In his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te” Pope Leo XIV sets out the foundations of Christian Revelation and of the tradition of the Church. Andrea Tornielli Already in the title, Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, reveals its close connection with Dilexit nos, the final encyclical of Francis, and represents, in …

Sixty years ago Pope Paul VI addressed the United Nations. By Andrea Tornielli “Never again war, never again war!” Sixty years have passed since Paul VI, Bishop of Rome, raised his cry for peace at the United Nations Headquarters. It was Monday, 4 October 1965. Only twenty years out of the immense …

By Andrea Tornielli The Israeli–Palestinian conflict has long been a source of debate and polarization. The war now raging in Gaza, and the controversies surrounding it, have made this phenomenon even more extreme, if that were possible. Intense—at times extreme—polarizations run through much of civil society in many countries around …

At the General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the meaning of Christian mercy — a free embrace given without any preconditions, so essential for peace. By Andrea Tornielli “True forgiveness does not await repentance, but offers itself first, as a free gift, even before it is accepted.” With these words, …

By Andrea Tornielli The images of the strike’s aftermath speak volumes: a shell fired from an Israeli army tank directly hit the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic parish in Gaza. Five hundred people—families who have lost their homes—have taken refuge in the compound comprising two churches and a school …

Our Editorial Director, Andrea Tornielli, explores how the words of Pope Leo XIV can be traced back to similar reflections of Joseph Ratzinger, before his election as Pope Benedict XVI. By Andrea Tornielli “Before being believers, we are called to be human.” This is one of the central passages of Pope …

Our Editorial Director reflects on the Holy See’s intervention at the UN, drawing on the words of Pope Leo XIV, noting that concrete steps are urgently needed to protect civilians in armed conflicts and to disarm the world. By Andrea Tornielli “The Holy See considers it essential to put an …

Our Editorial Director reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s call for the Church to be a leaven of unity and love in the midst of the restlessness and questions of our world. By Andrea Tornielli “I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I …

Our Editorial Director reflects on the spiritual significance of accepting the papal ministry as an act of trust in Christ, who guides the Church. By Andrea Tornielli The Diocese of Rome has its Bishop, and the universal Church has its Pastor. The Conclave has designated the Successor of Peter. Thank …

By Andrea Tornielli “God’s mercy is our liberation and our happiness. We live for mercy, and we cannot afford to be without mercy. It is the air that we breathe. We are too poor to set any conditions. We need to forgive, because we need to be forgiven.” If there is …