Pope Leo’s message was received with a prolonged standing ovation. / Credit: Knights of Columbus/Screenshot

Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2025 / 19:37 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.

“I commend your efforts to bring together the men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local councils throughout the world … which brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder,” Leo said in his message. 

The Holy Father specifically commended the Knights of Columbus for their “generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war.”

Leo tied his message to the convention’s theme “Heralds of Hope,” which was chosen to reflect the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which was promulgated by Pope Francis.

The pontiff said that the Jubilee Year of Hope “encourages the universal Church and indeed the entire world to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite or not knowing what the future may bring.”

“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving paschal mystery to the entire world,” the Holy Father said. “The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions.” 

Leo added that during the holy year, Catholics “are called to be tangible signs of hope to those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noting that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney, “understood this well.”

“He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance … which continues on to this day,” the pontiff said.

Leo said the convention theme is an invitation to members of the Knights of Columbus “to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.” 

Standing ovation

Leo’s message was received with a standing ovation from the attendees, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called the pontiff’s remarks “deeply encouraging.”

“The Knights of Columbus, each of us, is proud to stand with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Kelly said.

“In his first homily, he called Catholics to missionary outreach and at his Mass of inauguration, it felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” Kelly continued. “He centered his message on love and unity and he urged us to build fraternity — charity, unity, fraternity, these are the principles that define us, and the Holy Father has told us to take them to everyone we encounter.”

During his speech and report to the convention, Kelly spoke about the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus, including efforts in war-torn countries like Ukraine and relief provided to people suffering from natural disasters. He also spoke about the growth of the Knights, the organization’s support for clergy formation, and its outspoken support for the unborn. 

At the conclusion of the report, attendees recited a prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to “preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the Earth” and that “the Lord not hand him over to the powers of his enemies.” 

“Look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Leo, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting.”

Pope Leo’s message was received with a prolonged standing ovation. / Credit: Knights of Columbus/Screenshot

Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2025 / 19:37 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.

“I commend your efforts to bring together the men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local councils throughout the world … which brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder,” Leo said in his message. 

The Holy Father specifically commended the Knights of Columbus for their “generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war.”

Leo tied his message to the convention’s theme “Heralds of Hope,” which was chosen to reflect the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which was promulgated by Pope Francis.

The pontiff said that the Jubilee Year of Hope “encourages the universal Church and indeed the entire world to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite or not knowing what the future may bring.”

“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving paschal mystery to the entire world,” the Holy Father said. “The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions.” 

Leo added that during the holy year, Catholics “are called to be tangible signs of hope to those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noting that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney, “understood this well.”

“He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance … which continues on to this day,” the pontiff said.

Leo said the convention theme is an invitation to members of the Knights of Columbus “to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.” 

Standing ovation

Leo’s message was received with a standing ovation from the attendees, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called the pontiff’s remarks “deeply encouraging.”

“The Knights of Columbus, each of us, is proud to stand with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Kelly said.

“In his first homily, he called Catholics to missionary outreach and at his Mass of inauguration, it felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” Kelly continued. “He centered his message on love and unity and he urged us to build fraternity — charity, unity, fraternity, these are the principles that define us, and the Holy Father has told us to take them to everyone we encounter.”

During his speech and report to the convention, Kelly spoke about the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus, including efforts in war-torn countries like Ukraine and relief provided to people suffering from natural disasters. He also spoke about the growth of the Knights, the organization’s support for clergy formation, and its outspoken support for the unborn. 

At the conclusion of the report, attendees recited a prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to “preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the Earth” and that “the Lord not hand him over to the powers of his enemies.” 

“Look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Leo, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting.”

Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata during the final Mass of the Jubilee of Youth on Aug. 3, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

ACI Prensa Staff, Aug 5, 2025 / 16:16 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the participants of the Medjugorje youth festival to unite the flames of their hearts so that this fire may illuminate their journey and their pilgrimage toward God, who calls them and, in some cases, has raised up in them the desire to serve him through the priesthood or consecrated life.

This is the first message from Pope Leo XIV addressed to the Medjugorje Youth Festival and also the first from a pontiff to this event since, in September 2024, the Vatican — with the approval of Pope Francis — recognized the pastoral validity of the spiritual experience of Medjugorje, without pronouncing on the supernatural authenticity of the alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary, venerated there as Queen of Peace.

“We Will Go to the House of the Lord!” is the theme of the 36th Medjugorje youth festival, being held Aug. 4–8. The event takes place just after the heavily attended conclusion of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, when more than a million people participated in the final Mass with Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata on Aug. 3.

In his message, released Aug. 4 by the Vatican press office, the Holy Father explained that the festival’s theme “tells us of a journey, of a desire to move towards God, towards his dwelling-place, where we can truly be at home, because he awaits us there with his love.”

And on this journey, he continued, it is God himself who accompanies each person, since “on the path of life, no one walks alone.”

“Our paths are always intertwined with those of others: We are made for encounter, for walking together, for discovering together a shared goal,” the Holy Father said.

Pope Leo then highlighted a thought from St. Augustine: “Let us go, let us go! They thus speak to one another and, kindling, as it were, one another, they form a single flame. And this one flame, born of the one speaking, communicates to the other the fire with which it burns.”

In this regard, the Holy Father exclaimed: “What a wonderful image! No one walks alone: We incite each other, we kindle each other. The flames of hearts unite and become one great fire that lights the way. You too, young people, are not lonely pilgrims. This road to the Lord is traveled together.”

The challenge of artificial intelligence

Speaking about artificial intelligence, Leo XIV emphasized that “no algorithm can ever substitute an embrace, a glance, a true encounter, neither with God, nor our friends, nor our family.” 

“Think of Mary. She too set out on an arduous journey to meet her cousin Elizabeth. It was not easy, but she did it, and that encounter gave rise to joy: John the Baptist rejoiced in his mother’s womb, recognizing the living presence of the Lord,” he pointed out.

“You have come to Medjugorje from many nations, and perhaps it seems that language or culture is an obstacle to encounter: take courage. There is a language stronger than any barrier, the language of faith, nourished by God’s love,” the pontiff emphasized.

After encouraging them to encounter and truly know one another, Pope Leo XIV added: “Along the way, if any of you feel within the calling to a special vocation, to the consecrated life or the priesthood, I encourage you not to be afraid to respond.”

“That invitation, which you feel vibrate within, comes from God, who speaks to our hearts. Listen to him with confidence: Indeed, the word of the Lord not only makes us truly free and happy but also authentically fulfills us as men and as Christians,” the pope said.

Entrusting the young people to “Mary, mother of Christ and our mother,” Pope Leo concluded: “May the Holy Virgin encourage you and guide you along the way, to become proclaimers of peace and hope. From my heart I impart upon all of you my apostolic blessing.”

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

Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata during the final Mass of the Jubilee of Youth on Aug. 3, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

ACI Prensa Staff, Aug 5, 2025 / 16:16 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the participants of the Medjugorje youth festival to unite the flames of their hearts so that this fire may illuminate their journey toward God.

Pope Leo XIV approaches Tor Vergata in Rome by helicopter on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, Aug 5, 2025 / 15:46 pm (CNA).

Roughly 1 million young adults from around the world filled the streets of Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, which took place July 28 to Aug. 3, part of the yearlong Jubilee of Hope. Each day was filled with different opportunities and events for the young people to experience the richness of the Catholic faith.

Here are some of the best moments from the Jubilee of Youth:

Pope Leo XIV arrives by helicopter at Tor Vergata

On Aug. 2, Pope Leo XIV was greeted by the largest crowd he has addressed during his pontificate so far for the evening vigil at Tor Vergata, an outdoor venue 10 miles east of Rome. An estimated 1 million people were in attendance. The Holy Father arrived by helicopter and then drove through the grounds on the popemobile, waving to the cheering young people before the prayer service began.

Pope Leo XIV carries the pilgrim cross of the Jubilee of Hope

After the Holy Father from the popemobile greeted the young people in attendance, he carried the pilgrim cross of the Jubilee of Hope on foot from the crowd up to the 15,000-square-foot stage for prayers and Eucharistic adoration.

Despite the sweltering heat, the Holy Father carried the cross with energy — so much so that a video of Pope Leo walking briskly with the cross and the words “Life goals: Climbing the stairs like Pope Leo at age 69” went viral with over a million views.

Some of the comments on the post included: “The American Midwest grind on display,” “imagine having Pope Leo as a workout buddy,” “the stairmaster of holiness,” and “his personal trainer must be proud.”

Eucharistic adoration with Pope Leo XIV

The evening vigil concluded with Eucharistic adoration led by the Holy Father. Many were moved by the stillness and silence of all those in the presence of Christ.

Pope Leo also imparted on the faithful gathered the Eucharistic Benediction. At the conclusion of the evening, he advised the young people gathered who would be camping for the evening to “take it easy” and “rest a bit. We have a date tomorrow morning here for holy Mass.”

Bishop Robert Barron speaks at U.S. National Pilgrim Gathering

U.S. Bishop Robert Barron urged young people to follow God and reject worldly goods, calling on youth to “find their mission” and pursue the Lord “into the depths” during the keynote address at the Jubilee of Youth’s National U.S. Pilgrim Gathering on July 30.

He also gave those in attendance a powerful reminder of how the Catholic Church has outlasted the test of time.

“Where are the mighty signs of Roman power? Think of the Colosseum. Think of the Forum. Think of the Palatine Hill. Think of the Circus Maximus. What are they? They’re ruins,” he said.

“But where’s the great empire that was announced by Peter the Apostle?” he continued. “It’s all over the world, on every continent. It’s alive. And where is the successor of Peter who was put to death in the Circus of Nero and buried away on the Vatican Hill? Where’s his successor?”

“I saw him last night, didn’t you? Riding around St. Peter’s Square,” the bishop said to thunderous applause. 

Over 1,000 Korean Catholics gather for Jubilee of Youth

As the Catholic Church in South Korea prepares to host World Youth Day — scheduled for Aug. 3–8, 2027 — over 1,000 Korean Catholics from the Archdiocese of Seoul were in attendance at the Jubilee of Youth. On Thursday, July 31, the delegation participated in a Mass at the Basilica di San Crisogono presided by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung.

Following Mass there were celebrations, socializing, and ice cream outside the church. The cardinal bought a whole ice cream truck for the Korean youth and volunteers to freshen up in the hot Roman sun.

Open-air confession at Circus Maximus

On Friday, Aug. 1, the Circus Maximus — where Christians were once martyred for their faith — was transformed into an open-air confessional for thousands of young pilgrims to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Two hundred confessionals were set up from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rome time.

Rainbow appears in the sky when Pope Leo arrives at Tor Vergata

While more than a million young people waited for Pope Leo to arrive for the prayer vigil on Aug. 2, an unexpected sign appeared in the sky. Despite there not being a single drop of rain, a rainbow appeared in the sky above the young people gathered as the Holy Father was arriving.

Father Francisco Javier Bronchalo, a priest of the Diocese of Getafe in Spain, wrote in an Instagram post of a video he took showing the rainbow in the sky: “It’s not raining, the sun is shining, but there was a rainbow when the pope arrived ... Then it disappeared. Impressive, God does not break his covenant. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Pope Leo’s surprise popemobile ride after welcome Mass

Pope Leo XIV thrilled the young crowds with a surprise ride on the popemobile after the welcome Mass of the Jubilee of Youth. He went beyond St. Peter’s Square and greeted the pilgrims by continuing down Via della Conciliazione, a street that connects St. Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo on the western bank of the Tiber River.

Closing Mass with Pope Leo

The Jubilee of Youth concluded on Aug. 3 with a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo on the 237-acre grounds of Tor Vergata, where more than a million young pilgrims had spent the night following a prayer vigil and Eucharistic adoration.

In his homily, Pope Leo invited the pilgrims to open their hearts to God and venture with him “towards eternity.”

Evoking St. John Paul II, the founder of World Youth Days, he proclaimed: “Jesus is our hope.”

“It is he, as St. John Paul II said, ‘who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives ... to commit … to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal,’” Leo said.

Remembering Jubilee 2000 at Tor Vergata 25 years later

In 2000, Pope John Paul II celebrated World Youth Day at Tor Vergata with over 2 million young people. Despite being physically weak at the time, the beloved Polish pope made a connection with those in attendance. Twenty-five years later, it was Pope Leo who made a connection with the new generation of young Catholics. The similarities between the two events were unmistakable, and many of those who were in attendance in 2000 now watched along as their children attended the Jubilee of Youth.

On an Instagram post made by CNA, one user commented: “I was at Tor Vergata in 2000. Now my son is at the Jubilee of Youth. The Church is alive.”

Another wrote: “Attended WYD in 2000. Life-changing. Emmanuel — the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

Pope Leo XIV approaches Tor Vergata in Rome by helicopter on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, Aug 5, 2025 / 15:46 pm (CNA).

Roughly 1 million young adults from around the world filled the streets of Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, which took place July 28 to Aug. 3, part of the yearlong Jubilee of Hope. Each day was filled with different opportunities and events for the young people to experience the richness of the Catholic faith.

Here are some of the best moments from the Jubilee of Youth:

Pope Leo XIV arrives by helicopter at Tor Vergata

On Aug. 2, Pope Leo XIV was greeted by the largest crowd he has addressed during his pontificate so far for the evening vigil at Tor Vergata, an outdoor venue 10 miles east of Rome. An estimated 1 million people were in attendance. The Holy Father arrived by helicopter and then drove through the grounds on the popemobile, waving to the cheering young people before the prayer service began.

Pope Leo XIV carries the pilgrim cross of the Jubilee of Hope

After the Holy Father from the popemobile greeted the young people in attendance, he carried the pilgrim cross of the Jubilee of Hope on foot from the crowd up to the 15,000-square-foot stage for prayers and Eucharistic adoration.

Despite the sweltering heat, the Holy Father carried the cross with energy — so much so that a video of Pope Leo walking briskly with the cross and the words “Life goals: Climbing the stairs like Pope Leo at age 69” went viral with over a million views.

Some of the comments on the post included: “The American Midwest grind on display,” “imagine having Pope Leo as a workout buddy,” “the stairmaster of holiness,” and “his personal trainer must be proud.”

Eucharistic adoration with Pope Leo XIV

The evening vigil concluded with Eucharistic adoration led by the Holy Father. Many were moved by the stillness and silence of all those in the presence of Christ.

Pope Leo also imparted on the faithful gathered the Eucharistic Benediction. At the conclusion of the evening, he advised the young people gathered who would be camping for the evening to “take it easy” and “rest a bit. We have a date tomorrow morning here for holy Mass.”

Bishop Robert Barron speaks at U.S. National Pilgrim Gathering

U.S. Bishop Robert Barron urged young people to follow God and reject worldly goods, calling on youth to “find their mission” and pursue the Lord “into the depths” during the keynote address at the Jubilee of Youth’s National U.S. Pilgrim Gathering on July 30.

He also gave those in attendance a powerful reminder of how the Catholic Church has outlasted the test of time.

“Where are the mighty signs of Roman power? Think of the Colosseum. Think of the Forum. Think of the Palatine Hill. Think of the Circus Maximus. What are they? They’re ruins,” he said.

“But where’s the great empire that was announced by Peter the Apostle?” he continued. “It’s all over the world, on every continent. It’s alive. And where is the successor of Peter who was put to death in the Circus of Nero and buried away on the Vatican Hill? Where’s his successor?”

“I saw him last night, didn’t you? Riding around St. Peter’s Square,” the bishop said to thunderous applause. 

Over 1,000 Korean Catholics gather for Jubilee of Youth

As the Catholic Church in South Korea prepares to host World Youth Day — scheduled for Aug. 3–8, 2027 — over 1,000 Korean Catholics from the Archdiocese of Seoul were in attendance at the Jubilee of Youth. On Thursday, July 31, the delegation participated in a Mass at the Basilica di San Crisogono presided by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung.

Following Mass there were celebrations, socializing, and ice cream outside the church. The cardinal bought a whole ice cream truck for the Korean youth and volunteers to freshen up in the hot Roman sun.

Open-air confession at Circus Maximus

On Friday, Aug. 1, the Circus Maximus — where Christians were once martyred for their faith — was transformed into an open-air confessional for thousands of young pilgrims to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Two hundred confessionals were set up from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rome time.

Rainbow appears in the sky when Pope Leo arrives at Tor Vergata

While more than a million young people waited for Pope Leo to arrive for the prayer vigil on Aug. 2, an unexpected sign appeared in the sky. Despite there not being a single drop of rain, a rainbow appeared in the sky above the young people gathered as the Holy Father was arriving.

Father Francisco Javier Bronchalo, a priest of the Diocese of Getafe in Spain, wrote in an Instagram post of a video he took showing the rainbow in the sky: “It’s not raining, the sun is shining, but there was a rainbow when the pope arrived ... Then it disappeared. Impressive, God does not break his covenant. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Pope Leo’s surprise popemobile ride after welcome Mass

Pope Leo XIV thrilled the young crowds with a surprise ride on the popemobile after the welcome Mass of the Jubilee of Youth. He went beyond St. Peter’s Square and greeted the pilgrims by continuing down Via della Conciliazione, a street that connects St. Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo on the western bank of the Tiber River.

Closing Mass with Pope Leo

The Jubilee of Youth concluded on Aug. 3 with a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo on the 237-acre grounds of Tor Vergata, where more than a million young pilgrims had spent the night following a prayer vigil and Eucharistic adoration.

In his homily, Pope Leo invited the pilgrims to open their hearts to God and venture with him “towards eternity.”

Evoking St. John Paul II, the founder of World Youth Days, he proclaimed: “Jesus is our hope.”

“It is he, as St. John Paul II said, ‘who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives ... to commit … to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal,’” Leo said.

Remembering Jubilee 2000 at Tor Vergata 25 years later

In 2000, Pope John Paul II celebrated World Youth Day at Tor Vergata with over 2 million young people. Despite being physically weak at the time, the beloved Polish pope made a connection with those in attendance. Twenty-five years later, it was Pope Leo who made a connection with the new generation of young Catholics. The similarities between the two events were unmistakable, and many of those who were in attendance in 2000 now watched along as their children attended the Jubilee of Youth.

On an Instagram post made by CNA, one user commented: “I was at Tor Vergata in 2000. Now my son is at the Jubilee of Youth. The Church is alive.”

Another wrote: “Attended WYD in 2000. Life-changing. Emmanuel — the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

A picture shows a view of a damaged facade of the Holy Family Church on July 18, 2025, a day after it was hit in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on July 17. / Credit: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 5, 2025 / 15:16 pm (CNA).

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has announced that it will donate $25,000 toward the reconstruction of Holy Family Church in Gaza in the wake of the July 17 missile attack that left three dead and 15 wounded, including the parish priest, in addition to structural damage to the only Catholic church in the area.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths, injuries, and structural damage at the Holy Family Church in Gaza and stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters,” group CEO Ted Deutch said in a press release.

“We pray for the full recovery of the injured and the safety of all peoples affected by the devastation of war,” Deutch said.

The global Jewish advocacy group, which is headquartered in New York City, said in the release that the funds will be distributed to the Gaza parish through the Archdiocese of New York with the help of Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

“We appreciate AJC’s expression of consolation and support and are thankful for the opportunity to do good as Jews and Catholics together in this way, to bring some light to the darkness of war,” Cardinal Dolan said.

The organization expressed gratitude to Dolan and the New York Archdiocese as well as the Catholic Near East Welfare Association for its help “in enabling AJC to do what is right and consistent with Jewish values.”

The group recalled when the archdiocese was part of an interreligious coalition that donated funds to help rebuild homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 

“In the wake of this tragedy, we want to be there for Catholic partners who have been there for the Jewish people in our times of need. Together, as Christians and Jews, we can affirm the shared humanity of all,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, the committee’s director of interreligious affairs.

The donation comes after the Israeli military said Holy Family was “mistakenly” hit during an Israeli strike on July 17. Three individuals — Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, 60; Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, 84; and Najwa Abu Daoud, 70 — were fatally wounded by shrapnel that scattered across the compound after the strike, and 15 were injured. 

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the parish, was among those injured during the strike. He described the damage to the church to “EWTN Noticias” in an exclusive interview on July 24, calling the incident a “shocking experience.”

“Shrapnel flew in all directions,” he recounted. 

Holy Family Church has served as a shelter for more than 600 people since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims.

A picture shows a view of a damaged facade of the Holy Family Church on July 18, 2025, a day after it was hit in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on July 17. / Credit: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 5, 2025 / 15:16 pm (CNA).

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has announced that it will donate $25,000 toward the reconstruction of Holy Family Church in Gaza in the wake of the July 17 missile attack that left three dead and 15 wounded, including the parish priest, in addition to structural damage to the only Catholic church in the area.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths, injuries, and structural damage at the Holy Family Church in Gaza and stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters,” group CEO Ted Deutch said in a press release.

“We pray for the full recovery of the injured and the safety of all peoples affected by the devastation of war,” Deutch said.

The global Jewish advocacy group, which is headquartered in New York City, said in the release that the funds will be distributed to the Gaza parish through the Archdiocese of New York with the help of Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

“We appreciate AJC’s expression of consolation and support and are thankful for the opportunity to do good as Jews and Catholics together in this way, to bring some light to the darkness of war,” Cardinal Dolan said.

The organization expressed gratitude to Dolan and the New York Archdiocese as well as the Catholic Near East Welfare Association for its help “in enabling AJC to do what is right and consistent with Jewish values.”

The group recalled when the archdiocese was part of an interreligious coalition that donated funds to help rebuild homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 

“In the wake of this tragedy, we want to be there for Catholic partners who have been there for the Jewish people in our times of need. Together, as Christians and Jews, we can affirm the shared humanity of all,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, the committee’s director of interreligious affairs.

The donation comes after the Israeli military said Holy Family was “mistakenly” hit during an Israeli strike on July 17. Three individuals — Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, 60; Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, 84; and Najwa Abu Daoud, 70 — were fatally wounded by shrapnel that scattered across the compound after the strike, and 15 were injured. 

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the parish, was among those injured during the strike. He described the damage to the church to “EWTN Noticias” in an exclusive interview on July 24, calling the incident a “shocking experience.”

“Shrapnel flew in all directions,” he recounted. 

Holy Family Church has served as a shelter for more than 600 people since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims.

Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth on Aug. 3, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 5, 2025 / 14:46 pm (CNA).

Results of a new Gallup poll reveal that Americans have a much more favorable view of Pope Leo XIV than a number of other prominent U.S. and global figures.

The polling company surveyed 1,002 adults living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The margin of sampling error was 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The participants were asked from July 7–21 if they have a “favorable” or “unfavorable” opinion of 14 figures making headlines in the news.

The results of the survey found that Americans have the most positive image of Pope Leo XIV among the newsmakers, with the majority (57%) reporting they have a “favorable” perception of him.

Pope Leo also had the lowest “unfavorable” rating with only 11%, 23 percentage points behind the second most “favorable” figure, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The rest of the participants reported they are either not familiar enough with Pope Leo to have an opinion (18%) or have not heard of him (13%).

Pope Leo had an overall net-favorable score of 46, well ahead of the other most favorable leads including Zelenskyy, who had an 18-point net score — 28 points behind Pope Leo; and Bernie Sanders, who had an 11-point score, 35 points less than the pope.

Pope Leo’s positive figures closely match Pope Francis’ ratings when he first assumed the role of pope in 2013. He was viewed favorably by 58% of participants and unfavorably by 10%. The results are also similar to Pope Benedict’s in 2005, which were 55% favorable and 12% unfavorable.

The Gallup reports found that all three pontiffs earned above-average support from American Catholics in their initial ratings, with Pope Leo viewed favorably by 76%, Francis by 80%, and Benedict by 67%.

Pope Leo does differ from his predecessors in that his favorable rating is higher among liberals (65%) than conservatives (46%), whereas Benedict and Francis were viewed more favorably by conservatives than liberals in their initial ratings. 

Among the other global figures Americans were asked about, the poll noted that French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, are viewed about as equally positively as negatively, with many Americans reporting they have no opinion of each.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (-5) was found to have a slightly negative perception, whereas Elon Musk (-28) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (-23) received more drastic negative results.

Some newsmakers rated more negatively than positively, including former president Joe Biden (-11), Vice President JD Vance (-11), California Gov. Gavin Newsom (-11), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (-12), President Donald Trump (-16), and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (-16).

Overall, the first American-born pope has a large appeal in the United States. Unlike the political figures in the poll, he is viewed more favorably than unfavorably by all political parties but is liked more by Democrats than by Republicans. 

The poll is a part of Gallup’s “Social Series” that examines long-term U.S. trends on social, economic, and political topics by monitoring U.S. adults’ views.

Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth on Aug. 3, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 5, 2025 / 14:46 pm (CNA).

Results of a new Gallup poll reveal that Americans have a much more favorable view of Pope Leo XIV than a number of other prominent U.S. and global figures.

The polling company surveyed 1,002 adults living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The margin of sampling error was 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The participants were asked from July 7–21 if they have a “favorable” or “unfavorable” opinion of 14 figures making headlines in the news.

The results of the survey found that Americans have the most positive image of Pope Leo XIV among the newsmakers, with the majority (57%) reporting they have a “favorable” perception of him.

Pope Leo also had the lowest “unfavorable” rating with only 11%, 23 percentage points behind the second most “favorable” figure, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The rest of the participants reported they are either not familiar enough with Pope Leo to have an opinion (18%) or have not heard of him (13%).

Pope Leo had an overall net-favorable score of 46, well ahead of the other most favorable leads including Zelenskyy, who had an 18-point net score — 28 points behind Pope Leo; and Bernie Sanders, who had an 11-point score, 35 points less than the pope.

Pope Leo’s positive figures closely match Pope Francis’ ratings when he first assumed the role of pope in 2013. He was viewed favorably by 58% of participants and unfavorably by 10%. The results are also similar to Pope Benedict’s in 2005, which were 55% favorable and 12% unfavorable.

The Gallup reports found that all three pontiffs earned above-average support from American Catholics in their initial ratings, with Pope Leo viewed favorably by 76%, Francis by 80%, and Benedict by 67%.

Pope Leo does differ from his predecessors in that his favorable rating is higher among liberals (65%) than conservatives (46%), whereas Benedict and Francis were viewed more favorably by conservatives than liberals in their initial ratings. 

Among the other global figures Americans were asked about, the poll noted that French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, are viewed about as equally positively as negatively, with many Americans reporting they have no opinion of each.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (-5) was found to have a slightly negative perception, whereas Elon Musk (-28) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (-23) received more drastic negative results.

Some newsmakers rated more negatively than positively, including former president Joe Biden (-11), Vice President JD Vance (-11), California Gov. Gavin Newsom (-11), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (-12), President Donald Trump (-16), and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (-16).

Overall, the first American-born pope has a large appeal in the United States. Unlike the political figures in the poll, he is viewed more favorably than unfavorably by all political parties but is liked more by Democrats than by Republicans. 

The poll is a part of Gallup’s “Social Series” that examines long-term U.S. trends on social, economic, and political topics by monitoring U.S. adults’ views.