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3 days ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
POPE LEO XIVSubscribe to our free daily newsletterSubscribeAs part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the garment that Jesus is said to have worn during the Passion was on display -- which is a rare occurrence! -- for 10 days in the Basilica of Argenteuil on the outskirts of Paris.
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6 days ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
POPE LEO XIVSubscribe to our free daily newsletterSubscribeCatholicism comes with its own glorious vocabulary — rich, sacred, and sometimes surprisingly familiar to anyone who’s tried to get children dressed and out the door for Sunday Mass in one piece. In fact, you may be surprised how often words from the Church echo down your hallway at home.
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
POPE LEON XIVSubscribe to our free daily newsletterSubscribeChicago’s Cardinal Robert Prevost has just become pope, choosing the popular moniker Leo for his pontificate. It’s a joyful time for Catholic families, and a perfect excuse to pick a baby name with special meaning. From Leo and Robert (two of his own names) to saints he admires (hello, St. Augustine!), here are seven warm, faith-filled names to consider (with a dash of humor).
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
Pope Leo XIV -- born Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost -- is the first U.S.-born pontiff and a leader with deep Latin American ties. At 69, he brings years of missionary service in Peru and fluency in multiple languages to the papacy. In a warm, down-to-earth style reminiscent of Pope Francis, he has already spoken of “building bridges” and keeping his arms open to everyone.
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
As the world watched the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the 2025 papal conclave, awaiting the telltale white smoke, some unexpected stars stole the spotlight: a mum, dad, and adorable baby seagull perched serenely atop the chimney. This little group of avian observers quickly became a sensation, with the whole Square erupting in "ahhhhhhh."The presence of the seagull family was a delight at such a solemn time.
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
In a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty, the conclave stands as a beacon of consistency and hope. The sight of pilgrims and locals alike gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes trained on the little chimney for the first wisps of white smoke, is a scene that could be from 2025 or 1925 – or even 1525. That continuity across centuries offers a reassuring sense of stability. For many, the Church’s seemingly timeless rituals provide an anchor when everything else feels in flux.
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
The cardinals gathering for the papal conclave on May 7 will be making one of the most solemn decisions in the Church — electing a new pope. While their choice will shape the Church’s future, we all face personal decisions that can feel momentous too. You might not be choosing a pope (no white smoke required!), but perhaps you're discerning a career move or another major life change — the kind of crossroads that can bring pressure and uncertainty.
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1 week ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
As the world awaits the white smoke signaling the election of the next pope, Italians have found a uniquely playful way to engage with the solemn proceedings: Fantapapa. This online game, inspired by fantasy football leagues, allows participants to form their own "dream team" of papal candidates, or papabili, bringing a touch of levity to the sacred tradition of the conclave.
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2 weeks ago | 
aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
Catholics on social media have been known to speculate playfully about future popes, but one recent post took the cake -- or rather, the candy. In a tongue-in-cheek X (formerly Twitter) post, Catholic broadcaster Matt Swaim shared that he had devised a “complex matrix” to forecast how cardinals might vote in the next papal conclave. The catch?
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2 weeks ago | 
es.aleteia.org | Cerith Gardiner
Cuando le preguntaban cómo estaba, la hermana Inah Canabarro Lucas tenía una respuesta divertida favorita: “¡Cada día me siento más joven y más bella!”, Es la clase de alegría desenfadada que uno no esperaría de una monja de 116 años. Sin embargo, esta hermana brasileña, quien hasta su fallecimiento el 30 de abril de 2025 fue la persona viva más longeva del mundo, irradiaba un espíritu joven. Su calidez e ingenio reflejaban la profunda fe que la sostuvo durante más de un siglo de vida.
