VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Amid renewed tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist Catholics over the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo XIV defended Church reform as a legitimate process that adapts to current needs while remaining rooted in authentic tradition.During his May 27 general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said authentic renewal of the liturgy is acceptable and encouraged when the Church first engages in careful theological and pastoral study and then makes sure that “any new forms adopted should in some way grow organically from forms already existing." "In a particular way, I encourage everyone to respect the texts and norms of the liturgy with openness, humility, trust in God’s greatness and with sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion," he said in his address to English speakers.His remarks came weeks after the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X announced plans to move forward with ordaining new bishops wi

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Presenting the first encyclical of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence must be "disarmed," urging governments, tech leaders and society to confront the rapidly growing technology before it weakens human relationships, critical thinking and peace itself.With its authoritative teaching, the 82-page encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas" ("Magnificent Humanity"), significantly boosts the Catholic Church's position as an active voice in discussions over artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, labor, human dignity and the concentration of technological power among a handful of corporations."Peace, not merely the absence of war, is justice at work," Pope Leo said May 25 during a presentation unveiling the document in the Vatican's Synod Hall to an audience filled with members of the Roman Curia, reporters and special guests. "But when technology weakens our critical sense, peace itself is at risk

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a time when digital technologies are developing at a rapid and unpredictable pace, every single person must decide if she or he will be: a passive bystander; an unhelpful commentator; an avaricious architect of a new "Tower of Babel"; or a patient, hope-filled builder of a "civilization of love," Pope Leo XIV said in his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas."In the 82-page document, released May 25, the day after Pentecost, the pope also asked forgiveness for the Church's long tolerance of slavery, and he declared that its "just war theory" was now outdated."Today, more than ever, without prejudice to the right to self-defense in the strictest sense, it is important to reaffirm that the 'just war' theory, which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated," he wrote."Humanity possesses far more effective and capable tools for promoting human life and resolving conflicts, such as

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christ is present in the liturgy -- in the word that is proclaimed, in the sacraments, in the ministers, in the community and most of all in the Eucharist, Pope Leo XIV said."Let us allow ourselves to be shaped from within by the rites, symbols, gestures and above all by the living presence of Christ in the liturgy," he said during his general audience talk in St. Peter's Square May 20.Before the pope began his catechesis, he welcomed Armenian Apostolic Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, who sat next to him during the audience.  Pope Leo XIV speaks to Armenian Apostolic Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, who sat next to him during the pope's general audience talk in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 20, 2026. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) The Great House of Cilicia for the Armenian Orthodox Church includes Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf region, Iran, Greece and the Americas, so Pope Leo called on everyone to pray fo