More than 3 million people attended Vatican audiences and ceremonies in 2025
Aerial view of St. Peter’s Square filled with thousands of mourners including clergy and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under a clear blue sky on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News Dec 30, 2025 / 15:56 pm (CNA). During the year 2025, the participation of the faithful in … Read more
Pope Leo XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust new year to God
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered for his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media Dec 31, 2025 / 08:08 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV used the Vatican’s final general audience of 2025 on Wednesday to invite Catholics to look back on the past … Read more
Pope Leo XIV warns against gambling, which ‘ruins many families’
Credit: Zolnierek/Shutterstock Dec 30, 2025 / 10:45 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV warned about the danger that gambling poses to many families during a Dec. 29 audience with members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities. At the beginning of his address, delivered in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the Holy Father explained that … Read more
PHOTOS: Unforgettable moments from the 2025 papal transition
The coffin of Pope Francis rests before the altar at the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA Vatican City, Dec 30, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). 2025 began with Catholics around the world uniting in prayer for Pope Francis’ health as he entered the hospital on Feb. 14. … Read more
Dec. 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas); Opt Mem of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr, Opt. Mem.
Today is the Fifth day within the Octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170), bishop and martyr. He was born in London and after studying in Paris, he first became chancellor to the king and then in 1162 was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. He went from being “a … Read more