children.

“Often, those users don’t seek out illicit material; it seeks them. The pervasiveness of video-based social media platforms leaves little chance for people to ‘opt out,’” the bishops note.

“Some platforms also entice users, through peer pressure and false promises of ‘easy money,’ into sharing self-made pornographic material. The business models of major pornography sites depend on getting young people addicted, which is why some have chosen to shut down operations altogether rather than verify the age of users where legally required.”

In recent years, the porn industry has turned to increasingly sophisticated generative AI for the creation of new imagery that “exaggerates consumers’ expectations and gratifies their every whim,” instilling habits in the consumer that “make actual love even more difficult to realize,” the bishops write.

In addition, a major problem today is pornographers’ use of “existing people as the basis for ‘deepfake’ imagery without even the minimal consent that is already legally required.”

The document includes various recommendations for combatting porn.

Speaking to individuals, the bishops encourage those struggling with pornography to seek forgiveness and healing through the sacrament of penance, the cultivation of the virtue of chastity, seeking support through counseling and groups, utilizing filtering software, and persevering in the struggle. They encourage all people of goodwill to work together for laws and a culture that resists and rejects pornography and honors human dignity.

For parents, the bishops encourage discussing chastity and sexuality with children in age-appropriate ways, encourage critical thinking about media, setting positive examples with technology use, cultivating nondigital activities, and utilizing parental controls and filters. They also urge parents to consider delaying smartphone use among their children.

Clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to “articulate the transforming power of the Gospel,” provide pastoral support, make confession readily available, preach on chastity, educate themselves on resources, and refer individuals to trustworthy counselors and support groups.

Educators, the bishops said, should prohibit all nonemergency use of mobile devices during school hours; teach about the harms of porn beginning in middle school; be mindful and pastoral with students, parents, staff, and volunteers exhibiting signs of loneliness, isolation, or other symptoms of unhealthy private behavior; and teach the “importance and life-giving benefits of chastity and responsible living, using resources such as a theology of the body curriculum adapted for appropriate ages.”

Furthermore, the bishops exhort civil leaders to promote age-verification requirements on porn sites, call on them to address the production of AI porn, hold social media platforms accountable, and “[r]espect the family as the central social institution of society and support the authority of parents to protect their children online by ensuring that they have the tools necessary to monitor their children’s online activity.”

Noting a further update since the original publication of the document, the bishops concluded that “there is still a need for accountability for those who allow minors and other vulnerable people to be sexually exploited, either in secular society or in the Church.”

“Only when there is genuine transparency and authentic repentance can healing take place. Until then, perpetrators who need God’s mercy will remain with hardened hearts, unwilling to receive Christ’s words: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, from now on do not sin any more’ (Jn 8:11).”

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Vatican City, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am (CNA).

“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” declared Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Coeli address as an extraordinary crowd of jubilant pilgrims packed St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The spontaneous call to young people from the first U.S.-born pope echoed the famous words of St. John Paul II in 1978.

On Sunday, Leo’s call — to an estimated crowd of 100,000 people — came during an address that coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday, which the new pontiff called “a gift from God” for his inaugural Sunday as bishop of Rome.

The sound of marching bands and cheerful pilgrims resonated throughout the Vatican as an exuberant, celebratory atmosphere filled the piazza and the surrounding streets. Participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, specially welcomed by the pope, provided melodious moments throughout the gathering. Huge crowds poured into the square on a warm Roman spring day with spontaneous cheers of “Viva il Papa” erupting repeatedly.

“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter,” Pope Leo said, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.

“In this Sunday always is proclaimed in the Mass the Gospel of John, chapter 10, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and for them gives his life.”

The pope noted that this Sunday also marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day focused on praying for those called to religious life and priesthood.

“Today, brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and all the people of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and religious life. The Church has such a great need for them!” the pope said.

Leo XIV emphasized the importance of young people finding “acceptance, listening, and encouragement in their vocational journey” within Catholic communities and having “credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.”

The pope specifically acknowledged the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment being hosted in Rome on Sunday. “I greet with affection all these pilgrims and thank them because, with their music and their performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said as musical groups in the square responded with brief, spirited performances.

Referencing Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Leo encouraged Catholics to welcome and accompany young people discerning their calling.

“Let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” he said.

In a particularly animated moment, the pope addressed young people directly: “To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” The crowd responded with sustained applause.

The Regina Coeli prayer replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. Pope Leo invoked the Virgin Mary, “whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call,” to accompany all in following Jesus. He masterfully sang the Regina Coeli in mellifluous Latin before imparting his blessing. The crowd erupted in shouts of “Viva il Papa!”

The pontiff then spoke solemnly about the tragedy of the Second World War, which ended on May 8, 1945. “We are now confronting a third world war piecemeal as Pope Francis reminded us,” he said. “As Pope Paul VI said: War no more!”

“I hold close to my heart the suffering of the poor people in Ukraine, that they might find a true and lasting peace,” he continued. He also called for an end to the violence in Gaza and prayed for all those taken hostage to be released. “And I rejoice at the recent peace made between India and Pakistan.” He said he hoped for a lasting accord.

Pope Leo greeted “with affection all of you, those from Rome and the pilgrims from various countries,” mentioning countries and groups by name to cheers and applause from the square.

Leo also acknowledged that Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries. “I send a special greeting to all mothers for all they give to us,” he said, prompting warm applause.

The pope thanked everyone and wished everyone a “buona Domenica” and a happy Sunday. He spent a few moments gratefully smiling and acknowledging the ecstatic, warm reception before departing.

Following the Regina Coeli, the pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel and greet journalists who covered the conclave on Monday.

Morning Mass near the tomb of St. Peter

Earlier Sunday morning, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica at the altar near the tomb of St. Peter. He concelebrated with the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, Father Alejandro Moral Antón. After Mass, the Holy Father paused to pray at the tombs of his predecessors and visited the niche of the Pallia. These woolen stoles symbolize the unity between the pope and metropolitan archbishops worldwide.

This story was updated on May 11, 2025, with further images and details.

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

May is a month to honor mothers. Mother’s Day falls on May 11 this year in the United States and Canada as the Catholic tradition continues of honoring, throughout the entire month, Mary, the mother of God.

To recognize the work and sacrifices of mothers, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, offered a prayer to be said today and throughout the month in thanksgiving for the love and support mothers provide. 

A Prayer for All Mothers

Good and gracious God,

We thank you for all mothers — the women you have called to bring forth new life and women who provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those entrusted to their care.

Give them the courage to raise godly children through happy and difficult times and wisdom to guide their children on the path to eternal life.

Fortify them through your word and sacraments to endure the challenges and trials of motherhood.

Instill in them joy and delight as they accompany their children through the years.

Shower them with care and support from their family and friends.

Comfort those mothers who have lost their children and those children who have lost their mothers.

In your charity, entrust all mothers to the tenderness of your own mother, Mary.

We love our mothers, Lord.

We ask for your blessing upon them this day and always.

Amen.

While Mother’s Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be challenging for others — for those who have lost their mothers, for mothers who have lost their children, for those struggling to become mothers, and for those whose relationship with their mothers may be painful.

To find healing on this Mother’s Day, we ask the Holy Spirit for comfort and aid, and ask Mary for her intercession and motherly love. 

Prayer for Healing to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, 

You have asked us to pray with confidence and we will receive great graces. We know your compassion, because you saw your Son suffer and die for us. In your union with his suffering you became the mother of us all. 

Mary, my mother, teach me to understand my suffering as you do and to endure it in union with the suffering of Jesus. In your motherly love, calm my fears and increase my trust in God’s loving care. 

According to God’s plan, obtain for me the healing I need. Intercede with your Son that I may have the strength I need to work for God’s glory and the salvation of the world. 

Amen.

European leaders visited Kyiv on Saturday to discuss the road toward peace between Ukraine and Russia, and to remember the fallen soldiers.

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UN agencies still working in Gaza have repeated concerns about the Israeli plan to take control of the aid operation in the war-torn enclave.

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