Vatican

The Vatican, the global headquarters of the Catholic Church, is currently under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. Recent news highlights the Pope's significant international engagements, including a week-long apostolic journey to Spain where he led large public masses in Madrid, blessed the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and met with clergy abuse survivors. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to polarization and addressed concerns about artificial intelligence, issuing a major teaching on its potential threats. The Vatican also hosted a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Separately, a far-right Italian political party has emerged with activities near Vatican City, though not directly involving the institution itself. The Pope's travel plans experienced a minor delay, with the King of Spain providing a private jet for his return to Rome, underscoring international diplomatic ties.