Pope Francis
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Francis was the ultimate Vatican outsider and charted a more progressive course in his approach to marginalized groups.
MORE ON POPE FRANCIS
Spain
Pope Leo blesses Barcelona’s towering architectural masterpiece
Antoni Gaudí, dubbed “God’s architect,” designed the Sagrada Família, and was put on the path to sainthood by Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis.
Spain
Pope Leo XIV to hold Mass at world’s tallest church
The pontiff’s visit to the church is timed to coincide with the centenary of the death of legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Pope asks Rome to welcome foreigners as he closes out 2025
Pope Leo presided over a New Year’s Eve vespers service, giving thanks for the 2025 Holy Year that brought millions to Rome.
Vatican commission says 'no' to women as Catholic deacons
Discussions over women becoming deacons, who are ordained and can assist with services but cannot celebrate Mass, have convulsed the 1.4 billion-member Church.
'A nice geek from the Midwest': Leo's brand emerges during first foreign trip as pope
The new pontiff has been far more reserved than his outspoken predecessor. But many of their underlying progressive messages remain the same.
Middle East
Pope Leo warns 'future of humanity is at stake' on his first foreign trip to Turkey
Ahead of his visit, Leo shared a Thanksgiving message with NBC News encouraging all people "to recognize that we have all received so many gifts."
Francis' popemobile transformed into mobile clinic for Gaza children
“We’re pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the health care of children in Gaza,” Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton said in Bethlehem.
OUT Life and Style
LGBTQ Catholics make Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate a new sense of acceptance
Several LGBTQ groups participated in the pilgrimage to the Vatican for the Jubilee Year, the once-every-quarter century celebration of Catholicism. 
Italy
Teen known as 'God's influencer' to become the first millennial saint
Carlo Acutis was just 15 when he died of leukemia in Milan in 2006 and has two miracles attributed to him by the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo meets LGBTQ Catholic advocate and vows continuity with Francis' welcoming legacy
The audience was significant because it showed a sign of continuity with Francis, who more worked to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ Catholics. 
Where Catholicism is growing in the U.S.
Pope Leo XIV’s home state of Illinois has seen one of the largest declines in Catholic worshippers.
