Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV is the current pontiff of the Catholic Church. He is newsworthy due to his recent Christmas messages and closing of the Catholic Church's Holy Year. Pope Leo has used his platform to call for dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global conflicts, urging world leaders to prioritize peace over war. He has also emphasized the importance of treating foreigners with kindness and helping those in need, drawing parallels between the Christmas story and the duty to assist the poor and strangers. His messages are particularly relevant given ongoing global conflicts and concerns about treatment of immigrants and the vulnerable. Notably, his Christmas address was scrutinized for comparisons with his predecessor, Francis. He surprised crowds at St. Peter's Square before Christmas Eve Mass, greeting them in multiple languages.