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<title>Lafiesta Espana &#45; : UPDATES</title>
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<description>Lafiesta Espana &#45; : UPDATES</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2025 La Fiesta Espana &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo visits St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Cameroon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-visits-st-paul-catholic-hospital-in-cameroon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-visits-st-paul-catholic-hospital-in-cameroon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV makes a private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala, visiting and praying with patients, families, and hospital staff.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, visits, St., Paul, Catholic, Hospital, Cameroon</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to academic community: Form leaders dedicated to serving the common good</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-academic-community-form-leaders-dedicated-to-serving-the-common-good</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-academic-community-form-leaders-dedicated-to-serving-the-common-good</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking with members of the Catholic University of Central Africa, the Pope highlights the university’s role in forming future leaders and professionals who will have the responsibility to work for the common good in their own society and around the world.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, academic, community:, Form, leaders, dedicated, serving, the, common, good</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rekindling hope among Cameroon’s students</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/rekindling-hope-among-cameroons-students</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/rekindling-hope-among-cameroons-students</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Young people share their hopes for the future during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rekindling, hope, among, Cameroon’s, students</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV meets with religious superiors in Cameroon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-religious-superiors-in-cameroon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-religious-superiors-in-cameroon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Upon returning to the Apostolic Nunciature, Pope Leo XIV meets with representatives of Cameroon’s major superiors and religious congregations, encouraging religious men and women to live consecrated life in communion with dioceses where they serve and in service to those most in need.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, meets, with, religious, superiors, Cameroon</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Day Five in Africa: Pope says ‘all of us’ must help address global hunger</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/day-five-in-africa-pope-says-all-of-us-must-help-address-global-hunger</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/day-five-in-africa-pope-says-all-of-us-must-help-address-global-hunger</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the fifth day of his Apostolic Journey across Africa, Pope Leo celebrates Mass for 120,000 people in Douala, and tells university students in Yaoundé to cultivate “holy restlessness”. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Day, Five, Africa:, Pope, says, ‘all, us’, must, help, address, global, hunger</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope tells Catholic university students in Cameroon to ‘search for truth’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-tells-catholic-university-students-in-cameroon-to-search-for-truth</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-tells-catholic-university-students-in-cameroon-to-search-for-truth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Leo also addressed artificial intelligence and invited the students to be pioneers of “a new humanism in the context of the digital revolution.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, tells, Catholic, university, students, Cameroon, ‘search, for, truth’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV calls for the ‘safeguarding’ and ‘accompanying’ of minors and vulnerable adults</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-the-safeguarding-and-accompanying-of-minors-and-vulnerable-adults</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-the-safeguarding-and-accompanying-of-minors-and-vulnerable-adults</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pope said the protection of the vulnerable “challenges the conscience of the Church and measures its ability to express authentic care.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, calls, for, the, ‘safeguarding’, and, ‘accompanying’, minors, and, vulnerable, adults</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meets with students, visits hospital, holds stadium Mass in Cameroon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-students-visits-hospital-holds-stadium-mass-in-cameroon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-students-visits-hospital-holds-stadium-mass-in-cameroon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Holy Father will stay in Cameroon one more night before traveling to Angola on April 18. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
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</item>

<item>
<title>Popes’ alma mater in Rome celebrates 25 years of Eucharistic adoration</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-alma-mater-in-rome-celebrates-25-years-of-eucharistic-adoration</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-alma-mater-in-rome-celebrates-25-years-of-eucharistic-adoration</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ St. John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV both studied at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Popes’, alma, mater, Rome, celebrates, years, Eucharistic, adoration</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>We Must Build a Culture of Vocations for Young People</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/we-must-build-a-culture-of-vocations-for-young-people</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/we-must-build-a-culture-of-vocations-for-young-people</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I was scrolling through my Instagram page for campus ministry the other day and stumbled on a well-known social media type telling people we don’t need to encourage vocations to religious life and the priesthood. He implied that they would “just happen.” Yes and no, but I have to disagree for the most part. The ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Must, Build, Culture, Vocations, for, Young, People</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope’s visit to Algeria encourages a more fraternal world</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-visit-to-algeria-encourages-a-more-fraternal-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-visit-to-algeria-encourages-a-more-fraternal-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Catholics in Algeria share how the Pope’s Apostolic Journey has been going and their hopes for the impact of his visit, in an interview with Vatican News. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope’s, visit, Algeria, encourages, more, fraternal, world</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cameroon: Separatists announce pause of hostilities for Pope&amp;apos;s visit</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cameroon-separatists-announce-pause-of-hostilities-for-popes-visit</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cameroon-separatists-announce-pause-of-hostilities-for-popes-visit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A statement from Unity Alliance, which brings Anglophone Cameroonian separatist groups together, announces a period of halted fighting ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the conflict-torn region.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cameroon:, Separatists, announce, pause, hostilities, for, Popes, visit</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope at St. Augustine’s Basilica: &amp;apos;Christ invites us to renew our lives completely&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-st-augustines-basilica-christ-invites-us-to-renew-our-lives-completely</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-st-augustines-basilica-christ-invites-us-to-renew-our-lives-completely</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, celebrates Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, and reminds the faithful that, like the great saint and Doctor of the Church, it is never too late to welcome the Lord&#039;s invitation to lift us up from our hardships and trials, and, with His strength, renew and transform our lives.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, St., Augustine’s, Basilica:, Christ, invites, renew, our, lives, completely</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>A joyous gathering of faith in the Basilica of Saint Augustine</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-joyous-gathering-of-faith-in-the-basilica-of-saint-augustine</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-joyous-gathering-of-faith-in-the-basilica-of-saint-augustine</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ People from around the world gather at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba for Holy Mass with Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday, 14 April, during the first leg of his Apostolic Journey in Africa.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>joyous, gathering, faith, the, Basilica, Saint, Augustine</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Day two in Algeria: Following in Saint Augustine&amp;apos;s footsteps</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/day-two-in-algeria-following-in-saint-augustines-footsteps</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/day-two-in-algeria-following-in-saint-augustines-footsteps</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV visits the city of Annaba on his second day in Algeria, visiting the places where Saint Augustine carried out his ministry as Bishop of Hippo.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Day, two, Algeria:, Following, Saint, Augustines, footsteps</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria during his first papal trip to Africa</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-algeria-during-his-first-papal-trip-to-africa</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-algeria-during-his-first-papal-trip-to-africa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Holy Father is scheduled to visit four African countries throughout mid-April. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, Pope, Leo, XIV, visits, Algeria, during, his, first, papal, trip, Africa</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Our History and Hope in Divine Mercy</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-history-and-hope-in-divine-mercy</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-history-and-hope-in-divine-mercy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jesus said to Sister Faustina: My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for my kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life for ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Our, History, and, Hope, Divine, Mercy</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>What Is Your Priority?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/what-is-your-priority</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/what-is-your-priority</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you are old enough to have taken a Franklin Day Planner or a similar course to improve your time management skills, you are probably familiar with the idea of discerning what your truest priorities are. In fact, there are many spaces in popular culture today where we speak about our priorities and how we ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, Your, Priority</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV calls June consistory of cardinals, says Evangelii Gaudium must be relaunched</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-calls-june-consistory-of-cardinals-says-evangelii-gaudium-must-be-relaunched</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-calls-june-consistory-of-cardinals-says-evangelii-gaudium-must-be-relaunched</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a letter to the College of Cardinals, the pope said the exhortation remains “a significant point of reference” and urged renewed missionary boldness across the life of the Church. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, calls, June, consistory, cardinals, says, Evangelii, Gaudium, must, relaunched</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV reminds biblical scholars: Christ’s compassion toward all who suffer is ‘profound’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-reminds-biblical-scholars-christs-compassion-toward-all-who-suffer-is-profound</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-reminds-biblical-scholars-christs-compassion-toward-all-who-suffer-is-profound</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a letter to the Pontifical Biblical Commission, which is meeting this week, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to Christ’s compassion for the sick and suffering. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, reminds, biblical, scholars:, Christ’s, compassion, toward, all, who, suffer, ‘profound’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV Visiting Algeria as a Messenger of Peace and as a Pilgrim to the Birthplace of his Spiritual Identity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-visiting-algeria-as-a-messenger-of-peace-and-as-a-pilgrim-to-the-birthplace-of-his-spiritual-identity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-visiting-algeria-as-a-messenger-of-peace-and-as-a-pilgrim-to-the-birthplace-of-his-spiritual-identity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV will make an Apostolic visit to Algeria on Monday April 13th. In the following Interview, Fr. Vincent Kyererezi, a member of the Missionaries of Africa and Vicar General of the diocese of Laghouat-Ghardaïa, explains the importance of the visit and the role of the Church in the predominantly Moslem Algerian society.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, Visiting, Algeria, Messenger, Peace, and, Pilgrim, the, Birthplace, his, Spiritual, Identity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran peace talks set to begin in Pakistan</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/iran-peace-talks-set-to-begin-in-pakistan</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/iran-peace-talks-set-to-begin-in-pakistan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Iranian and US negotiators have arrived in Pakistan ahead of peace talks.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, peace, talks, set, begin, Pakistan</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Easter joy is a music that overcomes resignation and spiritual mediocrity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-easter-joy-is-a-music-that-overcomes-resignation-and-spiritual-mediocrity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-easter-joy-is-a-music-that-overcomes-resignation-and-spiritual-mediocrity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, reads a message from the Pope on the occasion of the fourth edition of the “Festival of the Resurrection” in Plaza Cibeles, Madrid. The Pontiff’s greeting and blessing upon the event: “How I wish that the very lives of Christians might become a concert”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2025/aprile/28/23.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Easter, joy, music, that, overcomes, resignation, and, spiritual, mediocrity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo at Prayer Vigil for Peace: Stop planning arms and death</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-at-prayer-vigil-for-peace-stop-planning-arms-and-death</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-at-prayer-vigil-for-peace-stop-planning-arms-and-death</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During Pope Leo XIV&#039;s Prayer Vigil for Peace in the world, the Pope appeals to leaders of nations to stop and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, &quot;not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!&quot; He also insists that the Church will always advance in calling for peace &quot;even when rejecting the logic of war may lead to misunderstanding and scorn,&quot; and will always instil &quot;obedience to God rather than any human authority.&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/11/2026-04-11-preghiera-del-santo-rosario-per-invocare-il-dono-dell/1775928698495.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, Prayer, Vigil, for, Peace:, Stop, planning, arms, and, death</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo’s appeal to the silent majority that chooses peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leos-appeal-to-the-silent-majority-that-chooses-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leos-appeal-to-the-silent-majority-that-chooses-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV calls upon billions of people around the world to engage in a shared commitment against the “madness of war,” those who, in this dramatic hour of history, do not surrender to the idolatry of money and power.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/11/2026-04-11-preghiera-del-santo-rosario-per-invocare-il-dono-dell/1775926594133.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo’s, appeal, the, silent, majority, that, chooses, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>The Way of Light: Praying the Stations of the Resurrection During Easter</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-way-of-light-praying-the-stations-of-the-resurrection-during-easter</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-way-of-light-praying-the-stations-of-the-resurrection-during-easter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For many Catholics, the spiritual intensity of Lent culminates in a familiar and beloved devotion: the Stations of the Cross. Throughout the forty days, we walk with Christ from His condemnation to His burial, meditating on the suffering through which our redemption was won. But once Easter arrives, many of those Lenten devotions quietly disappear. ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Florentine_painter_-_Christ_Resurrected_GG_215.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Way, Light:, Praying, the, Stations, the, Resurrection, During, Easter</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Media narrative about nuncio’s Pentagon meeting untrue, Vatican says</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/media-narrative-about-nuncios-pentagon-meeting-untrue-vatican-says</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/media-narrative-about-nuncios-pentagon-meeting-untrue-vatican-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican responded to a media report claiming Cardinal Christophe Pierre, then-papal envoy to the U.S., received “a bitter lecture” in a meeting with U.S. defense officials. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1745613972/images/pierre-christophe-daniel-ibanez-2.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Media, narrative, about, nuncio’s, Pentagon, meeting, untrue, Vatican, says</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo names Father Andrea Ciucci chancellor of Pontifical Academy for Life</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-names-father-andrea-ciucci-chancellor-of-pontifical-academy-for-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-names-father-andrea-ciucci-chancellor-of-pontifical-academy-for-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Italian priest has served as the academy&#039;s secretariat coordinator since 2016. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1745615627/images/size500/Fr_Andrea_Ciucci_of_the_Pontifical_Council_for_the_Family_speaks_with_CNA_July_11_2014_Credit_Daniel_Ibanez_CNA.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, names, Father, Andrea, Ciucci, chancellor, Pontifical, Academy, for, Life</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV at Vatican peace vigil: &amp;apos;Enough of war!&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-at-vatican-peace-vigil-enough-of-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-at-vatican-peace-vigil-enough-of-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Prayer is &quot;the most free, universal and disruptive response to death,&quot; the pope said in St. Peter&#039;s Basilica on Apr. 11. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775934248/ewtn-news/en/_SIM9509-1_2.JPG_fdsh00.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, Vatican, peace, vigil:, Enough, war</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Chaldean Catholic bishops meet Pope Leo as they prepare to elect new patriarch</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/chaldean-catholic-bishops-meet-pope-leo-as-they-prepare-to-elect-new-patriarch</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/chaldean-catholic-bishops-meet-pope-leo-as-they-prepare-to-elect-new-patriarch</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The synod of Chaldean Catholic bishops is meeting in Rome this week to elect a new patriarch amid complex internal and national challenges. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775827505/ewtn-news/en/_SIM7994_wdstnw.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chaldean, Catholic, bishops, meet, Pope, Leo, they, prepare, elect, new, patriarch</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: The threat against the entire Iranian people is unacceptable</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-the-threat-against-the-entire-iranian-people-is-unacceptable</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-the-threat-against-the-entire-iranian-people-is-unacceptable</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Addressing journalists in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV asks &quot;all people of goodwill to always search for peace and to reject war,&quot; calls for a return to the negotiating table to pursue peaceful solutions, and notes that attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/aprile/07/2026.04.07-Papa-Castel-Gandolfo-03.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, The, threat, against, the, entire, Iranian, people, unacceptable</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope at Audience: &amp;apos;Holiness is not a privilege for the few&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-audience-holiness-is-not-a-privilege-for-the-few</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-audience-holiness-is-not-a-privilege-for-the-few</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV continues his catechesis series on the Dogmatic Constitution &#039;Lumen gentium,&#039; and reminds us that holiness &#039;is not a privilege for the few,&#039; but for all the baptized, and &#039;is manifested in our daily life every time we receive it with joy and respond to Him.&#039;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/08/2026-04-08-udienza-generale/1775638289944.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Audience:, Holiness, not, privilege, for, the, few</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope welcomes Middle East ceasefire, invites faithful to join prayer vigil for peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-welcomes-middle-east-ceasefire-invites-faithful-to-join-prayer-vigil-for-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-welcomes-middle-east-ceasefire-invites-faithful-to-join-prayer-vigil-for-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo welcomes the news of a ceasefire in the Middle East and asks that all parties engage in prolonged dialogue to reach an end to the conflict. He also invites men and women of goodwill across the world to join him in prayer for peace on Saturday 11 April.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, welcomes, Middle, East, ceasefire, invites, faithful, join, prayer, vigil, for, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin: We need more voices calling for peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-we-need-more-voices-calling-for-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-we-need-more-voices-calling-for-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a recent interview with the Italian quarterly &#039;Dialoghi,&#039; Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, discusses the fragility of diplomacy, the rise of the logic of the strongest, the importance of the United Nations, and the need to empty nuclear arsenals.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/gennaio/31/Parolin-a-Floriana-Malta_1.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin:, need, more, voices, calling, for, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Last Christian village on Israeli border: &amp;apos;We want a Lebanon that lives in peace&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/last-christian-village-on-israeli-border-we-want-a-lebanon-that-lives-in-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/last-christian-village-on-israeli-border-we-want-a-lebanon-that-lives-in-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fr. Toni Elias, a Lebanese Maronite parish priest in Rmeich - the last village in the south of the country on the border with Israel. Despite the news that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, he says, “We do not give up—on the contrary, we trust in the Lord. This is what truly makes us a resilient people in the midst of this tide of war and conflict that surrounds us.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/04/08/12/1775643119346.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Last, Christian, village, Israeli, border:, We, want, Lebanon, that, lives, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>On Easter Monday, Pope Leo XIV remembers those ‘tormented’ by war: ‘The truth does not remain hidden’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-easter-monday-pope-leo-xiv-remembers-those-tormented-by-war-the-truth-does-not-remain-hidden</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-easter-monday-pope-leo-xiv-remembers-those-tormented-by-war-the-truth-does-not-remain-hidden</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Upon the recitation of the Regina Caeli, the pope also remembered Pope Francis, who died a year ago on Easter Monday. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775481420/PopeLeoReginaCaeli040226_m5gptg.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easter, Monday, Pope, Leo, XIV, remembers, those, ‘tormented’, war:, ‘The, truth, does, not, remain, hidden’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Threat against entire people of Iran ‘not acceptable,’ Pope Leo XIV says</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/threat-against-entire-people-of-iran-not-acceptable-pope-leo-xiv-says</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/threat-against-entire-people-of-iran-not-acceptable-pope-leo-xiv-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and are also a sign of hatred, division, and destruction, Pope Leo XIV said. “Let’s come back to the table,” he said. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775588783/ewtn-news/en/0a89f922-fa2f-43e0-bd3c-8ee3b4f9a428_nwjtyu.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Threat, against, entire, people, Iran, ‘not, acceptable, ’, Pope, Leo, XIV, says</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV welcomes ceasefire in Iran as ‘sign of living hope’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-ceasefire-in-iran-as-sign-of-living-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-ceasefire-in-iran-as-sign-of-living-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Only through a return to negotiation can the war come to an end,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775640879/ewtn-news/en/_SIM1145_g5j7dd.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, welcomes, ceasefire, Iran, ‘sign, living, hope’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican urges Catholics not to leave Pope Leo XIV alone in opposing war</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-urges-catholics-not-to-leave-pope-leo-xiv-alone-in-opposing-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-urges-catholics-not-to-leave-pope-leo-xiv-alone-in-opposing-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican Secretary of State said the pope’s appeals for peace need concrete support. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1769641095/cardenal-parolin-secretario-de-estado-del-vaticano-28012026-1769635464_drk081.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, urges, Catholics, not, leave, Pope, Leo, XIV, alone, opposing, war</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope will address tensions between Christianity and Islam in Africa, Nigerian bishop says</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-will-address-tensions-between-christianity-and-islam-in-africa-nigerian-bishop-says</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-will-address-tensions-between-christianity-and-islam-in-africa-nigerian-bishop-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An Augustinian confrere of Pope Leo XIV discussed the pontiff’s upcoming trip to four African countries. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775658952/ewtn-news/en/WhatsApp_Image_2026-04-08_at_9.33.38_AM_nv2nnb.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, will, address, tensions, between, Christianity, and, Islam, Africa, Nigerian, bishop, says</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, dismisses claims of attack on cathedral</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/diocese-of-sokoto-nigeria-dismisses-claims-of-attack-on-cathedral</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/diocese-of-sokoto-nigeria-dismisses-claims-of-attack-on-cathedral</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In response to false reports of an attack on the Bishop’s residence, cathedral, and pastoral center, the Diocese of Sokoto issues an official disclaimer denying the claims.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2023/04/12/Bishop-kukah-696x456-1aem.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Diocese, Sokoto, Nigeria, dismisses, claims, attack, cathedral</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Easter drives out hatred and brings down the mighty</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-easter-drives-out-hatred-and-brings-down-the-mighty</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-easter-drives-out-hatred-and-brings-down-the-mighty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the Easter Vigil Mass in the Vatican, Pope Leo says that “God responds to the hardness of sin – which divides and kills – with the power of love, which unites and restores life”. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/04/2026-04-04-domenica-di-pasqua-risurrezione-del-signore---veglia-/1775336164500.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Easter, drives, out, hatred, and, brings, down, the, mighty</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Easter opens us up to hope that never fails</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-easter-opens-us-up-to-hope-that-never-fails</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-easter-opens-us-up-to-hope-that-never-fails</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Leo reminds us that the Easter proclamation that Christ is risen from the dead &quot;opens us up to a hope that never fails, to a light that never fades, to a fullness of joy that nothing can take away: death has been conquered forever; death no longer has power over us!&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/05/2026-04-05-domenica-di-pasqua-risurrezione-del-signore---messa-d/1775379084913.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Easter, opens, hope, that, never, fails</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Urbi et Orbi: Pope urges world leaders to lay down weapons</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/urbi-et-orbi-pope-urges-world-leaders-to-lay-down-weapons</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/urbi-et-orbi-pope-urges-world-leaders-to-lay-down-weapons</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On Easter Sunday, Pope Leo appeals to world leaders to choose “not to dominate others, but to encounter them”. He also announces that he will lead a prayer vigil for peace next Saturday, April 11th, in Saint Peter’s Basilica.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/05/2026-04-05-domenica-di-pasqua-risurrezione-del-signore---benediz/1775385368937.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Urbi, Orbi:, Pope, urges, world, leaders, lay, down, weapons</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran conflict raises fears of water crisis</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/iran-conflict-raises-fears-of-water-crisis</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/iran-conflict-raises-fears-of-water-crisis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Recent missile attacks have raised concerns that desalination plants could be caught in the crossfire. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/afp/2026/04/02/16/1775138478512.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, conflict, raises, fears, water, crisis</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>At the Colosseum, Pope Leo XIV urges the faithful to &amp;apos;live our lives as a journey&amp;apos; in Christ&amp;apos;s love</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-the-colosseum-pope-leo-xiv-urges-the-faithful-to-live-our-lives-as-a-journey-in-christs-love</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-the-colosseum-pope-leo-xiv-urges-the-faithful-to-live-our-lives-as-a-journey-in-christs-love</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Holy Father carried the cross at the Roman amphitheater on Good Friday, the first time a pope has done so in several years. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>the, Colosseum, Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, the, faithful, live, our, lives, journey, Christs, love</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV carries the cross at the Via Crucis in the Colosseum</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-carries-the-cross-at-the-via-crucis-in-the-colosseum</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-carries-the-cross-at-the-via-crucis-in-the-colosseum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, Pope, Leo, XIV, carries, the, cross, the, Via, Crucis, the, Colosseum</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>At Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace to &amp;apos;grow and flourish&amp;apos; throughout the world</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-easter-vigil-pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-peace-to-grow-and-flourish-throughout-the-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-easter-vigil-pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-peace-to-grow-and-flourish-throughout-the-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The ancient vigil &quot;stretches across the centuries as a path of reconciliation and grace,&quot; the pope said at the Vatican. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easter, Vigil, Pope, Leo, XIV, calls, for, peace, grow, and, flourish, throughout, the, world</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV announces April 11 peace vigil at St. Peter’s</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-announces-april-11-peace-vigil-at-st-peters</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-announces-april-11-peace-vigil-at-st-peters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his first Easter message to the city and the world, the pontiff urged those with weapons to lay them down. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, announces, April, peace, vigil, St., Peter’s</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope at Easter: &amp;apos;May Christ, our Passover, bless us and give his peace to the whole world!&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-easter-may-christ-our-passover-bless-us-and-give-his-peace-to-the-whole-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-easter-may-christ-our-passover-bless-us-and-give-his-peace-to-the-whole-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On his first Easter as pontiff, Leo XIV urged Christians to bring the hope of the Resurrection into a world scarred by war, violence, and injustice. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Easter:, May, Christ, our, Passover, bless, and, give, his, peace, the, whole, world</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Indonesia: Bishop’s call for building priestly fraternity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/indonesia-bishops-call-for-building-priestly-fraternity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/indonesia-bishops-call-for-building-priestly-fraternity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the heart of holy week preparations, the Church in Larantuka gathers for the Chrism Mass, renewing priestly vows and strengthening unity in mission and hope.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/afp/2024/03/29/05/1711685144553.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Indonesia:, Bishop’s, call, for, building, priestly, fraternity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Land Custos: ‘Renouncing violence is not weakness’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-land-custos-renouncing-violence-is-not-weakness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-land-custos-renouncing-violence-is-not-weakness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As violence continues unabated in Palestine and Israel, the Custos of the Holy Land stresses that “true strength lies in the gift of oneself, in the capacity to love until the end”.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/marzo/31/Conferenza-stampa-congiunta-patriarca-latino-di-Gerusalemme-17.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Land, Custos:, ‘Renouncing, violence, not, weakness’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>In its 5th week Iran war shows no sign of abating</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/in-its-5th-week-iran-war-shows-no-sign-of-abating</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/in-its-5th-week-iran-war-shows-no-sign-of-abating</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the US President threatens to bomb Iran back to the “Stone Ages”, American and Israeli forces step up attacks on the country, and Tehran says it will continue to fight back.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/03/26/14/1774533365092.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>its, 5th, week, Iran, war, shows, sign, abating</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Pizzaballa on Maundy Thursday: ‘We are here to celebrate life&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-on-maundy-thursday-we-are-here-to-celebrate-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-on-maundy-thursday-we-are-here-to-celebrate-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presides over the In Coena Domini Mass behind closed doors in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. He says that  at a time marked by tensions that cannot be ignored, “we are here as within a womb of peace, while around us the world is torn apart, and we wish we could change all of this.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/aprile/02/47.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Pizzaballa, Maundy, Thursday:, ‘We, are, here, celebrate, life</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo: &amp;apos;We are called to serve the People of God with our whole lives&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-we-are-called-to-serve-the-people-of-god-with-our-whole-lives</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-we-are-called-to-serve-the-people-of-god-with-our-whole-lives</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Celebrating the Mass of the Lord&#039;s Supper on Holy Thursday evening in the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV tells his brother priests that they are to serve the Lord by giving all of their lives to the People of God, and stresses that in this time of great brutality around the world, we, too, are to kneel alongside the oppressed and all in need.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/04/02/2026-04-02-giovedi-santo--cena-del-signore---messa-vespertina/1775149575490.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, We, are, called, serve, the, People, God, with, our, whole, lives</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Week Was Political—And It Still Is</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-week-was-politicaland-it-still-is</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-week-was-politicaland-it-still-is</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It is tempting to see Holy Week as purely spiritual and separate from the tensions and social variables of public life. However, the narrative of Our Lord’s Passion did not unfold in a vacuum. It transpired at the intersection of law, religious authority, public opinion, and imperial domination. That is why Holy Week was undeniably ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Week, Was, Political—And, Still</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope says Christian mission counters ‘imperialist occupation of the world’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-says-christian-mission-counters-imperialist-occupation-of-the-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-says-christian-mission-counters-imperialist-occupation-of-the-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the Holy Thursday chrism Mass, Leo XIV said the Church must reject domination, power, and “calculated strategy” in favor of humble service, unity, and peace. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, says, Christian, mission, counters, ‘imperialist, occupation, the, world’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Holy Thursday chrism Mass at the Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-holy-thursday-chrism-mass-at-the-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-holy-thursday-chrism-mass-at-the-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chrism Mass includes the blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775139681/HOLY_THURSDAY_CHRISM_MASS_Daniel_Ibáñez_12_r8ipzl.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, Holy, Thursday, chrism, Mass, the, Vatican</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV: ‘Kneel down as brothers and sisters alongside the oppressed’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-kneel-down-as-brothers-and-sisters-alongside-the-oppressed</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-kneel-down-as-brothers-and-sisters-alongside-the-oppressed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On Holy Thursday, the pontiff urged Catholics to imitate Christ’s service in a world marked by brutality. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV:, ‘Kneel, down, brothers, and, sisters, alongside, the, oppressed’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-the-mass-of-the-lords-supper-at-the-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-the-mass-of-the-lords-supper-at-the-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Departing from Pope Francis’ custom of celebrating the liturgy in prisons or migrant centers, Leo celebrated the rite in the cathedral of Rome and washed the feet of 12 priests of the Diocese of Rome. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1775155545/260402_HOLY_THURSDAY_EVENING_MASS_OF_THE_LORD_S_SUPPER_Daniel_Ibáñez_12_iezdsm.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, Pope, Leo, XIV, celebrates, the, Mass, the, Lord’s, Supper, the, Vatican</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Filipino migrants chorale weaves tapestry of faith and music</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/filipino-migrants-chorale-weaves-tapestry-of-faith-and-music</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/filipino-migrants-chorale-weaves-tapestry-of-faith-and-music</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Inaugurating Holy Week, a Filipino choral group based in London brings together faith, culture, and community through music, offering a powerful witness of Filipino Catholic spirituality abroad.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/marzo/30/46.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Filipino, migrants, chorale, weaves, tapestry, faith, and, music</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Archbishop Peña Parra grateful for service offered in Secretariat of State</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-pena-parra-grateful-for-service-offered-in-secretariat-of-state</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-pena-parra-grateful-for-service-offered-in-secretariat-of-state</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Venezuelan archbishop, the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State until now, and today appointed by Pope Leo as the new nuncio to Italy and San Marino, met with the superiors, officials, and collaborators with whom he has worked since 2018, expressing his gratitude to all and how he was enriched by the challenging experiences.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/03/30/2026-03-30-nomina-nunzio-apostolico-monsignor-edgar-pena-parra/1774869984738.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Archbishop, Peña, Parra, grateful, for, service, offered, Secretariat, State</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>New Substitute &amp;apos;deeply honoured&amp;apos; by appointment</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-substitute-deeply-honoured-by-appointment</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-substitute-deeply-honoured-by-appointment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Rudelli expresses his gratitude over his appointment by Pope Leo XIV, pledging to undertake his new mission in the spirit of Praedicate evangelium, and entrusting himself to the intercession of Pope St. John XXIII.


                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/marzo/30/rudelli.jpeg.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, Substitute, deeply, honoured, appointment</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>New prefect of Papal Household, Archbishop Rajič, expresses gratitude to Pope</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-prefect-of-papal-household-archbishop-rajic-expresses-gratitude-to-pope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-prefect-of-papal-household-archbishop-rajic-expresses-gratitude-to-pope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Archbishop, until now Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino, expressed “profound” gratitude for the appointment he received from Leo XIV, and his hopes in offering “his service to the universal Church.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/marzo/27/Petar_RajicAEM.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, prefect, Papal, Household, Archbishop, Rajič, expresses, gratitude, Pope</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin meets Israel’s ambassador, expresses regret over Holy Sepulchre incident</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-meets-israels-ambassador-expresses-regret-over-holy-sepulchre-incident</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-meets-israels-ambassador-expresses-regret-over-holy-sepulchre-incident</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A meeting took place on Monday between the Holy See&#039;s Secretary of State, accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Gallagher, and Israeli Ambassador Yaron Sideman. During the meeting clarifications were offered regarding the “unfortunate incident” that occurred yesterday, Palm Sunday, when Israeli police prevented Patriarch Pizzaballa and Custos Fr. Ielpo from entering the Holy Sepulchre.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/marzo/30/50.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin, meets, Israel’s, ambassador, expresses, regret, over, Holy, Sepulchre, incident</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Doing God’s Work Doesn’t Mean He Owes Us</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/doing-gods-work-doesnt-mean-he-owes-us</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/doing-gods-work-doesnt-mean-he-owes-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three weeks ago, I went to Taiwan—joyfully, gratefully, and with a deep sense of privilege. I felt immensely blessed to be part of the Lord’s work, to preach, speak, serve, and pour myself out for souls. Then I came home to Michigan, expecting to plunge immediately into the mountain of work waiting for me at ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/elianna-gill-Q588c92mWEI-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Doing, God’s, Work, Doesn’t, Mean, Owes</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope names Vatican diplomats to key positions in Secretariat of State, papal household</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-names-vatican-diplomats-to-key-positions-in-secretariat-of-state-papal-household</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-names-vatican-diplomats-to-key-positions-in-secretariat-of-state-papal-household</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Paolo Rudelli is the new head of the general affairs section of the Secretariat of State and Archbishop Petar Rajič is the new prefect of the Papal Household. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1774875573/260325_GA_Daniel_Ibáñez_5_edqh7a.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, names, Vatican, diplomats, key, positions, Secretariat, State, papal, household</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal of Tehran prays in Rome for ‘end to violence’ in Persian Gulf</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-of-tehran-prays-in-rome-for-end-to-violence-in-persian-gulf</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-of-tehran-prays-in-rome-for-end-to-violence-in-persian-gulf</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan, on Monday evening stood in prayer for peace. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Tehran, prays, Rome, for, ‘end, violence’, Persian, Gulf</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican affirms future of Anglican ordinariates: ‘A precious gift and a treasure to be shared’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-affirms-future-of-anglican-ordinariates-a-precious-gift-and-a-treasure-to-be-shared</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-affirms-future-of-anglican-ordinariates-a-precious-gift-and-a-treasure-to-be-shared</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bishop Steven Lopes welcomed a Vatican document as a significant encouragement, calling it “an exhortation to live this patrimony in all of its richness.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, affirms, future, Anglican, ordinariates:, ‘A, precious, gift, and, treasure, shared’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Leo XIV: The most difficult circumstances can be transformed by the power of love</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-the-most-difficult-circumstances-can-be-transformed-by-the-power-of-love</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-the-most-difficult-circumstances-can-be-transformed-by-the-power-of-love</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In an audience with the Illinois Municipal League, the pontiff said that Gospel values can be applied to city government to the benefit of the most vulnerable and for the common good. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1774904027/papa-illinois-1774882141_nlbijt.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leo, XIV:, The, most, difficult, circumstances, can, transformed, the, power, love</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Final Lenten meditation: A free life is loving unconditionally</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/final-lenten-meditation-a-free-life-is-loving-unconditionally</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/final-lenten-meditation-a-free-life-is-loving-unconditionally</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fr. Roberto Pasolini, Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his Lenten meditation and reflects on the theme “The freedom of the children of God: Perfect joy and death as a sister,” recalling the final stages of the earthly journey of St. Francis of Assisi, who learned “to accept his own fragility” and smallness.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Final, Lenten, meditation:, free, life, loving, unconditionally</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sport and solidarity at the heart of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/sport-and-solidarity-at-the-heart-of-the-princess-charlene-of-monaco-foundation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/sport-and-solidarity-at-the-heart-of-the-princess-charlene-of-monaco-foundation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco, the CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation reflects on its significance and shared values. She highlights the Foundation’s global mission to prevent drowning and promote human development through sport and education.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sport, and, solidarity, the, heart, the, Princess, Charlene, Monaco, Foundation</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>News from the Orient &#45; 27 March 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-27-march-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-27-march-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient we look ahead to Easter in the Holy Land, where celebrations are being compromised by the ongoing war in the Middle East. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, from, the, Orient, March, 2026</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin: Pope’s visit to Monaco an invitation to faith and encounter</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-popes-visit-to-monaco-an-invitation-to-faith-and-encounter</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-popes-visit-to-monaco-an-invitation-to-faith-and-encounter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Principality of Monaco is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV. “Small nations,” notes the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, “prove to be natural guardians of multilateralism.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin:, Pope’s, visit, Monaco, invitation, faith, and, encounter</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ordinariate bishops reflect on &amp;apos;core shared identity&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ordinariate-bishops-reflect-on-core-shared-identity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ordinariate-bishops-reflect-on-core-shared-identity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Following their plenary assembly earlier this month, bishops from the Anglican Ordinariates reflect on seven distinctive traits of their spiritual and pastoral heritage, including lay participation, commitment to the poor, and the family as domestic church.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ordinariate, bishops, reflect, core, shared, identity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Synod on Synodality proposes a Church ‘Observatory on Disability’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/synod-on-synodality-proposes-a-church-observatory-on-disability</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/synod-on-synodality-proposes-a-church-observatory-on-disability</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The report is the conclusion of the work carried out by one of the 10 study groups created by Pope Francis in 2024 during the Synod on Synodality. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1773265869/sinodosinodalidad-271024_tc2mxz.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Synod, Synodality, proposes, Church, ‘Observatory, Disability’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian Catholics pay tribute to late Vietnamese Cardinal Van Thuan</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/asian-catholics-pay-tribute-to-late-vietnamese-cardinal-van-thuan</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/asian-catholics-pay-tribute-to-late-vietnamese-cardinal-van-thuan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican held the “Cardinal Văn Thuận: Witness of Hope” conference at the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran in Rome on March 25. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Catholics, pay, tribute, late, Vietnamese, Cardinal, Van, Thuan</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV set to meet with first female archbishop of Canterbury</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-set-to-meet-with-first-female-archbishop-of-canterbury</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-set-to-meet-with-first-female-archbishop-of-canterbury</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The announcement came just two days after Sarah Mullally’s installation as archbishop of Canterbury. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, set, meet, with, first, female, archbishop, Canterbury</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo praises organ donation, warns about commodification of the body</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-praises-organ-donation-warns-about-commodification-of-the-body</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-praises-organ-donation-warns-about-commodification-of-the-body</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The audience with participants in an event organized by the Italian National Transplant Network took place March 26 at the Vatican. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, praises, organ, donation, warns, about, commodification, the, body</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mother Angelica’s enduring legacy celebrated at Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/mother-angelicas-enduring-legacy-celebrated-at-mass-at-st-peters-basilica</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/mother-angelicas-enduring-legacy-celebrated-at-mass-at-st-peters-basilica</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mother Angelica knew from experience that “God works through humble, unexpected instruments to spread his Gospel,” said the principal celebrant at the Mass, Father Michael Baggot, LC. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mother, Angelica’s, enduring, legacy, celebrated, Mass, St., Peter’s, Basilica</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Archbishop of Monaco: Pope Leo XIV will help us recognize ‘hidden poverties’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-of-monaco-pope-leo-xiv-will-help-us-recognize-hidden-poverties</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-of-monaco-pope-leo-xiv-will-help-us-recognize-hidden-poverties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Monaco, Archbishop Dominique-Marie David tells Vatican News about the spiritual fragilities of the small country where wealth often conceals deep “loneliness” and a “crisis of the meaning of life.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Archbishop, Monaco:, Pope, Leo, XIV, will, help, recognize, ‘hidden, poverties’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Israel says it plans to take control of large area of southern Lebanon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-says-it-plans-to-take-control-of-large-area-of-southern-lebanon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-says-it-plans-to-take-control-of-large-area-of-southern-lebanon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Israel&#039;s defence minister says it will take control of a large part of southern Lebanon.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Israel, says, plans, take, control, large, area, southern, Lebanon</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>God’s miracle: How Tanzania’s children with disabilities are finding hope at centre in Singida</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/gods-miracle-how-tanzanias-children-with-disabilities-are-finding-hope-at-centre-in-singida</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/gods-miracle-how-tanzanias-children-with-disabilities-are-finding-hope-at-centre-in-singida</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Children with disabilities deserve the same care, respect and opportunities as every other child in society. Serving them has revealed the meaning of my vocation and the joy of ministering to others,” said Sr. Rosemary Ombay, the assistant director of Siuyu Rehabilitation Centre.


                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>God’s, miracle:, How, Tanzania’s, children, with, disabilities, are, finding, hope, centre, Singida</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UNICEF appeals for end to Mideast war as children suffer devastation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/unicef-appeals-for-end-to-mideast-war-as-children-suffer-devastation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/unicef-appeals-for-end-to-mideast-war-as-children-suffer-devastation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The United Nations Children&#039;s Fund appeals for an end to the violence in the Middle East and unimpeded humanitarian access to assist over 1.2 million displaced children in Iran and Lebanon. The humanitarian organization warns that a generation of children is being pulled deeper into crisis and paying a devastating price.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>UNICEF, appeals, for, end, Mideast, war, children, suffer, devastation</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Authorities must pursue ceasefire and peace through dialogue</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-authorities-must-pursue-ceasefire-and-peace-through-dialogue</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-authorities-must-pursue-ceasefire-and-peace-through-dialogue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV issues a brief statement to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, renewing his appeal to “work for peace, not with weapons,” and denouncing the rise in hatred, violence, and death.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Authorities, must, pursue, ceasefire, and, peace, through, dialogue</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>“Dear None”: Questions that Confirm Catholicism as the True Religion, Part 2</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/dear-none-questions-that-confirm-catholicism-as-the-true-religion-part-2</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/dear-none-questions-that-confirm-catholicism-as-the-true-religion-part-2</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Part 1 of this letter asked you two imperative and inescapable questions to help pinpoint your life’s belief system. If you answered a Transcendent Reality and a Creative and Willing Purpose, you narrowed down your life’s selection to one of five major religions: Catholic Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism, Calvinism, or Lutheranism. After answering four more such ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>“Dear, None”:, Questions, that, Confirm, Catholicism, the, True, Religion, Part</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>From the altar to the track: Marathon&#45;running cardinal highlights spirituality of sport</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/from-the-altar-to-the-track-marathon-running-cardinal-highlights-spirituality-of-sport</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/from-the-altar-to-the-track-marathon-running-cardinal-highlights-spirituality-of-sport</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, said running is for him a “school of prayer.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, the, altar, the, track:, Marathon-running, cardinal, highlights, spirituality, sport</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV warns children should not look to chatbots for friendship</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-children-should-not-look-to-chatbots-for-friendship</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-children-should-not-look-to-chatbots-for-friendship</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pope cautioned that AI risks dulling young people’s intelligence, relationships, and creativity. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, warns, children, should, not, look, chatbots, for, friendship</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Exorcists urge pope to appoint trained practitioners in every diocese</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/exorcists-urge-pope-to-appoint-trained-practitioners-in-every-diocese</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/exorcists-urge-pope-to-appoint-trained-practitioners-in-every-diocese</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An exorcist group said growing occult practices and spiritual harm highlight the need for trained priests and better formation. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1774350116/Captura_de_pantalla_2026-03-24_a_las_11.48.20_vtr3wv.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Exorcists, urge, pope, appoint, trained, practitioners, every, diocese</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Yad Vashem chief: Holocaust memory is key to fighting antisemitism</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/yad-vashem-chief-holocaust-memory-is-key-to-fighting-antisemitism</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/yad-vashem-chief-holocaust-memory-is-key-to-fighting-antisemitism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dani Dayan spoke after meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying antisemitism is “bigotry” independent of Israeli policy. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1774361120/_SIM8612_1_tey1ce.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yad, Vashem, chief:, Holocaust, memory, key, fighting, antisemitism</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>GreenAccord Forum: Telling the climate crisis without losing hope</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/greenaccord-forum-telling-the-climate-crisis-without-losing-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/greenaccord-forum-telling-the-climate-crisis-without-losing-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the GreenAccord Forum in Treviso, journalists reflect on how to report the climate crisis without paralysing audiences, as this year’s media award goes to Covering Climate Now.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>GreenAccord, Forum:, Telling, the, climate, crisis, without, losing, hope</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Focolare: Be a counterweight to violence and hatred</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-focolare-be-a-counterweight-to-violence-and-hatred</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-focolare-be-a-counterweight-to-violence-and-hatred</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo meets the Focolare Movement and encourages them to promote unity and peace within their organization and throughout the world, especially at this moment in history, while also always respecting each person’s freedom and conscience. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/03/21/2026-03-21-partecipanti-all-assemblea-generale-del-movimento-dei/1774097472059.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Focolare:, counterweight, violence, and, hatred</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Italian TV: Free, respectful information is a tool for peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-italian-tv-free-respectful-information-is-a-tool-for-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-italian-tv-free-respectful-information-is-a-tool-for-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo highlights the &quot;important mission&quot; of the media in a time of change and of &quot;words too often shouted on the web&quot; in a message to Tgcom24, an Italian television network, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Italian, TV:, Free, respectful, information, tool, for, peace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>IAEA urges restraint after reported strike on Iran’s Natanz site</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/iaea-urges-restraint-after-reported-strike-on-irans-natanz-site</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/iaea-urges-restraint-after-reported-strike-on-irans-natanz-site</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The United Nations&#039; nuclear watchdog has urged military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident after Iran said the Natanz nuclear facility was targeted by strikes.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>IAEA, urges, restraint, after, reported, strike, Iran’s, Natanz, site</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Custody of the Holy Land: ‘Prayer continues uninterruptedly’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/custody-of-the-holy-land-prayer-continues-uninterruptedly</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/custody-of-the-holy-land-prayer-continues-uninterruptedly</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the midst of the violence in the Middle East, the Custody of the Holy Land invites people around the world to spiritually join in the prayers &quot;so that war and violence may cease, and that the paths of dialogue, diplomacy, and politics...may be walked with courage and responsibility.&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Custody, the, Holy, Land:, ‘Prayer, continues, uninterruptedly’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>I Am the Resurrection and the Life: Fifth Sunday of Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life-fifth-sunday-of-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life-fifth-sunday-of-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus turns mourning into joy when He raises Lazarus from the dead. Gospel (Read Jn. 11:1-45) This Gospel gives us a story about Jesus raising the dead to life, something He did on at least two other occasions (see Lk. 7:11:17, Mk. 5:21-23).  This episode, however, is profoundly different from those ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>the, Resurrection, and, the, Life:, Fifth, Sunday, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>It Is in Dying that We Are Born to Eternal Life</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/it-is-in-dying-that-we-are-born-to-eternal-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/it-is-in-dying-that-we-are-born-to-eternal-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ St. Francis’ Relics Remind Pilgrims the Importance of Dying to Self During Lent and Beyond Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (Jn. 12:24) Humility, awe, and reverence.  Those are ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nikhil-mitra-S-IE1WtkhJ4-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dying, that, Are, Born, Eternal, Life</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican secretary of state urges end to Iran war, warns of escalation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-secretary-of-state-urges-end-to-iran-war-warns-of-escalation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-secretary-of-state-urges-end-to-iran-war-warns-of-escalation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Pietro Parolin said he would tell Trump and Israel to “stop as soon as possible.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1771363322/cardenal-pietro-parolin-daniel-ibanez-17022026-1771357010_m4twxj.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, secretary, state, urges, end, Iran, war, warns, escalation</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>EWTN News explains: What is the ‘papal almoner’?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ewtn-news-explains-what-is-the-papal-almoner</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ewtn-news-explains-what-is-the-papal-almoner</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The papal almoner is a key position in the Vatican, one that has played a vital role in the Church and its charitable undertakings for centuries. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1773331853/WhatsApp_Image_2026-03-12_at_4.02.29_PM_ibgxi8.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>EWTN, News, explains:, What, the, ‘papal, almoner’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican urges Catholic organizations to divest from mining sector for the common good</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-urges-catholic-organizations-to-divest-from-mining-sector-for-the-common-good</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-urges-catholic-organizations-to-divest-from-mining-sector-for-the-common-good</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Around 40 faith-based organizations are participating in the &quot;Platform for Divestment in the Mining Industry,&quot; meeting March 19–21 in Rome. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1774017379/Mining032026_eovqaw.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, urges, Catholic, organizations, divest, from, mining, sector, for, the, common, good</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Students bring Chesterton&amp;apos;s example of faith from the U.S. to Rome</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/students-bring-chestertons-example-of-faith-from-the-us-to-rome</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/students-bring-chestertons-example-of-faith-from-the-us-to-rome</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Approximately 240 students from across the U.S. travel to Italy for a 10-day pilgrimage and in Rome, attend Pope Leo’s General Audience in St. Peter&#039;s Square. Their chaplain says their mission is to “be a sign of contradiction” to the voices that “do not appreciate the truth of the Gospel.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Students, bring, Chestertons, example, faith, from, the, U.S., Rome</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Israel kills  Iranian intelligence chief  and intensifies attacks on Lebanon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-kills-iranian-intelligence-chief-and-intensifies-attacks-on-lebanon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-kills-iranian-intelligence-chief-and-intensifies-attacks-on-lebanon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Israel says Iran&#039;s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib has been killed in an overnight strike and intensifies its attacks on Beirut following an escalation between Hezbollah and Tel Aviv.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/03/18/11/1773828673492.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Israel, kills, Iranian, intelligence, chief, and, intensifies, attacks, Lebanon</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Apostolic Nuncio to in Lebanon visits bombarded southern villages</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-nuncio-to-in-lebanon-visits-bombarded-southern-villages</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-nuncio-to-in-lebanon-visits-bombarded-southern-villages</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Apostolic nuncio, Paolo Borgia, meets with Shiite religious authorities in the south of Lebanon, and encounters a group of refugees hosted by a Maronite community,.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Apostolic, Nuncio, Lebanon, visits, bombarded, southern, villages</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin to Trump, Israel: End the war as soon as possible</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-to-trump-israel-end-the-war-as-soon-as-possible</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-to-trump-israel-end-the-war-as-soon-as-possible</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Responding to questions by journalists on the sidelines of a book presentation, Cardinal Pietro Parolin shares what he would say if face-to-face with U.S. President Trump: &quot;Put an end to it as soon as possible because the real danger is that an escalation is just around the corner.&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin, Trump, Israel:, End, the, war, soon, possible</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>GreenAccord Forum 2026: Sustainability, media, and a shared future</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/greenaccord-forum-2026-sustainability-media-and-a-shared-future</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/greenaccord-forum-2026-sustainability-media-and-a-shared-future</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 100 journalists from over 40 countries gather for four days of dialogue on ecology, innovation, and responsible communication.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>GreenAccord, Forum, 2026:, Sustainability, media, and, shared, future</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Leo XIV to journalists: War is not a video game; guard against propaganda, verify the news</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-to-journalists-war-is-not-a-video-game-guard-against-propaganda-verify-the-news</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-to-journalists-war-is-not-a-video-game-guard-against-propaganda-verify-the-news</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV exhorted journalists to fact-check the news and show the true face of war. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1773690450/leon-xiv-en-el-vaticano-23082025-1770559133_v7cjqt.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leo, XIV, journalists:, War, not, video, game, guard, against, propaganda, verify, the, news</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>At a time of conflict, Pope Leo sends a bridge&#45;builder to the United States</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-a-time-of-conflict-pope-leo-sends-a-bridge-builder-to-the-united-states</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-a-time-of-conflict-pope-leo-sends-a-bridge-builder-to-the-united-states</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new papal envoy to Washington, has been shaped by a diplomatic career in geopolitical hot spots. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1745612192/images/Archbishop_Caccia.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>time, conflict, Pope, Leo, sends, bridge-builder, the, United, States</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican court orders partial retrial in ‘trial of the century’ finance case</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-court-orders-partial-retrial-in-trial-of-the-century-finance-case</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-court-orders-partial-retrial-in-trial-of-the-century-finance-case</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Judges cite procedural flaws tied to papal decrees, requiring renewed proceedings while leaving prior convictions formally intact. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1758639824/images/20201204021220-fbf693df16360093aa9da7325db18c6ea161f223c14e377f390cfa102d1d6505.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, court, orders, partial, retrial, ‘trial, the, century’, finance, case</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy See calls on UN to eradicate surrogacy ‘in all its forms’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-calls-on-un-to-eradicate-surrogacy-in-all-its-forms</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-calls-on-un-to-eradicate-surrogacy-in-all-its-forms</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, laid out the economic reasons surrogacy exists, the harm it does, and why it is wrong. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, See, calls, eradicate, surrogacy, ‘in, all, its, forms’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV: ‘Each baptized person is an active agent of evangelization’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-each-baptized-person-is-an-active-agent-of-evangelization</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-each-baptized-person-is-an-active-agent-of-evangelization</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pope’s message at the general audience focused on the “communion of the faithful” as taught in the second chapter of Lumen Gentium. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV:, ‘Each, baptized, person, active, agent, evangelization’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo takes possession of apartment in Apostolic Palace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-takes-possession-of-apartment-in-apostolic-palace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-takes-possession-of-apartment-in-apostolic-palace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Director of the Holy See Press Office confirms Pope Leo XIV’s move to the Apostolic Palace after having resided at the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio since the beginning of his pontificate.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, takes, possession, apartment, Apostolic, Palace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope at Angelus: Faith opens our eyes to suffering humanity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-faith-opens-our-eyes-to-suffering-humanity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-faith-opens-our-eyes-to-suffering-humanity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Jesus’ healing of the man born blind, and says faith teaches us to see humanity and its struggles as God sees them.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Angelus:, Faith, opens, our, eyes, suffering, humanity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope appeals for ceasefire and dialogue in Middle East war</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appeals-for-ceasefire-and-dialogue-in-middle-east-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appeals-for-ceasefire-and-dialogue-in-middle-east-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV urges all those responsible for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to agree to a ceasefire and reopen paths of dialogue.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, appeals, for, ceasefire, and, dialogue, Middle, East, war</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bishops should lead the implementation of Synodality, says Bishop Mfumbusa</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishops-should-lead-the-implementation-of-synodality-says-bishop-mfumbusa</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishops-should-lead-the-implementation-of-synodality-says-bishop-mfumbusa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During the launch of the AMECEA synodality formation manual and synodality songs in the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), the keynote speaker stressed that the future of synodality in the Catholic Church across Eastern Africa rests with the Bishops.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bishops, should, lead, the, implementation, Synodality, says, Bishop, Mfumbusa</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope encourages Rome parish community to remain a “sign of hope”</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-encourages-rome-parish-community-to-remain-a-sign-of-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-encourages-rome-parish-community-to-remain-a-sign-of-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV visits the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome’s Ponte Mammolo suburb.  Encouraging the community to remain a “sign of hope,” he praises its outreach to migrants, the poor, and prisoners, and calls for openness, solidarity and peace in a world marked by suffering and conflict.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, encourages, Rome, parish, community, remain, “sign, hope”</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope appoints new Papal Almoner, names Cardinal Krajewski Archbishop of Łódź</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appoints-new-papal-almoner-names-cardinal-krajewski-archbishop-of-lodz</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appoints-new-papal-almoner-names-cardinal-krajewski-archbishop-of-lodz</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV appoints Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín as the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, known as the Papal Almoner, and names Cardinal Konrad Krajewski as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Łódź, in Poland.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, appoints, new, Papal, Almoner, names, Cardinal, Krajewski, Archbishop, Łódź</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Where the Word Became Flesh</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/where-the-word-became-flesh</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/where-the-word-became-flesh</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fr Francesco Patton, OFM, reflects on the city of Nazareth. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Where, the, Word, Became, Flesh</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Cross, the Composer and the Curious Inner Life of Sheep</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-cross-the-composer-and-the-curious-inner-life-of-sheep</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-cross-the-composer-and-the-curious-inner-life-of-sheep</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Lenten reflection from Jenny Kraska, Executive Director of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Cross, the, Composer, and, the, Curious, Inner, Life, Sheep</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV’s balanced view of Artificial Intelligence</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xivs-balanced-view-of-artificial-intelligence</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xivs-balanced-view-of-artificial-intelligence</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Spanish writer Javier Cercas reflects on Pope Leo XIV&#039;s Message for the 2026 World Day of Social Communications.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV’s, balanced, view, Artificial, Intelligence</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>St. Augustine University of Tanzania graduates called to lead in responsible social media use</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-augustine-university-of-tanzania-graduates-called-to-lead-in-responsible-social-media-use</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-augustine-university-of-tanzania-graduates-called-to-lead-in-responsible-social-media-use</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The graduates of St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) have been urged to use social media responsibly. The Bishop of Bunda Diocese, as the Guest of Honour at the 28th Graduation Ceremony, advised students to carefully consider the pros and cons of new technologies in academic and social contexts. Bishop Simon Masondole made the remarks at the recent graduation ceremony held in Mwanza, Tanzania.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., Augustine, University, Tanzania, graduates, called, lead, responsible, social, media, use</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Father Norvel, first Black superior general for U.S. men’s religious community, dies at 90</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/father-norvel-first-black-superior-general-for-us-mens-religious-community-dies-at-90</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/father-norvel-first-black-superior-general-for-us-mens-religious-community-dies-at-90</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Josephite Father William Norvel, a forceful voice for Black Catholic identity who spent more than six decades challenging the institutional church to live up to its claim of being universal, died March 8. He was 90. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Father, Norvel, first, Black, superior, general, for, U.S., men’s, religious, community, dies</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Amid measles uptick, infectious diseases specialist says Church recommends vaccination</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/amid-measles-uptick-infectious-diseases-specialist-says-church-recommends-vaccination</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/amid-measles-uptick-infectious-diseases-specialist-says-church-recommends-vaccination</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amid a spike in measles cases in the U.S., an infectious diseases specialist, who is also a Catholic deacon, told OSV News that the Church &quot;has recommended measles vaccination to safeguard the health of children and families.&quot; ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Amid, measles, uptick, infectious, diseases, specialist, says, Church, recommends, vaccination</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Just war theory in the age of AI weapons and the ‘Department of War’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/just-war-theory-in-the-age-of-ai-weapons-and-the-department-of-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/just-war-theory-in-the-age-of-ai-weapons-and-the-department-of-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ What does the Catholic Church have to say about war? How does the concept of a &quot;just war&quot; which has roots in St. Augustine&#039;s writings relate to modern warfare? And what does a discussion of the ethics of war look like with modern weaponry, including weapons made with artificial intelligence? ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Just, war, theory, the, age, weapons, and, the, ‘Department, War’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV names Augustinian prelate as new prefect of charity dicastery</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-names-augustinian-prelate-as-new-prefect-of-charity-dicastery</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-names-augustinian-prelate-as-new-prefect-of-charity-dicastery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV has named Spanish Augustinian Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín as the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, reassigning Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to serve as archbishop of his home diocese in his native Poland. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, names, Augustinian, prelate, new, prefect, charity, dicastery</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV points to St. Joseph as an example of the importance of ‘being present’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-points-to-st-joseph-as-an-example-of-the-importance-of-being-present</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-points-to-st-joseph-as-an-example-of-the-importance-of-being-present</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV has highlighted how St. Joseph, who is never directly quoted in the Bible, is an example for Christians of the importance of &quot;being present.&quot; ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/leo-st-joseph-1.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, points, St., Joseph, example, the, importance, ‘being, present’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo&amp;apos;s itinerary published for visit to Principality of Monaco</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leos-itinerary-published-for-visit-to-principality-of-monaco</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leos-itinerary-published-for-visit-to-principality-of-monaco</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The visit of Pope Leo XIV to the European city-state on March 28 will last about nine hours. The Pope is scheduled to meet Prince Albert II, then the Catholic community, young people, and catechumens. He will preside over Mass at Stade Louis II. The logo and motto, taken from the Gospel of John: “Je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie” (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), have also been released.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leos, itinerary, published, for, visit, Principality, Monaco</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Papuan women carry mercy to remote homes</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/papuan-women-carry-mercy-to-remote-homes</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/papuan-women-carry-mercy-to-remote-homes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On Basilaki Island in Papua New Guinea, the women of the parish bring prayer, companionship, and the Eucharist to the sick and elderly during the Lenten season. Celebrating the Women’s month of March, we remember those who serve the Church in the peripheries.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Papuan, women, carry, mercy, remote, homes</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Air strikes continue as Iran war spills into second week</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/air-strikes-continue-as-iran-war-spills-into-second-week</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/air-strikes-continue-as-iran-war-spills-into-second-week</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Israeli Air Force says it has launched a wave of strikes across three areas of Iran.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Air, strikes, continue, Iran, war, spills, into, second, week</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Order of Malta Lebanon responds to renewed displacement crisis</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/order-of-malta-lebanon-responds-to-renewed-displacement-crisis</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/order-of-malta-lebanon-responds-to-renewed-displacement-crisis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Israeli strikes against Lebanon have forced over 500,000 people from their homes, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. The Order of Malta Lebanon is mobilising nationwide to provide medical care, shelter assistance, and psychosocial support to displaced families facing deep uncertainty and distress.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Order, Malta, Lebanon, responds, renewed, displacement, crisis</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Environmental representatives launch ‘Global Alliance’ at Laudato si’ Village</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/environmental-representatives-launch-global-alliance-at-laudato-si-village</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/environmental-representatives-launch-global-alliance-at-laudato-si-village</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Laudato si’ Center for Higher Education and the University of Notre Dame bring together academics and representatives from international organizations to pool knowledge and best practices to promote integral ecology and sustainability. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Environmental, representatives, launch, ‘Global, Alliance’, Laudato, si’, Village</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest killed by Israeli tank fire in southern Lebanon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/lebanese-maronite-catholic-priest-killed-by-israeli-tank-fire-in-southern-lebanon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/lebanese-maronite-catholic-priest-killed-by-israeli-tank-fire-in-southern-lebanon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest has been killed in southern Lebanon when an Israeli artillery tank fired on a house March 9, Catholic officials and media said -- reports that have since been confirmed by OSV News. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lebanese, Maronite, Catholic, priest, killed, Israeli, tank, fire, southern, Lebanon</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catholics are urged to be cautious over new Anglican schism</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/catholics-are-urged-to-be-cautious-over-new-anglican-schism</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/catholics-are-urged-to-be-cautious-over-new-anglican-schism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As bishops and archbishops from the worldwide Anglican Communion sever links with England&#039;s first female archbishop of Canterbury, citing her church&#039;s &quot;false teaching,&quot; Catholics are being urged to maintain friendly ties while dropping illusions about future reunification. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Catholics, are, urged, cautious, over, new, Anglican, schism</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Christians ‘most persecuted religious community in the world,’ Vatican tells UN</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/christians-most-persecuted-religious-community-in-the-world-vatican-tells-un</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/christians-most-persecuted-religious-community-in-the-world-vatican-tells-un</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican&#039;s permanent observer to the United Nations in Geneva called on governments and international organizations to strengthen religious freedom protections for persecuted Christians. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Christians, ‘most, persecuted, religious, community, the, world, ’, Vatican, tells</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hagerstown school recognized by Cardinal Newman Society</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/hagerstown-school-recognized-by-cardinal-newman-society</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/hagerstown-school-recognized-by-cardinal-newman-society</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ St. Mary Catholic School in Hagerstown has been recognized for its Catholic identity and academic excellence by The Cardinal Newman Society. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hagerstown, school, recognized, Cardinal, Newman, Society</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Movie Review: ‘Scream 7’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/movie-review-scream-7</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/movie-review-scream-7</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As its title suggests, &quot;Scream 7&quot; (Paramount) is the latest extension of a long-lived horror franchise, one that&#039;s currently approaching its 30th anniversary on screen. Since each chapter of this slasher saga has been a bloodsoaked mess, the series&#039; longevity will strike moviegoers of sense as inexplicable. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Movie, Review:, ‘Scream, 7’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>News from the Orient &#45; March 6th 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-march-6th-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-march-6th-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we turn to the escalating violence in the Middle East and its impact on communities in Lebanon, Iraq and the Holy Land.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, from, the, Orient, March, 6th, 2026</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy See: Women must be at the heart of the digital transformation of the Americas</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-women-must-be-at-the-heart-of-the-digital-transformation-of-the-americas</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-women-must-be-at-the-heart-of-the-digital-transformation-of-the-americas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Holy See asks that the digital transformation of the Americas place women and human dignity at its centre. Speaking at the Organization of American States during a session marking International Women’s Day, permanent observer Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano also recalls Pope Leo XIV’s warning that women who face violence and exclusion are often “doubly poor.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, See:, Women, must, the, heart, the, digital, transformation, the, Americas</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tree planted in Vatican Gardens sign of responsibility towards creation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/tree-planted-in-vatican-gardens-sign-of-responsibility-towards-creation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/tree-planted-in-vatican-gardens-sign-of-responsibility-towards-creation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Order of Agronomists and Foresters gifts a gingko biloba tree to Pope Leo, which has been planted in the Vatican Gardens. At the planting ceremony, the Holy See&#039;s permanent observer to the FAO stresses that &quot;in the ecological evils, humanity must always be the solution, never the problem.&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tree, planted, Vatican, Gardens, sign, responsibility, towards, creation</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sir James MacMillan on silence and sacred music</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/sir-james-macmillan-on-silence-and-sacred-music</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/sir-james-macmillan-on-silence-and-sacred-music</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sir James MacMillan receives a Doctorate Honoris Causa at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music and delivers a lecture on the spiritual and creative role of silence in sacred composition. In an interview with Vatican Radio, he reflects on tradition, liturgy, and the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI for contemporary composers.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sir, James, MacMillan, silence, and, sacred, music</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sunday Gospel Reflection: Lent at the well of truth</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/sunday-gospel-reflection-lent-at-the-well-of-truth</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/sunday-gospel-reflection-lent-at-the-well-of-truth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Church observes the Third Sunday of Lent, Abbot Marion Nguyen offers this reflection on “Lent at the well of truth”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sunday, Gospel, Reflection:, Lent, the, well, truth</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Underbelly of the AI industry’: Panel explores data centers’ ecological, economic impacts</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/underbelly-of-the-ai-industry-panel-explores-data-centers-ecological-economic-impacts</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/underbelly-of-the-ai-industry-panel-explores-data-centers-ecological-economic-impacts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The explosion of massive data centers to handle the increasing generative demands of artificial intelligence have placed high demands on both power and the water used in cooling systems -- millions of gallons per day -- and low-income communities have typically endured the brunt of the air pollution they create. This was the topic of a March 5 webinar, &quot;The Growing Impacts of Data Centers on Our Neighbors and God&#039;s Creation,&quot; hosted by the Washington-based Catholic Climate Covenant. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Underbelly, the, industry’:, Panel, explores, data, centers’, ecological, economic, impacts</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baltimore Catholics bring voice of migrants to U.S. capitol</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/baltimore-catholics-bring-voice-of-migrants-to-us-capitol</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/baltimore-catholics-bring-voice-of-migrants-to-us-capitol</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “They ask for help, and all I can say is, ‘I hear you. I hear you,’” said Deacon Seigfried Presberry as he described the phone calls he receives from families after a loved one is detained by immigration authorities. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baltimore, Catholics, bring, voice, migrants, U.S., capitol</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican hosted its own mini Paralympics half a century before Games’ official start</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-hosted-its-own-mini-paralympics-half-a-century-before-games-official-start</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-hosted-its-own-mini-paralympics-half-a-century-before-games-official-start</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 50 years before the first Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome, the Vatican had already hosted what might have been the very first international sporting and gymnastics event with athletes living with disabilities. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, hosted, its, own, mini, Paralympics, half, century, before, Games’, official, start</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Polish officer gives Christian witness at White House ceremony</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/polish-officer-gives-christian-witness-at-white-house-ceremony</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/polish-officer-gives-christian-witness-at-white-house-ceremony</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When President Donald Trump on March 2 posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis during a White House ceremony, the recognition did more than honor a battlefield hero. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Polish, officer, gives, Christian, witness, White, House, ceremony</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Filmmaker explores shifts in U.S. religious landscape through lens of Ursuline sister</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/filmmaker-explores-shifts-in-us-religious-landscape-through-lens-of-ursuline-sister</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/filmmaker-explores-shifts-in-us-religious-landscape-through-lens-of-ursuline-sister</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Morgan Atkinson&#039;s newest documentary -- &quot;In the Company of Change,&quot; released in September -- is his second film on the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. His first, &quot;A Change in Order,&quot; released in 1987, reflected on how the Ursuline Sisters were affected by the cultural shifts of the 1980s. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Filmmaker, explores, shifts, U.S., religious, landscape, through, lens, Ursuline, sister</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Radcliffe: In times of war, Christians are called to be people of hope</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-radcliffe-in-times-of-war-christians-are-called-to-be-people-of-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-radcliffe-in-times-of-war-christians-are-called-to-be-people-of-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dominican Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe speaks to Vatican News about his ongoing visit to Ukraine, and the importance of prayer and Christian hope in times of conflict. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Radcliffe:, times, war, Christians, are, called, people, hope</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Synod Office releases first two Final Reports of the Study Groups</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/synod-office-releases-first-two-final-reports-of-the-study-groups</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/synod-office-releases-first-two-final-reports-of-the-study-groups</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The General Secretariat of the Synod publishes the first two Final Reports of the Study Groups established by Pope Francis following the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: that of Study Group No. 3 on &#039;The mission in the digital environment&#039; and that of Study Group No. 4 on &#039;The revision of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis in a missionary synodal perspective.&#039;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Synod, Office, releases, first, two, Final, Reports, the, Study, Groups</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tanzania: Africa mourns Cardinal Polycarp Pengo as he is laid to rest</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/tanzania-africa-mourns-cardinal-polycarp-pengo-as-he-is-laid-to-rest</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/tanzania-africa-mourns-cardinal-polycarp-pengo-as-he-is-laid-to-rest</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tanzania over the weekend laid to rest Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, who passed away on 15 February 2026, in Dar es Salaam after an illness. He was interred on 28 February at the Pugu Pilgrimage Centre, in a funeral that drew thousands of the faithful, religious leaders, diplomats, and government officials.


                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tanzania:, Africa, mourns, Cardinal, Polycarp, Pengo, laid, rest</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin: May God silence weapons and reconcile humanity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-may-god-silence-weapons-and-reconcile-humanity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-may-god-silence-weapons-and-reconcile-humanity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Secretary of State presides over Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Military Ordinariate, established in 1926 to care for the religious life of soldiers.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin:, May, God, silence, weapons, and, reconcile, humanity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV: “Work for peace&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;seek solutions without weapons”</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-work-for-peace-and-seek-solutions-without-weapons</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-work-for-peace-and-seek-solutions-without-weapons</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV gave a brief statement to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, outside the residence of Villa Barberini, once again repeating his appeal to “work for peace” and to “promote dialogue.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV:, “Work, for, peace, and, seek, solutions, without, weapons”</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Montaigne’s Path into Pious Science</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/montaignes-path-into-pious-science</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/montaignes-path-into-pious-science</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sixteenth-century France was a time of moral, political, and intellectual chaos, when the dearest assumptions of Western Tradition were turned upside down.       Born in 1533, Catholic intellectual Michel de Montaigne entered the sphere just as Nicolaus Copernicus was leaving it. Copernicus passed in 1543, shortly after his publication of On the Revolution of the ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Montaigne’s, Path, into, Pious, Science</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican issues stamp honoring Ukrainian Catholics as war enters fourth year</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-issues-stamp-honoring-ukrainian-catholics-as-war-enters-fourth-year</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-issues-stamp-honoring-ukrainian-catholics-as-war-enters-fourth-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The stamp features the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, issues, stamp, honoring, Ukrainian, Catholics, war, enters, fourth, year</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV thanks preacher at end of Lenten exercises</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-thanks-preacher-at-end-of-lenten-exercises</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-thanks-preacher-at-end-of-lenten-exercises</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bishop Erik Varden closed a weeklong retreat for the Roman Curia with meditations on the cross and hope. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1772265156/_SIM2245_knyp2b.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, thanks, preacher, end, Lenten, exercises</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV urges ‘unconditional love’ amid hardship</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-unconditional-love-amid-hardship</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-unconditional-love-amid-hardship</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Visiting a parish in Rome, the pope preached on the Transfiguration and Abraham’s journey of faith. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1772391849/_RIS6143_pkozxj.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, ‘unconditional, love’, amid, hardship</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV promulgates new statutes for Pontifical Academy for Life</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-promulgates-new-statutes-for-pontifical-academy-for-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-promulgates-new-statutes-for-pontifical-academy-for-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The new statues introduce the new role of “supporters” who, while not academics, identify with the academy’s mission and “contribute to the advancement of its academic activities.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1772476084/papageneraciones-1769768561_dg1vpo.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, promulgates, new, statutes, for, Pontifical, Academy, for, Life</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Life becomes disordered without relationship with God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-life-becomes-disordered-without-relationship-with-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-life-becomes-disordered-without-relationship-with-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV invites men preparing for the priesthood to embrace their supernatural relationship with God so that their ministry may be fruitful, as he meets with seminarians from Spain.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Life, becomes, disordered, without, relationship, with, God</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Israel, U.S. strike targets in Iran; Tehran launches retaliatory attacks</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-us-strike-targets-in-iran-tehran-launches-retaliatory-attacks</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/israel-us-strike-targets-in-iran-tehran-launches-retaliatory-attacks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Israel and the United States launch joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Israel, U.S., strike, targets, Iran, Tehran, launches, retaliatory, attacks</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pontifical Academy for Life: New Statutes introduce Supporters</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pontifical-academy-for-life-new-statutes-introduce-supporters</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pontifical-academy-for-life-new-statutes-introduce-supporters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The new Statutes of the Pontifical Academy for Life introduce a new category. The Academy was founded by John Paul II in 1994 to defend and promote the value of human life and the dignity of the person.


                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pontifical, Academy, for, Life:, New, Statutes, introduce, Supporters</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Webinar highlights social media as space of mission for vocation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/webinar-highlights-social-media-as-space-of-mission-for-vocation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/webinar-highlights-social-media-as-space-of-mission-for-vocation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Coping with the digital environment, a recent international webinar explored how social media can become an authentic space of witness, accompaniment, and community discernment.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Webinar, highlights, social, media, space, mission, for, vocation</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Apostolic Vicar calls for prayer after Gulf explosions</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-vicar-calls-for-prayer-after-gulf-explosions</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-vicar-calls-for-prayer-after-gulf-explosions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Following explosions in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar amid escalating regional tensions, the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia suspends all Church activities and appeals to the faithful to remain calm, follow civil authorities’ instructions, and gather in prayer for peace.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Apostolic, Vicar, calls, for, prayer, after, Gulf, explosions</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Gift of Brokenness</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-gift-of-brokenness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-gift-of-brokenness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I have spent my entire adult life surrounded by the most broken people. I have walked with sexual abuse and rape victims. I served as a 9/11 relief worker to the families of those murdered at the Pentagon. I walked with combat Veterans who were sole survivors of IED blasts. Listened to Marines and soldiers ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Gift, Brokenness</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why Doesn’t God Bless Me?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/why-doesnt-god-bless-me</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/why-doesnt-god-bless-me</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but God’s promises don’t seem to apply to me,” a family member said to me recently. I didn’t bother looking up from my work and just gave her the theologically true response, “God wills everything that happens to you for your good, even the things that are ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, Doesn’t, God, Bless, Me</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Meaning of the Transfiguration: Second Sunday in Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-meaning-of-the-transfiguration-second-sunday-in-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-meaning-of-the-transfiguration-second-sunday-in-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jesus takes His closest friends up a mountain to pray, an action packed with meaning for the Jews.  Why? Gospel (Read Mt. 17:1-9) The meaning of this Sunday’s Gospel is greatly enriched if we understand the context in which it appears, both within Matthew’s Gospel and the larger story of salvation history.  Time spent on ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Meaning, the, Transfiguration:, Second, Sunday, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>How the Cross Expresses God’s Power, Providence, and Eternal View</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-the-cross-expresses-gods-power-providence-and-eternal-view</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-the-cross-expresses-gods-power-providence-and-eternal-view</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Among all symbols that have passed through human history, none is more paradoxical than the Christian cross. During the Roman Empire of the first century, the cross was not a religious emblem. It was an instrument of state-sanctioned terror—a humiliating form of death reserved only for the most despised of criminals. Furthermore, it was intended ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dali-Christ-on-Cross.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, the, Cross, Expresses, God’s, Power, Providence, and, Eternal, View</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>8 Tips for Developing a Habit of Reading Scripture During Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/8-tips-for-developing-a-habit-of-reading-scripture-during-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/8-tips-for-developing-a-habit-of-reading-scripture-during-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Understanding Lent and the Penitential Action of Reading Scripture With the arrival of Lent, many of us find ourselves asking the typical questions: What will I be giving up as a penitential sacrifice? How will I grow closer to the Lord? Choosing to dedicate more time to the reading of Scripture during Lent is something ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tips, for, Developing, Habit, Reading, Scripture, During, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Filipinos celebrate 40th anniversary of People Power in Rome</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/filipinos-celebrate-40th-anniversary-of-people-power-in-rome</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/filipinos-celebrate-40th-anniversary-of-people-power-in-rome</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Filipino clergy, religious, and lay faithful residing in Rome gather to remember EDSA People Power as a moment of courage, unity, and moral clarity.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Filipinos, celebrate, 40th, anniversary, People, Power, Rome</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Europe and Africa react to announcement of papal journeys</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/europe-and-africa-react-to-announcement-of-papal-journeys</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/europe-and-africa-react-to-announcement-of-papal-journeys</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Gratitude and enthusiasm pour in from civil and ecclesial authorities in the various countries that the Pope will visit in the coming months: Monaco, Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea; and Spain.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Europe, and, Africa, react, announcement, papal, journeys</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>One year on from UK aid cuts: Investing in aid creates peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/one-year-on-from-uk-aid-cuts-investing-in-aid-creates-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/one-year-on-from-uk-aid-cuts-investing-in-aid-creates-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) highlights the negative impact of aid cuts on communities around the world.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>One, year, from, aid, cuts:, Investing, aid, creates, peace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dozens missing as Brazil faces heavy rains</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/dozens-missing-as-brazil-faces-heavy-rains</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/dozens-missing-as-brazil-faces-heavy-rains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Heavy rains in southeastern Brazil have left at least 30 people dead, with dozens more still listed as missing. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dozens, missing, Brazil, faces, heavy, rains</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lenten Retreat: Bishop Varden reflects on &amp;apos;Glory&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/lenten-retreat-bishop-varden-reflects-on-glory</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/lenten-retreat-bishop-varden-reflects-on-glory</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bishop Erik Varden delivers his seventh reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme of &#039;Glory&#039;. The following is a summary of his reflection.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lenten, Retreat:, Bishop, Varden, reflects, Glory</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>How Not to Worry</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-not-to-worry</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-not-to-worry</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Worry is the air in a world of unknowns. We breathe it in as if it were the life force by which we have our motion. Will war break out today in the world, on my block, in my soul? Are children becoming the men and women we’re teaching them to be? Will I have ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, Not, Worry</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Monastic Edge on Caring for the Sick</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-monastic-edge-on-caring-for-the-sick</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-monastic-edge-on-caring-for-the-sick</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The most striking way I have seen the Church with the sick is in the person of Pope St. John Paul II. In his later years, he was a sick man among the sick. Confined to his wheelchair, with disease overtaking his body, he stood before the people and showed us the dignity of human ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Monastic, Edge, Caring, for, the, Sick</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Time Has Come for Easter Union</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-time-has-come-for-easter-union</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-time-has-come-for-easter-union</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On November 29, 2025, on the eve of the Feast of St. Andrew, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Pope Leo XIV signed a historic Joint Declaration at the Phanar in Istanbul, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of restoring full communion between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. They expressed a shared ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Time, Has, Come, for, Easter, Union</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why Fast?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/why-fast</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/why-fast</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the daily lectionary readings recently, we heard the prophet Isaiah explain that fasting is simply a means to an end. If our fasting does not produce good fruit in our life, and in the lives of those around us, then it is meaningless! He proclaims: Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day,    and ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, Fast</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Weekly Goals for Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/weekly-goals-for-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/weekly-goals-for-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Our liturgical year’s first slice of Ordinary Time has given way to the great season of Lent. We have barely put away the last of our Christmas decorations, and the Church has us turning our minds and hearts toward the Cross. Or so it might seem. Our Lenten journey through the Gospel ends in Jerusalem ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Weekly, Goals, for, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope at Angelus: This Lent, make your life a unique masterpiece</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-this-lent-make-your-life-a-unique-masterpiece</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-this-lent-make-your-life-a-unique-masterpiece</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During his Sunday Angelus address on this first Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV says the Lenten season offers the faithful the opportunity to let the Lord cleanse them, cooperate better with God, and, in doing so, craft their lives as unique masterpieces.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Angelus:, This, Lent, make, your, life, unique, masterpiece</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Peace is urgently needed, requiring responsible decisions</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-peace-is-urgently-needed-requiring-responsible-decisions</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-peace-is-urgently-needed-requiring-responsible-decisions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After the Angelus prayer, the Pope strongly renewed his appeal for the silencing of arms and the cessation of bombings. &quot;Let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace,&quot; said the Pope, marking four years since the start of the war against Ukraine. Peace cannot be postponed, he emphasized: &quot;Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations.&quot;
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Peace, urgently, needed, requiring, responsible, decisions</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Salesians: Continue your service in areas of poverty and war</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-salesians-continue-your-service-in-areas-of-poverty-and-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-salesians-continue-your-service-in-areas-of-poverty-and-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After celebrating Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Castro Pretorio neighborhood in Rome, Pope Leo XIV met with members of the community founded by Saint John Bosco, to whom the parish is entrusted, expressing appreciation for their service towards young people, especially foreigners. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Salesians:, Continue, your, service, areas, poverty, and, war</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The suspended lives of Ukrainian refugees</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-suspended-lives-of-ukrainian-refugees</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-suspended-lives-of-ukrainian-refugees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Four years into the conflict, around ten million Ukrainians live away from their homes. Among the internally displaced and refugees abroad, the need for humanitarian assistance is growing, while economic and psychological difficulties are increasing. Despite everything, the desire to return home remains strong.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, suspended, lives, Ukrainian, refugees</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lenten Retreat Preacher opens Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/lenten-retreat-preacher-opens-spiritual-exercises-in-the-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/lenten-retreat-preacher-opens-spiritual-exercises-in-the-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Lenten Spiritual Exercises for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries open on Sunday afternoon with the meditation of Trappist Bishop Erik Varden on the theme of “Entering Lent.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lenten, Retreat, Preacher, opens, Spiritual, Exercises, the, Vatican</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Salesian Spirituality for Lent: Purified by God’s Grace &amp;amp;amp; Personal Effort</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/salesian-spirituality-for-lent-purified-by-gods-grace-personal-effort</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/salesian-spirituality-for-lent-purified-by-gods-grace-personal-effort</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Having examined St. Francis de Sales’s exhortation to perseverance (in Part Four of the Introduction), which is helpful at the beginning of Lent, it is right to turn and examine the pilgrimage along which he guided “Philothea”—the soul interested in growing in devotion. The bishop and spiritual director aimed to move souls from initial desire ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Salesian, Spirituality, for, Lent:, Purified, God’s, Grace, &amp;amp, Personal, Effort</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>What Helps Us Choose Between Two Goods?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/what-helps-us-choose-between-two-goods</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/what-helps-us-choose-between-two-goods</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There are many times in our lives when we must make decisions between competing goods. These decisions are much harder because there is not the black-and-white good-versus-evil dichotomy which renders the decision clear and easy. Instead, we must prayerfully discern God’s will and where He is calling us. We must seek to be obedient to ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, Helps, Choose, Between, Two, Goods</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fall in the Garden, Victory in the Desert: First Sunday of Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/fall-in-the-garden-victory-in-the-desert-first-sunday-of-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/fall-in-the-garden-victory-in-the-desert-first-sunday-of-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jesus faces God’s enemy and ours, the one who has hated us from the beginning. Gospel (Read Mt. 4:1-11) The Gospel reading begins with the phrase, “At that time,” to describe this scene of Jesus’ temptation by the devil.  At what time?  In the previous chapter, Jesus had just been baptized in the Jordan River, ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fall, the, Garden, Victory, the, Desert:, First, Sunday, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>When a Tantrum Isn’t a Tantrum: Responding to Childhood Meltdowns with Grace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-a-tantrum-isnt-a-tantrum-responding-to-childhood-meltdowns-with-grace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-a-tantrum-isnt-a-tantrum-responding-to-childhood-meltdowns-with-grace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I didn’t have a child abuse accusation on my bingo card that morning, but it showed up anyway. I’d dropped my kindergartner off at school. Her younger sister, a toddler, was quiet in the back seat. I had errands to run, and there was a big-box store on the way home. One quick stop would ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>When, Tantrum, Isn’t, Tantrum:, Responding, Childhood, Meltdowns, with, Grace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Pattern of Temptations and How to Overcome Them</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-pattern-of-temptations-and-how-to-overcome-them</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-pattern-of-temptations-and-how-to-overcome-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As we begin Lent, Christ’s three temptations in the desert give us the pattern by which we too are tested. Hence this Gospel is paired with the First Reading about the testing of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Where they fail, Jesus is victorious. Jesus’ temptations, like our own, are a testing ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Pattern, Temptations, and, How, Overcome, Them</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Our sin and the burden of a world that is in flames</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-sin-and-the-burden-of-a-world-that-is-in-flames</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-sin-and-the-burden-of-a-world-that-is-in-flames</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Our Editorial Director reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s homily at Mass on Ash Wednesday and our personal and collective responsibility in a world “that is in flames.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Our, sin, and, the, burden, world, that, flames</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Legionaries of Christ: Religious authority is service, not domination</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-legionaries-of-christ-religious-authority-is-service-not-domination</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-legionaries-of-christ-religious-authority-is-service-not-domination</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Meeting with the General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ, Pope Leo XIV says the role of authority in religious life is to focus the community on Christ, not as a means to dominate members.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Legionaries, Christ:, Religious, authority, service, not, domination</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Regularisation of migrants in Spain: ‘Every person is an end in themselves&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/regularisation-of-migrants-in-spain-every-person-is-an-end-in-themselves</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/regularisation-of-migrants-in-spain-every-person-is-an-end-in-themselves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amaya Valcárcel, International Advocacy Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Service, speaks to Vatican News about the Spanish government’s recent decision to grant legal residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Regularisation, migrants, Spain:, ‘Every, person, end, themselves</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Rome priests: Rekindle the faith, urgent to proclaim Christ&amp;apos;s promises</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-rome-priests-rekindle-the-faith-urgent-to-proclaim-christs-promises</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-rome-priests-rekindle-the-faith-urgent-to-proclaim-christs-promises</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV invites priests of Diocese of Rome to rekindle their gift of the faith, proclaim the Gospel, be close to families and young people, and support one another in priestly fraternity, especially young priests who may feel overwhelmed.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/19/2026-02-19-incontro-con-il-clero-della-diocesi-di-roma/1771500081971.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Rome, priests:, Rekindle, the, faith, urgent, proclaim, Christs, promises</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to visit Pompeii, Naples, and Lampedusa on pastoral tour of Italy</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-visit-pompeii-naples-and-lampedusa-on-pastoral-tour-of-italy</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-visit-pompeii-naples-and-lampedusa-on-pastoral-tour-of-italy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Prefecture of the Papal Household announces Pope Leo’s pastoral day visits in Italy this year, including Pompeii, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, Rimini, and Lampedusa.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/18/2026-02-18-udienza-generale/1771408870534.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, visit, Pompeii, Naples, and, Lampedusa, pastoral, tour, Italy</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Taking Babies from Mothers: The Hypocrisy of Vegan Billboards and Abortion Laws</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/taking-babies-from-mothers-the-hypocrisy-of-vegan-billboards-and-abortion-laws</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/taking-babies-from-mothers-the-hypocrisy-of-vegan-billboards-and-abortion-laws</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Dairy Takes Babies From Their Mothers.” A professor I used to know once saw the above statement written in big letters on a billboard in Dublin, along with a picture of a momma cow licking her cute baby calf. At the bottom of the billboard was the website GoVeganWorld.com. Its title page stated: “We all ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Taking, Babies, from, Mothers:, The, Hypocrisy, Vegan, Billboards, and, Abortion, Laws</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV eliminates committee created by Francis for World Children’s Day</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-eliminates-committee-created-by-francis-for-world-childrens-day</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-eliminates-committee-created-by-francis-for-world-childrens-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV has eliminated the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, transferring the committee’s functions to the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, eliminates, committee, created, Francis, for, World, Children’s, Day</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican official says Notre Dame controversy shows need for dialogue on abortion</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-official-says-notre-dame-controversy-shows-need-for-dialogue-on-abortion</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-official-says-notre-dame-controversy-shows-need-for-dialogue-on-abortion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Church should engage with universities about how to take “an ethical approach” to the dignity of unborn life, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, official, says, Notre, Dame, controversy, shows, need, for, dialogue, abortion</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Aventine procession’: A centuries&#45;old tradition Pope Leo XIV will lead for the first time</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/aventine-procession-a-centuries-old-tradition-pope-leo-xiv-will-lead-for-the-first-time</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/aventine-procession-a-centuries-old-tradition-pope-leo-xiv-will-lead-for-the-first-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The brief Ash Wednesday walk between two hilltop basilicas marks the start of Lent in Rome. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1771343638/_SIM0212_c2bqv2.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Aventine, procession’:, centuries-old, tradition, Pope, Leo, XIV, will, lead, for, the, first, time</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>St. Peter’s marks 400 years with newly opened areas and digital access</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-peters-marks-400-years-with-newly-opened-areas-and-digital-access</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-peters-marks-400-years-with-newly-opened-areas-and-digital-access</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican will open new parts of St. Peter’s — including the full terrace — and roll out a “SmartPass” digital entry system as it marks the basilica’s 400th anniversary. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., Peter’s, marks, 400, years, with, newly, opened, areas, and, digital, access</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: War is gravest attack possible against life and public health</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-war-is-gravest-attack-possible-against-life-and-public-health</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-war-is-gravest-attack-possible-against-life-and-public-health</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and underlines the importance of promoting health in a world consumed by conflict.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/16/2026-02-16-partecipanti-alla-plenaria-della-pontificia-accademia/1771236670303.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, War, gravest, attack, possible, against, life, and, public, health</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UN: Israel blocked three aid missions as Gaza crisis persists</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-israel-blocked-three-aid-missions-as-gaza-crisis-persists</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-israel-blocked-three-aid-missions-as-gaza-crisis-persists</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The United Nations said that its teams attempted to coordinate eight humanitarian missions last week and five were fully facilitated.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/02/16/12/1771239685777.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>UN:, Israel, blocked, three, aid, missions, Gaza, crisis, persists</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Civil harmony allows poor to find welcome, services to reach all</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-civil-harmony-allows-poor-to-find-welcome-services-to-reach-all</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-civil-harmony-allows-poor-to-find-welcome-services-to-reach-all</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At an audience with Italian Prefects, Pope Leo XIV invites civil servants to uphold the good of the nation, so that all people may benefit from the rule of law and equal access to government services.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/16/2026-02-16-prefetti-della-repubblica-italiana/1771239376772.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Civil, harmony, allows, poor, find, welcome, services, reach, all</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daughters of St Paul celebrate 50 years of presence in Kenya</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/daughters-of-st-paul-celebrate-50-years-of-presence-in-kenya</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/daughters-of-st-paul-celebrate-50-years-of-presence-in-kenya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On 15 February 2026, the Daughters of St Paul began their year-long 50th anniversary celebrations in Kenya with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Consolata Shrine, Westlands, Nairobi, led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo and concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop-Elect of Kisumu Archdiocese, Fr Vincent Ouma Odundo. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/16/27.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daughters, Paul, celebrate, years, presence, Kenya</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican unveils initiatives to mark 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-unveils-initiatives-to-mark-400th-anniversary-of-st-peters-basilica</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-unveils-initiatives-to-mark-400th-anniversary-of-st-peters-basilica</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, announces initiatives for the imminent 400th anniversary of the Basilica’s dedication, including a multilingual platform for pilgrims, access to previously inaccessible areas, and the launch of the new ‘Michelangelus’ font.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/02/2026-02-02-santa-messa-nella-xxx-giornata-mondiale-della-vita-co/1770052902248.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, unveils, initiatives, mark, 400th, anniversary, St., Peter’s, Basilica</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope proposes Lenten ‘fast’ from hurtful words</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-proposes-lenten-fast-from-hurtful-words</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-proposes-lenten-fast-from-hurtful-words</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770987231/_RIS8524_rhwulm.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:21 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, proposes, Lenten, ‘fast’, from, hurtful, words</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope’s visit brings hope to seaside community challenged by drugs, prostitution</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-visit-brings-hope-to-seaside-community-challenged-by-drugs-prostitution</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-visit-brings-hope-to-seaside-community-challenged-by-drugs-prostitution</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A popular summer destination for tourists, Ostia will be the first of five parishes where the pope, as bishop of Rome, will celebrate Mass on Sundays in February and March. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770998735/Église_Santa_Maria_Regina_Pacis_-_Rome__IT62__-_2021-08-29_-_8_lo9gol.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:21 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope’s, visit, brings, hope, seaside, community, challenged, drugs, prostitution</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘It was the best thing I’ve ever done’: Abuse victim details papal meeting</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/it-was-the-best-thing-ive-ever-done-abuse-victim-details-papal-meeting</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/it-was-the-best-thing-ive-ever-done-abuse-victim-details-papal-meeting</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ David Ryan, a 61-year-old Irishman who suffered sexual abuse as a teenager, shared his story face-to-face with Pope Leo XIV, the first time the pope met with a victim individually. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1771018910/Sequence_01.00_02_24_12.Still003_skl6v2_zwnv09.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:21 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘It, was, the, best, thing, I’ve, ever, done’:, Abuse, victim, details, papal, meeting</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV, in first Roman parish visit, calls for ‘disarming’ meekness</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-in-first-roman-parish-visit-calls-for-disarming-meekness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-in-first-roman-parish-visit-calls-for-disarming-meekness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pontiff urged “coherence between faith and life” and persistent prayer for peace. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1771173930/WhatsApp_Image_2026-02-15_at_5.33.52_PM_skvxji.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:21 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, first, Roman, parish, visit, calls, for, ‘disarming’, meekness</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV prays for Madagascar after twin cyclones</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-madagascar-after-twin-cyclones</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-madagascar-after-twin-cyclones</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his catechesis before the Angelus, Leo said Jesus fulfills the Law by calling Christians beyond minimal righteousness to great love. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1771160635/_MAT9918_pohsow.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:21 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, prays, for, Madagascar, after, twin, cyclones</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo: We must rediscover the essential core of the Christian message</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-we-must-rediscover-the-essential-core-of-the-christian-message</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-we-must-rediscover-the-essential-core-of-the-christian-message</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a meeting with Italian law enforcement officers, Pope Leo XIV stresses the importance of performing duties with an “upright conscience”.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/02/13/2026-02-13-carabinieri-della-compagnia-roma-san-pietro/1770982872809.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, must, rediscover, the, essential, core, the, Christian, message</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UNRWA: UN worker killed in Gaza despite ceasefire</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/unrwa-un-worker-killed-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/unrwa-un-worker-killed-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A United Nations aid worker has been killed in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli military.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/ansa/2026/02/12/15/1770904919857.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>UNRWA:, worker, killed, Gaza, despite, ceasefire</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Archbishop of Baltimore calls for renewal of US political life</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-of-baltimore-calls-for-renewal-of-us-political-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-of-baltimore-calls-for-renewal-of-us-political-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore releases a pastoral letter inviting Americans to thank God for their nation while working for political renewal.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2025/09/13/02/1757723491724.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Archbishop, Baltimore, calls, for, renewal, political, life</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>“One Large Family”: First pastoral gathering in Siam Reap, Cambodia</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/one-large-family-first-pastoral-gathering-in-siam-reap-cambodia</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/one-large-family-first-pastoral-gathering-in-siam-reap-cambodia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ About 600 participants from 10 pastoral centers come together in Siem Reap, Cambodia for the first pastoral gathering of clergy, religious, and lay leaders for “communion, mission and shared service”.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2025/maggio/30/11.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>“One, Large, Family”:, First, pastoral, gathering, Siam, Reap, Cambodia</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope abolishes Committee for World Children’s Day</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-abolishes-committee-for-world-childrens-day</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-abolishes-committee-for-world-childrens-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV publishes a chirograph abolishing the Pontifical Committee for the World Children’s Day, established by Pope Francis in 2024.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2024/05/25/2024-05-25-incontro-con-i-bambini---stadio-olimpico/1716650245105.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, abolishes, Committee, for, World, Children’s, Day</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV: ‘The Church is the rightful home of sacred Scripture’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-the-church-is-the-rightful-home-of-sacred-scripture</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-the-church-is-the-rightful-home-of-sacred-scripture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV spoke about sacred Scripture during his weekly audience with pilgrims in the Vatican. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770806525/GA_Feb._11_2026_Daniel_Ibanez_anhby5.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV:, ‘The, Church, the, rightful, home, sacred, Scripture’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Archbishop Checchio takes helm in New Orleans as pope accepts Archbishop Aymond’s resignation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-checchio-takes-helm-in-new-orleans-as-pope-accepts-archbishop-aymonds-resignation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-checchio-takes-helm-in-new-orleans-as-pope-accepts-archbishop-aymonds-resignation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop James Checchio coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans in September 2025 to automatically succeed the 76-year-old Archbishop Gregory Aymond upon his retirement. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Archbishop, Checchio, takes, helm, New, Orleans, pope, accepts, Archbishop, Aymond’s, resignation</media:keywords>
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<title>Jubilee 2033: Rift between Moscow and Constantinople patriarchates threatens ecumenical progress</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/jubilee-2033-rift-between-moscow-and-constantinople-patriarchates-threatens-ecumenical-progress</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/jubilee-2033-rift-between-moscow-and-constantinople-patriarchates-threatens-ecumenical-progress</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The 2033 Jubilee will commemorate the bimillennium of the Redemption but the main ecumenical obstacle is the rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770759115/papa-1770302924_tnmtgz.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Jubilee, 2033:, Rift, between, Moscow, and, Constantinople, patriarchates, threatens, ecumenical, progress</media:keywords>
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<title>Vatican offers talks with Society of St. Pius X, warns illicit consecrations would end dialogue</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-offers-talks-with-society-of-st-pius-x-warns-illicit-consecrations-would-end-dialogue</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-offers-talks-with-society-of-st-pius-x-warns-illicit-consecrations-would-end-dialogue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican’s doctrinal office told a traditionalist group that consecrating bishops without a papal mandate would mean a “decisive rupture” of communion. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770907230/SSPXVaticanMeeting021226_w0dfkm.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, offers, talks, with, Society, St., Pius, warns, illicit, consecrations, would, end, dialogue</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican bank launches 2 new equity indexes aligned with Catholic principles</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-bank-launches-2-new-equity-indexes-aligned-with-catholic-principles</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-bank-launches-2-new-equity-indexes-aligned-with-catholic-principles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two indexes with 50 companies each that adhere to Catholic social teachings were announced by the Vatican Bank in order to promote ethical Catholic investing. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1760627111/images/vaticanbank.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, bank, launches, new, equity, indexes, aligned, with, Catholic, principles</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican Radio to celebrate WRD with 7 multi&#45;language programmes</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-radio-to-celebrate-wrd-with-7-multi-language-programmes</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-radio-to-celebrate-wrd-with-7-multi-language-programmes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ &#039;AI is a tool, not a voice&#039;: This World Radio Day, Vatican Radio celebrates its 95th anniversary with seven multilingual programs dedicated to the future of radio.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2024/novembre/28/pagina-OR-per-ViganoAEM.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, Radio, celebrate, WRD, with, multi-language, programmes</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Poland: European futsal championship for priests opens</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/poland-european-futsal-championship-for-priests-opens</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/poland-european-futsal-championship-for-priests-opens</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The European Futsal Championship for Priests has officially begun. A total of 18 teams of priests from Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are competing today in Lublin in two stages of group matches.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/10/Campionato-Europeo-di-Futsal-per-Sacerdoti-4aem.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Poland:, European, futsal, championship, for, priests, opens</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Cupich calls on White House to apologise over social post</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-cupich-calls-on-white-house-to-apologise-over-social-post</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-cupich-calls-on-white-house-to-apologise-over-social-post</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago writes of his “shock” and “outrage” over a video shared on President Donald Trump&#039;s Truth Social account which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/afp/2025/06/15/02/1749948476050.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Cupich, calls, White, House, apologise, over, social, post</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Burkina Faso Migrants: Young people trapped between cultural expectations and human traffickers</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/burkina-faso-migrants-young-people-trapped-between-cultural-expectations-and-human-traffickers</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/burkina-faso-migrants-young-people-trapped-between-cultural-expectations-and-human-traffickers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Over the weekend, as the International Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking was observed, sociologist Roger Dayamba, a member of the Pan-African Network of Catholic Theology and Pastoral Care (PACTPAN), shared with Vatican News what he described as perilous links between security crises, family pressures, the quest for survival, and trafficking networks in Burkina Faso.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/05/Roger-Dayamba-membro-della-Rete-panafricana-di-teologia-e-pastorale-cattolica-PACTPAN.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Burkina, Faso, Migrants:, Young, people, trapped, between, cultural, expectations, and, human, traffickers</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV may visit Principality of Monaco</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-may-visit-principality-of-monaco</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-may-visit-principality-of-monaco</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Holy See Press Office says that a one-day visit to the Principality of Monaco by Pope Leo XIV at the end of March is being considered. If confirmed, it would be the second trip of his Pontificate and the first visit by a Pope, in the modern era, to the Principality.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2025/11/27/viaggio-apostolico-in-tuerkiye-e-libano/1764693123147.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, may, visit, Principality, Monaco</media:keywords>
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<title>Death as the Culmination of Christ’s Work in Our Lives</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/death-as-the-culmination-of-christs-work-in-our-lives</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/death-as-the-culmination-of-christs-work-in-our-lives</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the Catholic tradition, life and death are companions on a shared journey toward a final encounter with Love. If we understand the human and the Divine as collaborators in our sanctification from the moment of Baptism, then death represents the moment where this collaboration reaches its peak (CCC 1026). In dying, the imperfections of ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/milo-weiler-YLOhOz9G34-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Death, the, Culmination, Christ’s, Work, Our, Lives</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>The Stories We Tell Ourselves—and the Story That Saves Us</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-stories-we-tell-ourselvesand-the-story-that-saves-us</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-stories-we-tell-ourselvesand-the-story-that-saves-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Power of Stories Great stories have a way of captivating us. Stories like J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The harrowing tale of characters like Frodo and Sam reflects themes of courage, friendship, and hope—all set against unimaginable darkness. So too do films like Man on Fire, where former CIA agent John Creasey ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/linus-sandvide-5DIFvVwe6wk-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Stories, Tell, Ourselves—and, the, Story, That, Saves</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cuba’s bishops headed to Vatican this month to meet with Pope Leo XIV</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cubas-bishops-headed-to-vatican-this-month-to-meet-with-pope-leo-xiv</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cubas-bishops-headed-to-vatican-this-month-to-meet-with-pope-leo-xiv</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The country’s bishops will travel to Rome from Feb. 16–20 to present to Pope Leo XIV “the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1745613901/images/obispos.cubanos.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cuba’s, bishops, headed, Vatican, this, month, meet, with, Pope, Leo, XIV</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of attacks in Nigeria</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-victims-of-attacks-in-nigeria</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-victims-of-attacks-in-nigeria</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his Angelus catechesis, the pope said true joy is found in communion with Christ and lived through concrete acts of charity. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770654991/_TRE6423_jmowtc.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, prays, for, victims, attacks, Nigeria</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV approves new statutes of Pontifical International Marian Academy</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-approves-new-statutes-of-pontifical-international-marian-academy</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-approves-new-statutes-of-pontifical-international-marian-academy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, founded to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770671851/papa-leon-xiv-virgen-maria-mosaico-mariano-07022026-1770480002_hhjknk.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, approves, new, statutes, Pontifical, International, Marian, Academy</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: May those who suffer find true peace in the charity of God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-may-those-who-suffer-find-true-peace-in-the-charity-of-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-may-those-who-suffer-find-true-peace-in-the-charity-of-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV sends a letter to Cardinal Michael Czerny, his special envoy for the 34th World Day of the Sick celebration on 11 February at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru. He invites the sick to offer their suffering to the Lord for world peace and to bear witness to faith, hope, and charity, together with those who care for them.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, May, those, who, suffer, find, true, peace, the, charity, God</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Pizzaballa: &amp;apos;Concrete actions&amp;apos; needed to rebuild trust in Holy Land</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-concrete-actions-needed-to-rebuild-trust-in-holy-land</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-concrete-actions-needed-to-rebuild-trust-in-holy-land</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem speaks about October 7, his visits to the Gaza Strip, the &#039;Board of Peace&#039;, the two-state solution, and the situation of Christians in the Holy Land. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-06-at-19.48.47aem.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Pizzaballa:, Concrete, actions, needed, rebuild, trust, Holy, Land</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Lord&amp;apos;s Day Reflection: When mercy displaces darkness</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/lords-day-reflection-when-mercy-displaces-darkness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/lords-day-reflection-when-mercy-displaces-darkness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Church marks the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Abbot Marion Nguyen reflects on &quot;The grit of light: When mercy displaces darkness.&quot;

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2020/08/27/20200827_AdobeStock_lampada-illuminare-luce_vegliate.jpeg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lords, Day, Reflection:, When, mercy, displaces, darkness</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>A new statute updates rules of the Pontifical International Marian Academy</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-new-statute-updates-rules-of-the-pontifical-international-marian-academy</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-new-statute-updates-rules-of-the-pontifical-international-marian-academy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a rescript, Pope Leo XIV approves the new statute of the academy established in 1946 by the Order of Friars Minor to promote and coordinate mariological and Marian studies worldwide.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-07-at-11.29.07.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>new, statute, updates, rules, the, Pontifical, International, Marian, Academy</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Talitha Kum coordinator on Human Trafficking: “Peace begins with dignity”</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/talitha-kum-coordinator-on-human-trafficking-peace-begins-with-dignity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/talitha-kum-coordinator-on-human-trafficking-peace-begins-with-dignity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Church marks World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Trafficking in Persons on February 8, Talitha Kum’s International Coordinator, Sr Abby Avelino, outlines current challenges and priorities in the fight against human trafficking.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-06-at-09.38.53-1_rsz.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Talitha, Kum, coordinator, Human, Trafficking:, “Peace, begins, with, dignity”</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV laments lack of progress in protecting children</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-laments-lack-of-progress-in-protecting-children</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-laments-lack-of-progress-in-protecting-children</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pontiff told organizers of a Vatican-backed initiative that global crises are still leaving many children in extreme poverty. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770301051/_SIM8301_1_fcrj0c.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, laments, lack, progress, protecting, children</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope calls for Olympic Truce in letter for Winter Games</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-calls-for-olympic-truce-in-letter-for-winter-games</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-calls-for-olympic-truce-in-letter-for-winter-games</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pontiff warned that profit, doping, and fanaticism can distort sport’s deeper human purpose. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770393670/WhatsApp_Image_2026-02-06_at_4.59.52_PM_frxxz7.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, calls, for, Olympic, Truce, letter, for, Winter, Games</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Historic occasion’: Pope Leo XIV meets with same&#45;sex attraction ministry Courage International</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/historic-occasion-pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-same-sex-attraction-ministry-courage-international</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/historic-occasion-pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-same-sex-attraction-ministry-courage-international</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “We talked about the importance of chastity, how it heals and strengthens and restores the person,&quot; said Courage International Executive Director Father Brian Gannon. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770396204/Father.Brian.Gannon_ehzeja.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Historic, occasion’:, Pope, Leo, XIV, meets, with, same-sex, attraction, ministry, Courage, International</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV, with Eastern Orthodox, urges Christians to strengthen unity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-with-eastern-orthodox-urges-christians-to-strengthen-unity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-with-eastern-orthodox-urges-christians-to-strengthen-unity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pontiff said Christians grow closer when they deepen their shared faith in Christ, “the ultimate source of our peace.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770309980/_RIS6159_xqdovt.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, with, Eastern, Orthodox, urges, Christians, strengthen, unity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Leo XIV meets with founder of Sant’Egidio Community</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-meets-with-founder-of-santegidio-community</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-meets-with-founder-of-santegidio-community</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV and Sant’Egidio Community founder Andrea Riccardi discussed the role Christians and the Church are called to play in promoting peace in the midst of various world conflicts. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770402405/papa-1770308036_kv8se3.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leo, XIV, meets, with, founder, Sant’Egidio, Community</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Human fraternity an urgent necessity, not an outdated utopia</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-human-fraternity-an-urgent-necessity-not-an-outdated-utopia</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-human-fraternity-an-urgent-necessity-not-an-outdated-utopia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his message for the World Day of Human Fraternity and the presentation of the Zayed Award, Pope Leo XIV describes fraternity as an urgent necessity, stronger than conflicts, differences and tensions, while warning against leaving it trapped in the realm of ideas.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Human, fraternity, urgent, necessity, not, outdated, utopia</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Illuminated by a Hidden Glory’: Theme of Lenten Spiritual Exercises</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/illuminated-by-a-hidden-glory-theme-of-lenten-spiritual-exercises</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/illuminated-by-a-hidden-glory-theme-of-lenten-spiritual-exercises</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Lenten Spiritual Exercises for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and head of Dicasteries will be preached by Trappist Bishop Erik Varden, scheduled for February 22-27.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2025/gennaio/07/11.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Illuminated, Hidden, Glory’:, Theme, Lenten, Spiritual, Exercises</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honours peace, education, humanitarian commitment</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/zayed-award-for-human-fraternity-honours-peace-education-humanitarian-commitment</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/zayed-award-for-human-fraternity-honours-peace-education-humanitarian-commitment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The prize giving ceremony of the seventh edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity takes place in Abu Dhabi, recognising initiatives and individuals working to advance peace, human dignity, and solidarity across divides.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/04/Zayed-2026-2.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Zayed, Award, for, Human, Fraternity, honours, peace, education, humanitarian, commitment</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Martyrdom of Fr Francesco Palliola remembered in Anniversary Mass</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/martyrdom-of-fr-francesco-palliola-remembered-in-anniversary-mass</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/martyrdom-of-fr-francesco-palliola-remembered-in-anniversary-mass</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the 378th anniversary of his martyrdom, the Diocese of Dipolog in the Philippines commemorates Fr. Francesco Palliola with a Eucharistic celebration and welcomes positive developments in his cause for canonization.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/04/2026.02.04-Fr.-Francesco-Palliola.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Martyrdom, Francesco, Palliola, remembered, Anniversary, Mass</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nigeria: Religious men and women navigate faith and culture</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/nigeria-religious-men-and-women-navigate-faith-and-culture</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/nigeria-religious-men-and-women-navigate-faith-and-culture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On 2 February 2026, religious priests and sisters from 28 congregations gathered at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri to celebrated World Day for Consecrated Life. Nigeria’s Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, challenged the religious gathered to return to the radical simplicity and detachment that originally defined their commitment to Christ.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/04/Metropolitan-Archbishop-of-Owerri-Lucius-Iwejuru-Ugorji-of-Owerri.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nigeria:, Religious, men, and, women, navigate, faith, and, culture</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>St. John Henry Newman is added to the General Roman Calendar: What does it mean?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-john-henry-newman-is-added-to-the-general-roman-calendar-what-does-it-mean</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-john-henry-newman-is-added-to-the-general-roman-calendar-what-does-it-mean</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The English saint, proclaimed a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV in November 2025, is honored every Oct. 9. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770138336/GettyImages-1180754232_et8db5.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., John, Henry, Newman, added, the, General, Roman, Calendar:, What, does, mean</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rome events to highlight World Day Against Human Trafficking</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/rome-events-to-highlight-world-day-against-human-trafficking</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/rome-events-to-highlight-world-day-against-human-trafficking</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From Feb. 4–8, the Catholic Church will mobilize with a series of activities in Rome in support of human dignity and peace. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1745614288/images/santa-bakhita-at-margheritamirabella.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rome, events, highlight, World, Day, Against, Human, Trafficking</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo appoints Sister Raffaella Petrini as a member of Commission on Reserved Matters</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-appoints-sister-raffaella-petrini-as-a-member-of-commission-on-reserved-matters</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-appoints-sister-raffaella-petrini-as-a-member-of-commission-on-reserved-matters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as a member of the Commission for Reserved Matters, which is responsible for awarding financial contracts in confidential areas of the Vatican. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://res.cloudinary.com/ewtn/image/upload/v1770142187/Raffaela_Petrini_mnllk1.webp" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, appoints, Sister, Raffaella, Petrini, member, Commission, Reserved, Matters</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mary’s Unneeded Temple Purification and the Gift of Obedience</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/marys-unneeded-temple-purification-and-the-gift-of-obedience</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/marys-unneeded-temple-purification-and-the-gift-of-obedience</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After the forty days required for purification came to an end, Mary went to the temple to present her Son. Biblically speaking, the number forty often represents a time of preparation (the rains of the Great Flood fell for forty days; the Israelites wandered the desert for forty years; Jesus fasted in the desert for ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mary’s, Unneeded, Temple, Purification, and, the, Gift, Obedience</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>This is the pope’s prayer intention for the month of February</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/this-is-the-popes-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-february</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/this-is-the-popes-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-february</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of February is for children with incurable diseases. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>This, the, pope’s, prayer, intention, for, the, month, February</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope appeals for Olympic truce ahead of 2026 Winter Games</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appeals-for-olympic-truce-ahead-of-2026-winter-games</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-appeals-for-olympic-truce-ahead-of-2026-winter-games</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of the Winter Olympic Games that begin on February 6, Pope Leo XIV urges nations in conflict to respect the traditional Olympic truce.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, appeals, for, Olympic, truce, ahead, 2026, Winter, Games</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo joins Cuban Bishops in calling for dialogue with US</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-joins-cuban-bishops-in-calling-for-dialogue-with-us</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-joins-cuban-bishops-in-calling-for-dialogue-with-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV expresses concern for the rising tensions between the United States and Cuba, joining the Cuban Bishops in calling for dialogue, profound reform, and respect for human dignity in the country.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/ansa/2026/01/30/20/1769802103830.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, joins, Cuban, Bishops, calling, for, dialogue, with</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope prays for over 200 dead in eastern DRC mine collapse</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-prays-for-over-200-dead-in-eastern-drc-mine-collapse</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-prays-for-over-200-dead-in-eastern-drc-mine-collapse</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV prays for the hundreds of people who died this week when a coltan mine collapsed in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and recalls the victims of storms in Mozambique and Portugal.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/01/30/22/1769809267196.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, prays, for, over, 200, dead, eastern, DRC, mine, collapse</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin celebrates 60th anniversary of Holy See&#45;Malta relations</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-celebrates-60th-anniversary-of-holy-see-malta-relations</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-celebrates-60th-anniversary-of-holy-see-malta-relations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Holy See and Malta mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass in Valletta, praising the relationship as “communion already lived” in dialogue and encounter.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/02/Il-cardinale-Parolin-presiede-la-Messa-a-La-Valletta-Malta_3.png/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin, celebrates, 60th, anniversary, Holy, See-Malta, relations</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo offers comfort to Crans&#45;Montana fire victims on one&#45;month commemoration</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-offers-comfort-to-crans-montana-fire-victims-on-one-month-commemoration</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-offers-comfort-to-crans-montana-fire-victims-on-one-month-commemoration</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a message to a commemoration one month after the deadly Crans-Montana fire, Pope Leo XIV reassures victims and their loved ones that nothing is over in Christ and that a better day will come, in which they will feel joy and experience their loved ones&#039; closeness again.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/01/15/2026-01-15-familiari-dei-ragazzi-deceduti-a-crans-montana/1768479101703.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, offers, comfort, Crans-Montana, fire, victims, one-month, commemoration</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Silence Heals</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/silence-heals</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/silence-heals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Silence is very difficult to find and cultivate in our culture. The fact that we can be reached or connected to others 24/7 through smartphones leaves us in a constant state of unease. We don’t acknowledge this agitation. Instead, when we start feeling the anxiety or itch to “connect,” we simply grab our phones to ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/liana-s-yttFU4IxKE0-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Silence, Heals</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>St. Francis de Sales’ Guide to Starting Your Day Right</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-francis-de-sales-guide-to-starting-your-day-right</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-francis-de-sales-guide-to-starting-your-day-right</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his everyday spirituality, St. Francis de Sales counsels us to begin at the beginning. Making God a part of that first conscious­ness of the new day starts things out on the right footing. Thus, St Francis’ Spiritual Directory opens with this exhortation: First of all on awakening, we are to direct our minds completely to ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jayrome-balicol-1wm0zTd-cQI-unsplash-e1769570534842.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., Francis, Sales’, Guide, Starting, Your, Day, Right</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Exegesis of the Word: On the Beatitudes as a Spiritual Portrait</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/exegesis-of-the-word-on-the-beatitudes-as-a-spiritual-portrait</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/exegesis-of-the-word-on-the-beatitudes-as-a-spiritual-portrait</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Some time ago, I had the practice of reading the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7) or the Last Discourse of John (Jn. 14-17) at least once a week. I did so because these passages are so fundamental to the Christian life. Regularly going through the Sermon on the Mount caused varying dimensions of the ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sankt_Matthaeus_Kirke_Copenhagen_altarpiece_detail1.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Exegesis, the, Word:, the, Beatitudes, Spiritual, Portrait</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Forgiveness for Our Freedom</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/forgiveness-for-our-freedom</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/forgiveness-for-our-freedom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sometimes, forgiveness is easy. A person makes an honest mistake, perhaps one you yourself have made before, and says he’s sorry. Hey, you tell him, it’s not a big deal, don’t worry about it. Within a few days, maybe even hours, you hardly remember what the person did wrong. Maybe the person commits an error ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jonas-allert-XQS7gc1CaqI-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Forgiveness, for, Our, Freedom</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Last Shall Be First at Compostela</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-last-shall-be-first-at-compostela</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-last-shall-be-first-at-compostela</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When I used to read parables like the Prodigal Son or the Workers in the Vineyard, my default had always been to identify with the older brother, or with the workers who showed up early in the morning. I sympathized with the older brother’s incredulity, and with the workers who complained they worked all day ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/victoriano-izquierdo-Lcp8NXa_GjU-unsplash-e1769698974832.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Last, Shall, First, Compostela</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>President of USCCB calls for Holy Hour for the United States</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-usccb-calls-for-holy-hour-for-the-united-states</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-usccb-calls-for-holy-hour-for-the-united-states</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issues a call to pray for renewal in the United States and in people’s hearts in the midst of the “current climate of fear and polarization”.

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2019/03/18/prayer-2544994_1920.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>President, USCCB, calls, for, Holy, Hour, for, the, United, States</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope holds surprise lunch with Peruvian bishops</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-holds-surprise-lunch-with-peruvian-bishops</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-holds-surprise-lunch-with-peruvian-bishops</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Peruvian bishops describe Pope Leo&#039;s unexpected participation at a lunch in Rome as “a gesture of closeness and communion”.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/01/29/2026-01-29-pranzo-con-i-vescovi-del-peru/1769707879164.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, holds, surprise, lunch, with, Peruvian, bishops</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: May the Olympics promote welcome, solidarity, and peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-may-the-olympics-promote-welcome-solidarity-and-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-may-the-olympics-promote-welcome-solidarity-and-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo sends a telegram for the arrival of the Athletes’ Cross at the Church of San Babila in Milan, where it will be kept for the entire duration of the Winter Olympics. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2026/01/28/17/1769617606781.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, May, the, Olympics, promote, welcome, solidarity, and, peace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo expresses gratitude for 800 years of Toledo Cathedral</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-expresses-gratitude-for-800-years-of-toledo-cathedral</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-expresses-gratitude-for-800-years-of-toledo-cathedral</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo sends a letter to the faithful of Toledo in which he highlights the spiritual, historical and social richness of the Primate Cathedral and encourages participation in the liturgical and cultural events planned for 2026.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/afp/2026/01/28/13/1769602637494.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, expresses, gratitude, for, 800, years, Toledo, Cathedral</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy See and diplomats echo Pope Leo’s call for an ‘unarmed’ peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-and-diplomats-echo-pope-leos-call-for-an-unarmed-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-see-and-diplomats-echo-pope-leos-call-for-an-unarmed-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An interreligious service hosted by the Holy See’s Mission to the UN in Geneva gathers diplomats and religious leaders to reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 World Day of Peace Message amid escalating global conflicts. Cardinal Pizzaballa and the ICRC stress the urgent need for justice, humanitarian law, and a “demanding hope” grounded in dialogue and human dignity.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/gennaio/29/72dbb01e-f23f-451c-b2c7-03a0f298ec34.jpeg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, See, and, diplomats, echo, Pope, Leo’s, call, for, ‘unarmed’, peace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>When Women Forget Motherhood and Home</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-women-forget-motherhood-and-home</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-women-forget-motherhood-and-home</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ With the data now available, we realized just how important the early years of life are for a child. We know now that children need affection, safety, and security—loving eyes that know them and familiar arms to hold them. But mother and child, instead of being understood as the most fundamental of all human relationships, ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>When, Women, Forget, Motherhood, and, Home</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>10 Ways Assisted Suicide Kills Society’s Soul</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/10-ways-assisted-suicide-kills-societys-soul</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/10-ways-assisted-suicide-kills-societys-soul</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Our culture goes so far as to actually paint evil as pleasing to God, such as in the case of state-sanctioned, physician-assisted suicide being held up as merciful. That is the very reasoning Governor Kathy Hochul gave on December 17th, when she announced that New York will become the thirteenth state to legalize it with ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ways, Assisted, Suicide, Kills, Society’s, Soul</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Guidance for Writers, Preachers, &amp;amp;amp; Teachers</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-guidance-for-writers-preachers-teachers</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-guidance-for-writers-preachers-teachers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For those who seek to convey the Gospel through writing, preaching, or teaching, the octave of days from January 24th to January 31st has potential to provide extraordinary inspiration. January 24th is the memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church and patron of writers and the Catholic press. January 25th marks the ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Guidance, for, Writers, Preachers, &amp;amp, Teachers</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Ugly History Behind Planned Parenthood</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-ugly-history-behind-planned-parenthood</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-ugly-history-behind-planned-parenthood</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In 1960 a woman named Margaret Sanger threatened to “find another place to live” if John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, was elected president. Does this threat sound familiar? On July 6, 1960, the Milwaukee Journal ran this headline on its front page: “If Kennedy wins, Mrs. Sanger is going to quit US.” Interestingly enough, after ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Ugly, History, Behind, Planned, Parenthood</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>3 Ways to Become Childlike to Enter Heaven</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/3-ways-to-become-childlike-to-enter-heaven</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/3-ways-to-become-childlike-to-enter-heaven</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus emphasizes that, no matter what we do, endure, or become as Christians, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without becoming like little children. Why is this childlikeness an indispensable requirement to enter the kingdom ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jay-chen-mKbZ3zAdiB4-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ways, Become, Childlike, Enter, Heaven</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Roman Rota: Justice and charity find harmony in mystery of God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-roman-rota-justice-and-charity-find-harmony-in-mystery-of-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-roman-rota-justice-and-charity-find-harmony-in-mystery-of-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV meets officials of the Tribunal of Roman Rota for the inauguration of their judicial year, and urges them to safeguard the truth with rigor but without rigidity and to exercise charity without omission.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/01/26/2026-01-26-membri-del-collegio-dei-prelati-uditori-del-tribunale/1769426214490.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Roman, Rota:, Justice, and, charity, find, harmony, mystery, God</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Restoration of Bethlehem’s Grotto of the Nativity &amp;apos;a sign of hope and unity&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/restoration-of-bethlehems-grotto-of-the-nativity-a-sign-of-hope-and-unity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/restoration-of-bethlehems-grotto-of-the-nativity-a-sign-of-hope-and-unity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announce that works are set to begin to restore the “cradle” of Christianity—the place where Jesus was born—in Bethlehem.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Restoration, Bethlehem’s, Grotto, the, Nativity, sign, hope, and, unity</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Aid convoy arrives in of Ain al&#45;Arab amid humanitarian concern</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/aid-convoy-arrives-in-of-ain-al-arab-amid-humanitarian-concern</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/aid-convoy-arrives-in-of-ain-al-arab-amid-humanitarian-concern</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A United Nations convoy carrying aid arrives in the Kurdish-majority town of Ain al-Arab in northern Syria as a ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces continues to hold.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Aid, convoy, arrives, Ain, al-Arab, amid, humanitarian, concern</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Tagle celebrates 80th anniversary of Hong Kong diocese</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-tagle-celebrates-80th-anniversary-of-hong-kong-diocese</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-tagle-celebrates-80th-anniversary-of-hong-kong-diocese</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle marks 80 years since the establishment of the Diocese of Hong Kong and encourages the more than 400,000 Catholics to “bring hope to society” and become “courageous witnesses of the Lord”.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Tagle, celebrates, 80th, anniversary, Hong, Kong, diocese</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UN High Commissioner for Refugees: Church important partner in helping refugees</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-high-commissioner-for-refugees-church-important-partner-in-helping-refugees</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-high-commissioner-for-refugees-church-important-partner-in-helping-refugees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, tells Vatican News about his meeting with Pope Leo XIV and the challenges the organization faces in assisting refugees across the globe.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/01/26/2026-01-26-s-e--il-signor-barham-salih--alto-commissario-delle-n/1769428902979.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>High, Commissioner, for, Refugees:, Church, important, partner, helping, refugees</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Come After Me’: Jesus’ Public Ministry Begins in Galilee</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/come-after-me-jesus-public-ministry-begins-in-galilee</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/come-after-me-jesus-public-ministry-begins-in-galilee</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ feature ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://publisher-ncreg.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pb-ncregister/swp/hv9hms/media/20260123120152_7a5780902b37e2b961ba08d937248c308f260358e262f28c53c8f35964ad2f55.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Come, After, Me’:, Jesus’, Public, Ministry, Begins, Galilee</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>St. Francis de Sales Shows Us How to Be Missionaries of God’s Love</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-francis-de-sales-shows-us-how-to-be-missionaries-of-gods-love</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-francis-de-sales-shows-us-how-to-be-missionaries-of-gods-love</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ commentary ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://publisher-ncreg.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pb-ncregister/swp/hv9hms/media/2026012311014_c8085331eaad01bd8975233f0b90c0e5de11a183406a69701c11761977fe1f69.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., Francis, Sales, Shows, How, Missionaries, God’s, Love</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>All Things Are Oriented Toward Something: The Reason for Ad Orientem</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/all-things-are-oriented-toward-something-the-reason-for-ad-orientem</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/all-things-are-oriented-toward-something-the-reason-for-ad-orientem</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Everything and everyone is oriented toward something. A hammer is oriented toward driving nails. A bird is oriented toward flight. Human beings, made of both body and soul, are likewise oriented toward what gives meaning and direction to our lives. This truth becomes especially clear in worship. At Mass, we are not passive observers but ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>All, Things, Are, Oriented, Toward, Something:, The, Reason, for, Orientem</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Light in the Land of Darkness: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-light-in-the-land-of-darkness-third-sunday-in-ordinary-time</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-light-in-the-land-of-darkness-third-sunday-in-ordinary-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee. Danger drove Jesus into a land that historically had known great danger and grave sorrow.  Why? Gospel (Read Mt. 4:12-23) St. Matthew tells us that when John the Baptist fell into Herod’s hands, Jesus decided to leave Jerusalem.  Surely, He read the signs ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jonathan-borba-3eC5n6gHwe8-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Light, the, Land, Darkness:, Third, Sunday, Ordinary, Time</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Exegesis of the Word: On Christ the Light of the World Now and to Come</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/exegesis-of-the-word-on-christ-the-light-of-the-world-now-and-to-come</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/exegesis-of-the-word-on-christ-the-light-of-the-world-now-and-to-come</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Breaking Open the Word “Christ is the Light of the world.” What is contained in this short statement? “God is Love.” This is another short line, overflowing with meaning. “God” is a short word but infinite in meaning. Some statements in Scripture are short and doctrinal, such as “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:16), but ... Read more ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/aperture-vintage-DEhDL7b7H0k-unsplash.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Exegesis, the, Word:, Christ, the, Light, the, World, Now, and, Come</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV receives Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-receives-grand-duke-and-duchess-of-luxembourg</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-receives-grand-duke-and-duchess-of-luxembourg</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV receives Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg with his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, in the Vatican on Friday.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, receives, Grand, Duke, and, Duchess, Luxembourg</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV to visit five parishes in Rome during Lent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-five-parishes-in-rome-during-lent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-five-parishes-in-rome-during-lent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV will visit five parishes of the Diocese of Rome, meeting with parish groups and celebrating Mass each Sunday during Lent.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, visit, five, parishes, Rome, during, Lent</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>President of Guatemalan bishops: Peace, justice against violence</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-guatemalan-bishops-peace-justice-against-violence</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-guatemalan-bishops-peace-justice-against-violence</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Following prison riots and the killings of ten police officers, Bishop Rodolfo Valenzuela Núñez, President of the Guatemalan Bishops&#039; Conference, issues an appeal for unity and reason: “We must fight together for the good of the people.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>President, Guatemalan, bishops:, Peace, justice, against, violence</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>News from the Orient &#45; January 23, 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-january-23-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-january-23-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we go to the Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Christians are commemorating the Epiphany and the baptism of Christ.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, from, the, Orient, January, 23, 2026</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Parish Priest of Nuuk, Greenland: ‘Our home is not for sale’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/parish-priest-of-nuuk-greenland-our-home-is-not-for-sale</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/parish-priest-of-nuuk-greenland-our-home-is-not-for-sale</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amid mounting geopolitical tensions, Fr. Tomaž Majcen, the Slovene Franciscan priest who leads the small Catholic community on the Arctic island, tells Vatican News that Greenlanders “want to be seen as a people with their own story, language, culture, and faith.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Parish, Priest, Nuuk, Greenland:, ‘Our, home, not, for, sale’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican Weighing Trump Invitation to Join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-weighing-trump-invitation-to-join-gaza-board-of-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-weighing-trump-invitation-to-join-gaza-board-of-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, Weighing, Trump, Invitation, Join, Gaza, ‘Board, Peace’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>When Catholic Bishops Criticize Presidents, Pay Attention</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-catholic-bishops-criticize-presidents-pay-attention</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/when-catholic-bishops-criticize-presidents-pay-attention</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ commentary ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>When, Catholic, Bishops, Criticize, Presidents, Pay, Attention</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Health&#45;Spending Bill Would Keep Ban on Tax&#45;Funded Abortion</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/health-spending-bill-would-keep-ban-on-tax-funded-abortion</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/health-spending-bill-would-keep-ban-on-tax-funded-abortion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Health-Spending, Bill, Would, Keep, Ban, Tax-Funded, Abortion</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>How to Pray With a Clock and a Calendar</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-to-pray-with-a-clock-and-a-calendar</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-to-pray-with-a-clock-and-a-calendar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ commentary ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, Pray, With, Clock, and, Calendar</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Vatican Employees Report Distrust of Managers, Mistreatment in the Workplace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-employees-report-distrust-of-managers-mistreatment-in-the-workplace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-employees-report-distrust-of-managers-mistreatment-in-the-workplace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, Employees, Report, Distrust, Managers, Mistreatment, the, Workplace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope expresses gratitude to Inspectorate for Public Security for Vatican City</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-expresses-gratitude-to-inspectorate-for-public-security-for-vatican-city</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-expresses-gratitude-to-inspectorate-for-public-security-for-vatican-city</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV thanks directors and police officers of Italy’s Inspectorate for Public Safety for Vatican City for their work to ensure the safety of the faithful and pilgrims around Vatican City, especially during such an intense year, which saw the Jubilee, the funeral of Pope Francis, and the Conclave.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, expresses, gratitude, Inspectorate, for, Public, Security, for, Vatican, City</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to Neocatechumenal Way: Be builders and witnesses of communion</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-neocatechumenal-way-be-builders-and-witnesses-of-communion</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-neocatechumenal-way-be-builders-and-witnesses-of-communion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV meets with members and leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way, and encourages their mission while urging them to be witnesses of unity in the Church.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Neocatechumenal, Way:, builders, and, witnesses, communion</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope sends prayers and condolences for victims of Spain train accident</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-sends-prayers-and-condolences-for-victims-of-spain-train-accident</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-sends-prayers-and-condolences-for-victims-of-spain-train-accident</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV expresses his closeness to victims of a train accident in southern Spain on Sunday, which left at least 39 dead and many more injured. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, sends, prayers, and, condolences, for, victims, Spain, train, accident</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV meets the President of the Czech Republic</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-the-president-of-the-czech-republic</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-the-president-of-the-czech-republic</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV receives the President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Pavel, in the Vatican on Monday.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, meets, the, President, the, Czech, Republic</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Three US Cardinals: Foreign policy must respect human dignity, religious liberty</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/three-us-cardinals-foreign-policy-must-respect-human-dignity-religious-liberty</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/three-us-cardinals-foreign-policy-must-respect-human-dignity-religious-liberty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ten days after Pope Leo XIV’s ‘State of the World’ address, American Cardinals Cupich, McElroy, and Tobin release a joint statement renouncing war and calling for US foreign policy to be based on peace and respect for human dignity and religious liberty.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Three, Cardinals:, Foreign, policy, must, respect, human, dignity, religious, liberty</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bonus: Coach Flynn</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-coach-flynn</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-coach-flynn</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JD details his basketball team’s recent win. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bonus:, Coach, Flynn</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>How Catholics influenced AA – and AA influences Catholics</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-catholics-influenced-aa-and-aa-influences-catholics</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-catholics-influenced-aa-and-aa-influences-catholics</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jan. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, Catholics, influenced, –, and, influences, Catholics</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Behold the Lamb of God: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/behold-the-lamb-of-god-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/behold-the-lamb-of-god-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As we return to Ordinary Time, our Gospel already begins preparing us for the next great seasons of the liturgical calendar: Lent and Easter.  How? Gospel (Read Jn. 1:29-34) “John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.’”  We heard from ... Read more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Behold, the, Lamb, God:, Second, Sunday, Ordinary, Time</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Former U.S. ambassador to Holy See weighs in on Vatican diplomacy in Venezuela, U.S.</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/former-us-ambassador-to-holy-see-weighs-in-on-vatican-diplomacy-in-venezuela-us</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/former-us-ambassador-to-holy-see-weighs-in-on-vatican-diplomacy-in-venezuela-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Former United States Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney speaks to “EWTN News Nightly” anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, May 12, 2025. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot

Jan 17, 2026 / 10:00 am (CNA).
Francis Rooney, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, said Pope Leo XIV’s papacy marks a period of opportunity for the Church in the U.S. in an interview this week with “EWTN News In Depth.”The former diplomat and congressman highlighted Leo’s measured approach to diplomacy in light of U.S. involvement in Venezuela. “He’s always calm, he’s always careful, and he’s very judicious in his comments,&quot; Rooney said in a report that aired Jan. 16.“The Holy See has a long tradition of intervening in hostage situations and situations of marginalized people or people under great stress and change, like a regime change,” Rooney said.The Vatican’s move to host opposition leader María Corina Machado this week, he said, likely had diplomatic intentions to strengthen her standing. “I think it’s predictable that [Pope Leo XIV] would want to shore up her position on the international stage as well as he can,” Rooney said. “So a pre-Trump meeting with the Holy Father is a global expression of her importance right now.”Reacting to     a speech by Pope Leo     to diplomats at the Vatican, during which the Holy Father lamented that “peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good,” Rooney pointed out that while Leo does not do so in the same manner as Pope Francis, “he speaks very clearly and says a lot of the same things.”“[Leo’s] willing to call out bad activities by world leaders. He’s willing to call out the actions of Trump undermining the post-World War II order and creating potential consequences of bad actions by other people like North Korea, Russia, China,” he said, adding: “He’s not at all like Pope Francis. He’s calm, deliberate.”Rooney served as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See from 2005 to 2008. He was a Republican member of the U.S. House from Florida from 2017 to 2021.“The Church has a love-hate relationship with the United States. They resent our power, but they love our money, and they love our number of Catholics in the United States,” he said. “So this is an opportunity for Pope Leo to close that gap, earn more respect for the United States for the important role it plays in the Church, and also in Latin America.”U.S. President Donald Trump met with Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Jan. 12. Rooney, whose congressional Florida district included Fort Myers and Naples, speculated the closed meeting likely revolved around immigration.“We have Alligator Alcatraz down here near where we live, and a lot of migrants are being kicked out of the country who have no criminal record,” Rooney said. “I think most Americans would agree that we need workers. If theyve been living here a long time, some of their kids have gone to school with our kids, they should be able to stay and have an orderly rational plan for citizenship like President George W. Bush tried to accomplish but didn’t get it done.”“On the other hand, if they’re criminals, they should go. I don’t think anybody would argue that we shouldn’t police the border and have a strong border,” he said, concluding that Coakley and the president likely “spoke about that a great deal.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Former, U.S., ambassador, Holy, See, weighs, Vatican, diplomacy, Venezuela, U.S.</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mexico’s Cardinal Aguiar: Pope Leo XIV would like to visit Mexico ‘soon’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/mexicos-cardinal-aguiar-pope-leo-xiv-would-like-to-visit-mexico-soon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/mexicos-cardinal-aguiar-pope-leo-xiv-would-like-to-visit-mexico-soon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Aguiar and his auxiliary bishop, Francisco Javier Acero Pérez, OAR, met with Pope Leo on Jan. 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Jan 16, 2026 / 06:00 am (CNA).
The primatial archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, has invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the country. The cardinal extended the invitation during their Jan. 14 meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, shortly before the Wednesday general audience.According to a statement released later by the Archdiocese of Mexico, during the audience Aguiar renewed the invitation he had first extended to the pope a few days after the conclave for him to travel to the country.“In response, the Holy Father expressed his gratitude and his desire and interest in visiting our country soon to entrust his pontificate to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” the press release indicated.In addition, Aguiar shared with Pope Leo XIV the progress and development of the synodal process underway in the Mexican diocese.In this context, the pontiff expressed his gratitude for the work of the religious communities, pastoral workers, and laypeople, and encouraged them to continue strengthening this path of listening, discernment, and pastoral co-responsibility.During the meeting, the Holy Father expressed his joy at the pilgrimage that the archdiocese will make Saturday, Jan. 17, to the Guadalupe Basilica at the beginning of the pilgrimage season to the sacred shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Tepeyac.The cardinal was accompanied by Francisco Javier Acero Pérez, OAR, auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese. The communications office of the primatial archdiocese of Mexico invited all the faithful to join in prayer for the Holy Father and for the fruits of the synodal journey that the Mexican Church continues to undertake.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by the EWTN News English Service. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mexico’s, Cardinal, Aguiar:, Pope, Leo, XIV, would, like, visit, Mexico, ‘soon’</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>‘Truly historic’: Kuwait’s first church elevated to Minor Basilica</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/truly-historic-kuwaits-first-church-elevated-to-minor-basilica</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/truly-historic-kuwaits-first-church-elevated-to-minor-basilica</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin presides over Mass at Kuwait’s Our Lady of Arabia Church as it is raised to Minor Basilica, saying that the church built on the desert sands is a reminder that &quot;Mary herself once found refuge in those same desert lands.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Truly, historic’:, Kuwait’s, first, church, elevated, Minor, Basilica</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Angelo Gugel, private attendant to three Popes, dies aged 90</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/angelo-gugel-private-attendant-to-three-popes-dies-aged-90</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/angelo-gugel-private-attendant-to-three-popes-dies-aged-90</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Angelo Gugel, who served as the Papal Chamber Assistant to Popes John Paul I, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI, has died in Rome at the age of 90 after decades in service of the Popes, including standing beside John Paul II during the assassination attempt on May 13, 1981.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Angelo, Gugel, private, attendant, three, Popes, dies, aged</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Year of Saint Francis: &amp;apos;Indulgence is an encounter with God, not a spiritual shortcut&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/year-of-saint-francis-indulgence-is-an-encounter-with-god-not-a-spiritual-shortcut</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/year-of-saint-francis-indulgence-is-an-encounter-with-god-not-a-spiritual-shortcut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary comments on the decree published on Friday announcing plenary indulgences during the special Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death, stressing. “The Year of Saint Francis must not become yet another chapter rich in special spiritual effects, but a silent passage from enthusiasm to deep maturity, from spectacular celebration to imitation in daily life.”
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Year, Saint, Francis:, Indulgence, encounter, with, God, not, spiritual, shortcut</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Land: A fifth Gospel that begins in Jordan</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-land-a-fifth-gospel-that-begins-in-jordan</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-land-a-fifth-gospel-that-begins-in-jordan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A number of biblical events took place in Jordan—from the Exodus led by Moses to the baptism of Jesus—and the Christian presence in the country has very ancient origins.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Land:, fifth, Gospel, that, begins, Jordan</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica sealed in solemn rite</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-door-of-st-peters-basilica-sealed-in-solemn-rite</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/holy-door-of-st-peters-basilica-sealed-in-solemn-rite</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations preside over the rite of sealing the Holy Door—ceremonially marking the last of the Jubilee rites.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Door, St., Peter’s, Basilica, sealed, solemn, rite</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>In the confessional with PriestChat</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/in-the-confessional-with-priestchat</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/in-the-confessional-with-priestchat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ AI is coming for financial analysts, journalists, and plenty of other jobs. But priests? ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>the, confessional, with, PriestChat</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Archbishop Gallagher: Surrogacy is a ‘new form of colonialism’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-gallagher-surrogacy-is-a-new-form-of-colonialism</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/archbishop-gallagher-surrogacy-is-a-new-form-of-colonialism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations of the Holy See. | Credit: Santosh Digal

Jan 15, 2026 / 13:37 pm (CNA).
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations of the Holy See, described the practice of surrogacy as a “new form of colonialism” in which the interests of adults prevail over the rights of children.The Italian Embassy to the Holy See hosted the Jan. 13 event “A Common Front for Human Dignity: Preventing the Commodification of Women and Children in Surrogacy” with the aim of fostering international debate on this practice and raising awareness of its ethical, legal, and social implications.The event, held at the Borromeo Palace in Rome, is part of an awareness campaign promoted by the Italian Ministry for Family, Birth Rate, and Equal Opportunities together with the Holy See at the United Nations.In his address, Gallagher stated that surrogacy is an issue that concerns all of humanity and therefore urged a united front to stop “the commodification of women and children.”The Vatican official emphasized that this practice “exploits bodies and takes any meaning out of relationships,” reducing the person to a mere product, as Pope Francis has denounced. He also noted that Pope Leo XIV recently warned that surrogacy sacrifices the rights of children.During his address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, the pontiff denounced that “by turning gestation into a negotiable service, the dignity of both is violated: that of the child, who is reduced to a ‘product,’ and that of the mother, by exploiting her body and the generative process and altering the original relational vocation of the family.”In this context, Gallagher warned that surrogacy — although presented as “an act of generosity” — reduces the person to an “object of transaction.” “It’s the sale of a child, handed over to the buyers by virtue of a contract that places the interests of the adults at the center, and not those of the children,” he said emphatically.He also stated that it reduces women’s bodies to a “mere reproductive instrument,” affecting the social conception of motherhood and human dignity.After recalling that feminist groups also reject surrogacy, Gallagher emphasized that it is “a new form of colonialism” that exploits the most vulnerable people and pointed out that women’s consent is often the result of “financial pressures.”Finally, the Vatican official argued for the “total abolition” of surrogacy and expressed its opposition to the creation of an international regulatory framework, which, in his view, would lead to “more children destined to be sold.”The event also included speeches by the Italian ambassador to the Holy See, Francesco Di Nitto; the dean of the diplomatic corps to the Holy See and ambassador of Cyprus, George Poulides; and Italian Minister for Family, Natality, and Equal Opportunities Eugenia Roccella.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Archbishop, Gallagher:, Surrogacy, ‘new, form, colonialism’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican prosecutor steps aside as London property trial appeal moves forward</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-prosecutor-steps-aside-as-london-property-trial-appeal-moves-forward</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-prosecutor-steps-aside-as-london-property-trial-appeal-moves-forward</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu in 2019. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN

Jan 14, 2026 / 11:45 am (CNA).
The Vatican’s Court of Cassation has cleared the way for the appeal phase of the Secretariat of State funds trial — commonly tied in headlines to Cardinal Angelo Becciu — rejecting last-ditch procedural challenges and accepting the recusal of Vatican Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi from the case.In two separate rulings — one brief and another running eight pages — the court closed the remaining disputes that had stalled the appeal proceedings over the Holy See’s investment in a luxury property on Sloane Avenue in London.The Cassation decisions mean the appeal will proceed without Diddi, and they also uphold the appeal court’s earlier finding that the promoter’s office filed its own appeal improperly and outside required procedures and deadlines. As a result, the appeal phase will now focus primarily on defense appeals — which could at most lead to reduced sentences or even acquittals for some defendants.The appeal trial is scheduled to resume Feb. 3.What the Cassation court decidedThe case reached the Court of Cassation after a series of procedural clashes in the appeal court, including:— defense motions seeking Diddi’s recusal following intercepted communications suggesting contacts with individuals involved in the wider case;— defense arguments that the promoter’s appeal was inadmissible because it failed to follow procedural rules and timelines; and— a countermove from the promoter’s office seeking to challenge the appeal court itself — effectively attempting to halt proceedings by disputing the court’s authority to declare the promoter’s appeal inadmissible.The Vatican’s Court of Cassation accepted Diddi’s decision to abstain from the case, a move that effectively ends the push to force a formal ruling against him. In its more detailed ruling, the court reaffirmed that the promoter’s appeal was filed incorrectly and that the appeal court acted properly in declaring it inadmissible.The court is presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, with Cardinals Matteo Zuppi, Augusto Paolo Lojudice, and Mauro Gambetti among the judges, alongside other members of the panel.Background: London deal and first verdictsThe broader trial centers on Vatican financial management tied to the Secretariat of State and its London real estate investment. Vatican prosecutors argued that intermediaries worked together to extract money from the Holy See as control of the property shifted between financiers.Becciu — the first cardinal tried by a Vatican civil tribunal following a decision by Pope Francis — was convicted in the first-instance verdict and sentenced to five years and six months in prison on charges including embezzlement and fraud. Other defendants received prison sentences as well, including Enrico Crasso (seven years), Raffaele Mincione (five years and six months), Cecilia Marogna (three years and nine months), and Gianluigi Torzi (six years). In total, first-instance convictions amounted to about 37 years of prison time, along with an order to confiscate 166 million euros ($193.6 million), though several defendants were acquitted on some counts.The appeal phase has unfolded in a changed Vatican context after the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, who has signaled he intends to let Vatican justice proceed without the kinds of papal interventions that marked earlier stages of the case.This story was     first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, prosecutor, steps, aside, London, property, trial, appeal, moves, forward</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Mosaic bearing Pope Leo XIV’s portrait readied for St. Paul Outside the Walls</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/mosaic-bearing-pope-leo-xivs-portrait-readied-for-st-paul-outside-the-walls</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/mosaic-bearing-pope-leo-xivs-portrait-readied-for-st-paul-outside-the-walls</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV next to the new mosaic of him that will be added to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. | Credit: Vatican Media

Jan 15, 2026 / 12:54 pm (CNA).
A mosaic bearing the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV was presented to the pontiff on Jan. 14. The mosaic will be placed in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica at the request of the basilica’s archpriest, Cardinal James Michael Harvey.The artwork, which, according to ancient tradition, is created upon the election of each pope, was made in the     Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of St. Peter, where the basilica’s mosaics are currently being conserved through restoration work and where artwork is also produced for sale to the public.    
        Today, Pope Leo XIV was presented with the round mosaic featuring his official papal portrait — the 267th papal portrait to be placed in the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls — which will be installed at the end of the right nave of the basilica. The presentation took… pic.twitter.com/CddKjcXekt— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) January 14, 2026



    Thanks to the skill and experience of its mosaic artists, who still use ancient technical and artistic methods, mosaics are produced that are inspired by masterpieces of sacred and secular art.The mosaic “tondo” — from the Italian word meaning “round” — of the Holy Father is 54 inches in diameter and was made with glass enamels and gold on a metal structure, according to the Vatican.The mosaic is composed of more than 15,000 tesserae — the small pieces used to create the mosaic — including some that date back to the 19th century. These pieces were created using the ancient technique of cut mosaic and have been fixed with the traditional oil-based stucco of the Vatican tradition.The mosaic will be placed in the space next to the portrait of Pope Francis, in the right nave of the papal basilica, at an approximate height of 43 feet.The work is based on a pictorial sketch by the Italian artist Rodolfo Papa, an oil painting on canvas that will be preserved in the Fabric of St. Peter in the Vatican.The mosaic of Pope Leo XIV will be placed in the space next to the portrait of Pope Francis. | Credit: Vatican MediaAlso participating in the presentation were Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, and Harvey along with the abbot of the Benedictine monastery of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Donato Ogliari.At the end of the presentation, the Holy Father invited all those present to join him in a moment of prayer.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mosaic, bearing, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, portrait, readied, for, St., Paul, Outside, the, Walls</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV urges making time ‘to speak with God’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-making-time-to-speak-with-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-making-time-to-speak-with-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV gives the first general audience of 2026 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Jan. 7, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Jan 14, 2026 / 06:20 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV urged Christians on Wednesday to set aside time in their daily lives to speak with God in prayer and warned about the harm to one’s relationship with him when this is ignored.“Time dedicated to prayer, meditation, and reflection cannot be lacking in the Christian’s day and week,” the pontiff said during the catechesis at his general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Jan. 14.The pope devoted the second week of his series of teachings on the documents of the Second Vatican Council to a closer examination of the dogmatic constitution Dei Verbum dedicated to divine revelation.Pointing to the document, he highlighted listening and dialogue with God as foundations of a Christian life.“From this perspective, the first attitude to cultivate is listening, so that the divine Word may penetrate our minds and our hearts; at the same time, we are required to speak with God, not to communicate to him what he already knows but to reveal ourselves to ourselves,” Leo said.The Holy Father also drew on the human experience of friendship to warn about the dangers of neglecting one’s spiritual life: “Our experience tells us that friendships can come to an end through a dramatic gesture of rupture, or because of a series of daily acts of neglect that erode the relationship until it is lost.”“If Jesus calls us to be friends, let us not leave this call unheeded. Let us welcome it, let us take care of this relationship, and we will discover that friendship with God is our salvation,” he said.The pope insisted that this living relationship with God is cultivated above all through prayer, understood as an authentic friendship with the Lord.This experience, he explained, is achieved first of all in liturgical and community prayer, “in which we do not decide what to hear from the Word of God, but it is he himself who speaks to us through the Church.” It is also achieved in personal prayer, which takes place “in the interiority of the heart and mind,” and which should form part of every believer’s day and week.‘Only when we speak with God can we also speak about him’The pontiff stressed that only from a personal relationship with God is it possible to bear authentic witness to the faith: “Only when we speak with God can we also speak about him.”Referring to the dogmatic constitution Dei Verbum, promulgated by St. Paul VI in 1965, Leo emphasized that Christian revelation is grounded in a living and personal dialogue between God and humanity. Through this dialogue, God reveals himself as an ally who invites each person into a true relationship of friendship.The pope noted that divine revelation has a profoundly dialogical character, proper to the experience of friendship: It does not tolerate silence but is nourished by the exchange of true words capable of creating communion.Leo XIV also distinguished between “words” and “chatter,” explaining that the latter remains on the surface and does not create authentic relationships. In genuine relationships, he said, words do not serve merely to exchange information but to reveal who we are and to establish a deep bond with the other.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA&#039;s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, making, time, ‘to, speak, with, God’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Pizzaballa: No denying the human desire for life, dignity and justice</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-no-denying-the-human-desire-for-life-dignity-and-justice</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-no-denying-the-human-desire-for-life-dignity-and-justice</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses his hope that the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran will not deteriorate into more “violence and bloodshed”, and he decries the situation of “total devastation” in Gaza.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Pizzaballa:, denying, the, human, desire, for, life, dignity, and, justice</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>UNICEF: At least 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire deal</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/unicef-at-least-100-children-killed-in-gaza-since-ceasefire-deal</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/unicef-at-least-100-children-killed-in-gaza-since-ceasefire-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The UN Children&#039;s Fund, UNICEF,  decries that at least 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire that was struck in early October.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>UNICEF:, least, 100, children, killed, Gaza, since, ceasefire, deal</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>West Bank: Settler violence increased by 25% in 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/west-bank-settler-violence-increased-by-25-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/west-bank-settler-violence-increased-by-25-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An Israel Defence Forces report has recorded a substantial escalation in colonist aggressions in the West Bank during the last year.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>West, Bank:, Settler, violence, increased, 25, 2025</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Mozambique: Church in Nampula seeks self&#45;sustainability in its 2025&#45;2026 pastoral plan</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/mozambique-church-in-nampula-seeks-self-sustainability-in-its-2025-2026-pastoral-plan</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/mozambique-church-in-nampula-seeks-self-sustainability-in-its-2025-2026-pastoral-plan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a Pastoral Letter for 2025-2026, the Archbishop of Nampula, northern Mozambique, Inácio Saúre, IMC, has challenged the faithful of the Archdiocese to embrace the diocese&#039; pastoral plan and vision for a more financially self-sustaining Church.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2025/ottobre/28/Dom-Inacio-Saure-presidente-da-Conferencia-Episcopal-de-MocambiqueAEM.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mozambique:, Church, Nampula, seeks, self-sustainability, its, 2025-2026, pastoral, plan</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: Sense of belonging more important than numbers of people in Church</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-sense-of-belonging-more-important-than-numbers-of-people-in-church</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-sense-of-belonging-more-important-than-numbers-of-people-in-church</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the January edition of the Piazza San Pietro magazine, Pope Leo XIV encourages a Swiss catechist struggling to get families involved in her parish by saying that “hours dedicated to catechesis are never wasted”. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Sense, belonging, more, important, than, numbers, people, Church</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Indian nun who accused bishop of rape vows Supreme Court fight</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/indian-nun-who-accused-bishop-of-rape-vows-supreme-court-fight</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/indian-nun-who-accused-bishop-of-rape-vows-supreme-court-fight</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sr. Ranit Pallassery said she will pursue every appeal avenue against Bishop Franco Mulakkal. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Indian, nun, who, accused, bishop, rape, vows, Supreme, Court, fight</media:keywords>
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<title>‘Back on the air’ &#45; Fulton Sheen beatification to be announced</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/back-on-the-air-fulton-sheen-beatification-to-be-announced</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/back-on-the-air-fulton-sheen-beatification-to-be-announced</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican is expected to announced a 2026 Sheen beatification ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Back, the, air’, Fulton, Sheen, beatification, announced</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV meets Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-venezuelan-opposition-leader-maria-corina-machado</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-venezuelan-opposition-leader-maria-corina-machado</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV meets Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the Vatican on Jan. 12, 2026. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 12, 2026 / 06:50 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the Vatican on Monday in an audience that was not initially included in the official schedule for the day.The meeting was added to the pontiff’s agenda in the Holy See’s noon news bulletin. The Vatican has not released any details about the audience.Machado, one of the leading figures of the Venezuelan opposition, has been a prominent voice in denouncing the institutional, economic, and humanitarian crisis facing the country.The Venezuelan politician, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in December, is also expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump this week.According to a post on X from Machado&#039;s political party, Vente Venezuela, the politician met with the pope to request his help in the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela.“Today I had the blessing and honor of being able to share with His Holiness and express our gratitude for his attention to what is happening in our country. I also conveyed to him the strength of the Venezuelan people who remain steadfast and in prayer for the freedom of Venezuela, and I asked him to intercede for all Venezuelans who remain kidnapped and disappeared,” Machado said after the meeting, according to a post on X from political organization Comando Con Venezuela.Machado also met with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Jan. 12, according to Comando Con Venezuela.Nicolás Maduro is being held in a New York prison after appearing before a federal judge on various charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism following his capture by the U.S. military in the early hours of Jan. 3.Delcy Rodríguez, former vice president of Venezuela, has assumed the interim presidency of the country following Maduro’s arrest.In his Angelus message on Jan. 4, Leo XIV called for full respect for the country’s national sovereignty and for the human and civil rights of its people.“It is with deep concern that I am following the developments in Venezuela,” said the pontiff, stressing that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.”The pope urged cooperation to “build a peaceful future of collaboration, stability, and harmony” and emphasized that this effort must be made “with special attention to the poorest, who suffer because of the difficult economic situation.”In his address to the diplomatic corps on Jan. 9, Leo reiterated his call to respect “the will of the Venezuelan people” and for work “to safeguard the human and civil rights of all, ensuring a future of stability and concord.”Hannah Brockhaus contributed to this report.This story was first published on ACI Prensa, CNA&#039;s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. It was updated at 10:18 a.m. ET with the statement from Machado. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, meets, Venezuelan, opposition, leader, María, Corina, Machado</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>The story behind Pope Leo XIV’s new papal staff</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-story-behind-pope-leo-xivs-new-papal-staff</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-story-behind-pope-leo-xivs-new-papal-staff</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV introduced a new papal staff on Jan. 6, 2026, during the closing of the Holy Door | Credit: Vatican Media / null

Jan 12, 2026 / 12:25 pm (CNA).
Last week during the Jan. 6 closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV used a new papal staff, or ferula, which is used by pontiffs in solemn ceremonies and represents their leadership as bishop of Rome and supreme pastor of the entire Church.According to the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Holy See, popes have traditionally received this insignia after their election, when they took possession of their see in St. John Lateran Basilica.The papal staff, used only by the pope and topped with a cross or a crucifix, is different from the bishop’s crozier — the shepherd’s staff — which ends in a curve and is used by bishops and archbishops.It was St. Paul VI who, in 1965 on the occasion of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, used a silver ferula with a crucifix designed by the sculptor Lello Scorzelli. The pontiff began to use this cross with increasing frequency in liturgical celebrations, as his successors would later do.St. John Paul II also chose to use the papal ferula from the beginning of his pontificate. Even in the last years of his life, the late pontiff leaned on it while convalescing in his room.Benedict XVI used a ferula topped with a golden cross, previously used by Blessed Pius IX. Leo XIV used Benedict XVI’s ferula on May 18 during his first Mass as pope and has also used the one designed by Scorzelli for St. Paul VI.Pope Leo XIV waves during the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, held in St. Peter&#039;s Square on May 18, 2025. He stands in front of a Flemish tapestry depicting the dialogue between Jesus and Peter after the miraculous catch of fish. Credit: Vatican MediaThe new papal ferula used by Pope Leo XIV is in continuity with those used by his predecessors, linking the mission of proclaiming the mystery of love expressed by Christ on the cross with its glorious manifestation in the Resurrection.Furthermore, as the Vatican explains, its style is reminiscent of Scorzelli’s work, as it depicts Christ no longer bound by the nails of the Passion but with his glorified body in the act of ascending to the Father.The ferula bears the motto chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “ In illo uno unum,” (“In the one Christ we are one”), which captures the theological dimension of his magisterium, founded on the unity and communion that makes us the Church.The use of the papal ferula is seen as carrying a profound symbolic meaning: It expresses the specific mission of the successor of Peter to confirm his brothers in the faith and preside over the Church in charity.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, story, behind, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, new, papal, staff</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-proclaims-franciscan-jubilee-year</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-proclaims-franciscan-jubilee-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ St. Francis of Assisi. | Credit: Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock

Jan 12, 2026 / 17:21 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a     plenary indulgence.This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with     a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See.Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope — by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world.Furthermore, the elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God.In a world where “the virtual takes over the real, disagreements and social violence are part of everyday life, and peace becomes more insecure and distant every day, this Year of St. Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ,” the decree states.For     the Order of Friars Minor, this time is also an opportunity for the faithful to become “models of holiness of life and constant witnesses of peace.”On the occasion of this anniversary, Pope Leo XIV addressed     a letter to the ministers general of the Franciscan Family Conference in which he emphasized that “in this era, marked by so many seemingly endless wars, by internal and social divisions that create distrust and fear, he continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.”In this regard, he highlighted that St. Francis reminds us that “peace with God, peace among people, and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, proclaims, Franciscan, Jubilee, Year</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope to Jubilee partners: Thanks to you, Rome had a welcoming face</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-jubilee-partners-thanks-to-you-rome-had-a-welcoming-face</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-jubilee-partners-thanks-to-you-rome-had-a-welcoming-face</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Meeting with the representatives of the institutions that collaborated in the Jubilee, Pope Leo expresses his gratitude for their “multifaceted contribution, often hidden” throughout the year and encourages them continue to carry hope in their hearts.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Jubilee, partners:, Thanks, you, Rome, had, welcoming, face</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo: Failure to welcome abuse victims is a scandal</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-failure-to-welcome-abuse-victims-is-a-scandal</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-failure-to-welcome-abuse-victims-is-a-scandal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The full text of Pope Leo XIV’s speech at the conclusion of the January 7–8 consistory, published today, announces a new meeting of the cardinals in June and insists that victims and survivors of abuse “need to be accompanied with the closeness of authentic pastors.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Failure, welcome, abuse, victims, scandal</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>US, Venezuela explore possibility of restoring relations</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/us-venezuela-explore-possibility-of-restoring-relations</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/us-venezuela-explore-possibility-of-restoring-relations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A delegation from the Trump administration arrives in Caracas as the United States and Venezuela examine the feasibility of restoring diplomatic relations.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>US, Venezuela, explore, possibility, restoring, relations</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Protests continue across Iran</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/protests-continue-across-iran</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/protests-continue-across-iran</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Protests have swept Iran, with demonstrators taking to the streets throughout the country
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Protests, continue, across, Iran</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope to young people: We are made for truth, not virtual connections</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-young-people-we-are-made-for-truth-not-virtual-connections</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-young-people-we-are-made-for-truth-not-virtual-connections</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo tells Rome’s young people not to be content with superficial relationships, but to seek the truth, goodness and communion that arise from encountering God and one&#039;s neighbour.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, young, people:, are, made, for, truth, not, virtual, connections</media:keywords>
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<title>The Friday Pillar Post &#45; January 9, 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-friday-pillar-post-january-9-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-friday-pillar-post-january-9-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Written by Ed Condon and published January 9, 2026. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Friday, Pillar, Post, January, 2026</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>The rise of Bishop Sipuka</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-rise-of-bishop-sipuka</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-rise-of-bishop-sipuka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Leo XIV’s first appointment to a South African diocese is a notable one. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, rise, Bishop, Sipuka</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Ep. 243: Let boring be boring, please</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-243-let-boring-be-boring-please</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-243-let-boring-be-boring-please</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ed is tan, rested, and ready to talk with JD about this week’s consistory in Rome. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ep., 243:, Let, boring, boring, please</media:keywords>
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<title>Bonus: &amp;quot;Hosie&amp;quot;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-hosie</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-hosie</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JD goes down a linguistic rabbit hole. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bonus:, Hosie</media:keywords>
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<title>This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-january</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-january</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 14, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Jan 8, 2026 / 14:17 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January is for the faithful to pray with the word of God.In a video released Jan. 7 on X, the Holy Father said that he is praying “that we may learn, practice, and love praying with the word of God.”“The gift of Scripture is God’s love letter to humankind,” he said. “Let’s pray that we all draw from this gift and get to know Our Lord.”‘Pray with the Pope’ initiativeThe Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and the Dicastery for Communication announced Jan. 7 the “Pray with the Pope” project. According to a press release, this is a new initiative in which the pope will share his monthly prayer intentions through both video and audio, “inviting the universal Church and all people of goodwill to unite spiritually, using the same prayer that will now be led by the pope himself.”“This initiative aims to increase the visibility of the pope’s prayer intentions, using a language suitable for prayer, in new formats, so as to better reach the faithful throughout the world, especially in today’s world of digital communication,” the press release stated.In the full video shared on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention.Here is the pope’s full prayer:Lord Jesus, living Word of the Father,in you we find the light that guides our steps.We know that the human heart lives restless, hungry for meaning,and only your Gospel can give it peace and fullness.Teach us to listen to you each day in the Scriptures,to let ourselves be challenged by your voice,and to discern our decisionsfrom the closeness to your heart.May your word be nourishment in weariness,hope in darkness,and strength in our communities.Lord, may your word never be absent from our lips or from our hearts — the word that makes us sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,disciples and missionaries of your kingdom.Make us a Church that prays with the word,that is built upon it and shares it with joy,so that in every person the hope of a new world may be born again.May our faith grow in the encounter with you through your word,moving us from the heartto reach out to others,to serve the most vulnerable,to forgive, build bridges, and proclaim life.Amen.“Pray with the Pope” is accessible on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network     website and its digital platforms. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>This, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, prayer, intention, for, the, month, January</media:keywords>
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<title>We are not politicians and cannot afford to be partisan, say Cameroon’s Bishops</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/we-are-not-politicians-and-cannot-afford-to-be-partisan-say-cameroons-bishops</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/we-are-not-politicians-and-cannot-afford-to-be-partisan-say-cameroons-bishops</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Catholic Bishops of Cameroon are holding their 49th annual seminar in Kumba, in the Southwest Region, from 3 January to 10 January 2026. Under the theme “Communion and Collegiality,” this gathering brings together the entire Cameroonian episcopate for spiritual and pastoral exchanges in a context marked by socio-economic challenges in the country and the Crisis in the Anglophone regions. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>are, not, politicians, and, cannot, afford, partisan, say, Cameroon’s, Bishops</media:keywords>
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<title>“Pray with the Pope”: a real network of communion in a divided world</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pray-with-the-pope-a-real-network-of-communion-in-a-divided-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pray-with-the-pope-a-real-network-of-communion-in-a-divided-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Pray with the Pope” is a new initiative of the Dicastery for Communication and the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network that invites people around the world to share in a real communion of prayer with Pope Leo XIV, offering prayer as a path to unity in a divided world.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>“Pray, with, the, Pope”:, real, network, communion, divided, world</media:keywords>
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<title>Thousands flee renewed violence in eastern DR Congo as crisis spills into Burundi</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/thousands-flee-renewed-violence-in-eastern-dr-congo-as-crisis-spills-into-burundi</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/thousands-flee-renewed-violence-in-eastern-dr-congo-as-crisis-spills-into-burundi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tens of thousands of Congolese have fled renewed fighting in eastern DR Congo, with more than 80,000 people crossing into Burundi in recent weeks. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Thousands, flee, renewed, violence, eastern, Congo, crisis, spills, into, Burundi</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope at Consistory: It&amp;apos;s not the Church that attracts but Christ</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-consistory-its-not-the-church-that-attracts-but-christ</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-consistory-its-not-the-church-that-attracts-but-christ</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV opens the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals and recalls that Christ draws us to follow Him, warning that division in the Church scatters the faithful.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Consistory:, Its, not, the, Church, that, attracts, but, Christ</media:keywords>
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<title>Consistory: Cardinals choose synodality and mission as themes for reflection</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/consistory-cardinals-choose-synodality-and-mission-as-themes-for-reflection</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/consistory-cardinals-choose-synodality-and-mission-as-themes-for-reflection</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the end of the first day of the Extraordinary Consistory, the Director of the Holy See Press Office tells reporters that the roughly 170 Cardinals participating voted to reflect on the themes of synodality and mission, noting that Pope Leo XIV told the Cardinals that he needs “to be able to count on you.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Consistory:, Cardinals, choose, synodality, and, mission, themes, for, reflection</media:keywords>
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<title>Grok&amp;apos;s not sorry, the news, and 20&#45;year advice</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/groks-not-sorry-the-news-and-20-year-advice</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/groks-not-sorry-the-news-and-20-year-advice</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Tuesday Pillar Post ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Groks, not, sorry, the, news, and, 20-year, advice</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope says Christian hope doesn’t depend on human calculations</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-says-christian-hope-doesnt-depend-on-human-calculations</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-says-christian-hope-doesnt-depend-on-human-calculations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 4, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 4, 2026 / 05:20 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV said Christian hope “is not based on optimistic forecasts or human calculations” but on God’s decision to share humanity’s path so that no one is alone on life’s journey.Speaking Jan. 4 from the window of the Apostolic Palace to hundreds of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square despite the rain, the pope said the foundation of Christian hope is “God’s Incarnation,” pointing to the day’s Gospel reading from the Prologue of St. John: “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (Jn 1:14).On the second Sunday after Christmas, before reciting the Angelus, Leo urged believers to rethink their faith and avoid an abstract or distant spirituality. “He is not a distant deity in a perfect heaven above us, but a God who is nearby and inhabits our fragile earth, who becomes present in the faces of our brothers and sisters, and reveals himself in the circumstances of daily life,” he said.The pope also underscored that the Incarnation calls for a concrete and consistent commitment, including examining whether one’s spirituality and the ways faith is expressed are “truly incarnate.” “God has become flesh; therefore, there is no authentic worship of God without care for humanity,” he said, linking Christian faith to solidarity with those who suffer.After the Angelus, Leo reiterated his closeness to those affected by the New Year’s Eve fire in a bar in the Alpine town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where young people had been celebrating. Swiss authorities have confirmed at least 40 dead and about 115 injured, many of them seriously.“I wish to express once again my closeness to those suffering as a result of the tragedy in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, and to assure them of my prayers for the young people who died, for the injured, and for their families,” the pope said.He also said he was following developments in Venezuela “with deep concern” and that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.” His remarks came a day after news of the U.S. capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The pope urged that the country’s sovereignty and rule of law be guaranteed.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, says, Christian, hope, doesn’t, depend, human, calculations</media:keywords>
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<title>Vatican says more than 33 million pilgrims took part in jubilee</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-says-more-than-33-million-pilgrims-took-part-in-jubilee</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-says-more-than-33-million-pilgrims-took-part-in-jubilee</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Seminarians approach the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA

Vatican City, Jan 5, 2026 / 04:00 am (CNA).
More than 33.4 million pilgrims traveled to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, surpassing initial projections, the Vatican said Monday.Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said 33,475,369 pilgrims ultimately took part in the jubilee — nearly 2 million more than the Vatican’s initial estimate of 31.7 million.He also said the final group to pass through the Holy Door on Monday will be staff from the Dicastery for Evangelization, the principal organizers of the holy year, at 5:30 p.m. local time.The solemn closing of the holy year will take place Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. local time, when Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to close the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in a ceremony expected to be attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, civil authorities, and large numbers of faithful.The Holy Door is scheduled to be opened again in eight years, in 2033, for the Jubilee of the Redemption.In his assessment of the jubilee, Fisichella described the year as extraordinary in many respects and noted its unusual historical arc: The jubilee began under Pope Francis and concludes under Pope Leo XIV — a transition he said underscored the complexity of the organizational effort.He also pointed to major events that unfolded alongside the jubilee calendar, including the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26 and the election of his successor, Leo XIV, on May 8, saying those developments were integrated into the jubilee schedule amid an exceptional succession of events.Pilgrims from 185 countriesAccording to official Vatican data presented Monday, pilgrims from 185 countries took part in jubilee events. By geographic area, Europe accounted for 62.63% of participants, followed by North America (16.54%), South America (9.44%), and Asia (7.69%). The remaining pilgrims came from Oceania (1.14%), Central America and the Caribbean (1.04%), Africa (0.95%), and the Middle East (0.46%).By country, Italy represented 36.34% of pilgrims, followed by the United States (12.57%) and Spain (6.23%). Other leading countries included Brazil (4.67%), Poland (3.69%), Germany (3.16%), the United Kingdom (2.81%), China (2.79%), Mexico (2.37%), and France (2.31%). The Vatican also recorded significant participation from Argentina, Canada, Portugal, Colombia, Australia, the Philippines, Slovakia, Indonesia, and Austria.Fisichella said that beginning in May — around the time of Leo XIV’s election — Rome saw an unexpected increase in pilgrims, which he said was managed with close attention in a city that remained under international media focus throughout the year.How the count was madeFisichella said the initial projections were based on a study by the faculty of sociology at Roma Tre University and were intended as an early planning guide.He said the primary count was made at St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door, where a camera automatically recorded the number of pilgrims passing through each day.For the other three papal basilicas — St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls — the Vatican applied percentages based on the flow recorded at St. Peter’s, supplemented by volunteer counts using manual clickers. Attendance at major jubilee events and audiences was also tracked and cross-checked with registrations made through the official jubilee website.Rome mayor cites lasting legacy and spendingRome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the Jubilee of Hope has left a lasting legacy for the city, both in infrastructure and in institutional governance, pointing to what he described as a “jubilee method” of sustained cooperation among public administrations.Gualtieri said the jubilee program included 332 interventions, with 204 already completed or partially completed. He added that street works in Rome were about 90% finished, with the remaining 10% scheduled for completion in 2026.He also said government funding specifically allocated for jubilee-related works totaled 1.725 billion euros ($2.02 billion). According to Gualtieri, 75% of those resources were used for interventions completed or partially completed, while spending for essential, nondeferrable interventions reached 90%.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, says, more, than, million, pilgrims, took, part, jubilee</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>St. Carlo Acutis’ parents helped develop new Vatican City State app</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-carlo-acutis-parents-helped-develop-new-vatican-city-state-app</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/st-carlo-acutis-parents-helped-develop-new-vatican-city-state-app</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The news app for Vatican City State, developed with support from the family of St. Carlo Acutis. | Credit: Vatican City State/Screenshot

Vatican City, Jan 5, 2026 / 05:20 am (CNA).
The parents of St. Carlo Acutis contributed to the development of a new official news application connected to the institutional website of the Vatican City State,     www.vaticanstate.va, an initiative presented as part of an ongoing digital renewal and as a tribute to the young saint, often held up as a model for evangelizing through new technologies.After downloading the app, users can read a message of thanks from the Governorate of Vatican City State to Andrea and Antonia Acutis, Carlo’s parents.“The Governorate of Vatican City State thanks Andrea and Antonia Acutis who, on the occasion of the canonization of their son Carlo, generously contributed to the creation and development of the News App of the official website     www.vaticanstate.va,” the message reads.The new application, officially launched over the weekend, is dedicated to the Italian saint, who died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15 and is frequently remembered for his computer prowess.The platform is designed to provide fast, intuitive access to news, notices, and official communications from the Vatican Governorate, aiming to improve navigation and accessibility to institutional information.The app includes several sections, including “saint of the day,” news, interviews, videos, and direct links to other institutions of the Governorate, such as the Gendarmerie Corps, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Pharmacy, Poste Vaticane, the Pontifical Villas, and the Vatican Observatory.According to the report, additional features will be implemented progressively.The app’s launch comes after     the institutional website of the Holy See received a graphic overhaul following the May 8 election of Pope Leo XIV. That portal now features a more modern design, including a sky-blue background and an image of the pope greeting the faithful, updating a site that has been online since December 1995.The Vatican City State app is available as a free download for iOS and Android devices.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>St., Carlo, Acutis’, parents, helped, develop, new, Vatican, City, State, app</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV closes St. Peter’s Holy Door, concluding Jubilee of Hope</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-closes-st-peters-holy-door-concluding-jubilee-of-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-closes-st-peters-holy-door-concluding-jubilee-of-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, concluding the Jubilee of Hope, on Jan. 6, 2026. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 6, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing the ordinary holy year to an end — a time of grace that invited Catholics to conversion, reconciliation, and hope.The pontiff processed toward the Holy Door as the antiphon “O clavis David” was sung. Reaching the threshold, he knelt before the door and remained for a few minutes in silent prayer. He then rose and, at 9:41 a.m., pushed shut the two large bronze doors — a gesture that visibly marked the end of the jubilee season.“With thankful hearts we now prepare to close this Holy Door, crossed by a multitude of faithful, certain that the Good Shepherd always keeps the door of his heart open to welcome us whenever we feel weary and oppressed,” Leo XIV said in an address before the concluding gesture that ended the ecclesial event, ordinarily held every 25 years to offer the faithful the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence.With these words, Leo XIV emphasized that even though the jubilee has ended, God’s mercy remains ever open to believers.Before closing the doors, the Holy Father pronounced in Latin the formula prescribed by the rite, following a practice established in 1975 and later simplified by St. John Paul II during the Jubilee of the Year 2000.In keeping with the simplified celebration, the public rite did not include the portion involving the construction of a brick wall and was limited to the closing of the bronze doors. The masonry work itself will be carried out later, privately, about 10 days after this public rite.The act will be overseen by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. The so-called “sampietrini” — personnel of the Fabric of St. Peter, including carpenters, cabinetmakers, and electricians who normally handle basilica maintenance — will build the brick wall inside the basilica to definitively seal the Holy Door.During this private rite — without cameras or journalists — the traditional metal capsule (“capsis”) will be inserted into the wall. It will contain the official act of closure, coins minted during the jubilee year, and the keys of the Holy Door as a material and symbolic testimony of the holy year that, as the pope noted, has ended on the calendar but not in the spiritual life of the Church.Leo XIV then recited the prayer of thanksgiving for the ordinary holy year, proclaiming: “This Holy Door is closed, but the door of your mercy is not closed.”The formula concluded with an invocation that the “treasures” of divine grace would remain open “so that, at the end of our earthly pilgrimage, we may confidently knock at the door of your house and enjoy the fruits of the tree of life.”The Jubilee of Hope was instituted on Dec. 24, 2024, by Pope Francis but, after his death in April 2025, was concluded by his successor, Leo XIV — a situation not seen since the year 1700. The last ordinary jubilee (celebrated every 25 years) took place in 2000.Jubilees may also be celebrated at “extraordinary” moments, such as the Jubilee of Mercy celebrated by Francis in 2015 or the one to be convoked in 2033 to commemorate the two millennia of the death and resurrection of Jesus.After closing the Holy Door, Leo XIV presided over Mass for the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord inside St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing the day’s liturgical celebration to its conclusion.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, closes, St., Peter’s, Holy, Door, concluding, Jubilee, Hope</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican Governorate releases new app dedicated to St. Carlo Acutis</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-governorate-releases-new-app-dedicated-to-st-carlo-acutis</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-governorate-releases-new-app-dedicated-to-st-carlo-acutis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vatican Governatorate releases a new app offering the contents of its official website in a quick and intuitive way, making it possible to consult news, announcements, and official communications.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, Governorate, releases, new, app, dedicated, St., Carlo, Acutis</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope dedicates Sistine Chapel Christmas Concert to children without peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-dedicates-sistine-chapel-christmas-concert-to-children-without-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-dedicates-sistine-chapel-christmas-concert-to-children-without-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Sistine Chapel Choir performs a Christmas Concert in the presence of Pope Leo, who recalls the angels of Bethlehem and entrusts the world’s children to the prayer of song.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, dedicates, Sistine, Chapel, Christmas, Concert, children, without, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope at Angelus: May the joy of Christmas sustain our journey</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-may-the-joy-of-christmas-sustain-our-journey</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-may-the-joy-of-christmas-sustain-our-journey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV prays the Angelus on the Second Sunday of Christmas, inviting the faithful to draw closer to the Christ Child and recalling that every authentic worship of God requires caring for humanity.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Angelus:, May, the, joy, Christmas, sustain, our, journey</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope on Venezuela: Overcome violence, safeguard country’s sovereignty</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-on-venezuela-overcome-violence-safeguard-countrys-sovereignty</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-on-venezuela-overcome-violence-safeguard-countrys-sovereignty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV calls for the good of the Venezuelan people to prevail, for the rule of law to be upheld, and for the human and civil rights of all to be respected.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Venezuela:, Overcome, violence, safeguard, country’s, sovereignty</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo renews closeness to victims of fire tragedy in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-renews-closeness-to-victims-of-fire-tragedy-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-renews-closeness-to-victims-of-fire-tragedy-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV expresses once again his closeness to those in mourning following the fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 1.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, renews, closeness, victims, fire, tragedy, Switzerland</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Frigid temperatures and no roads – ministry in the remote Alaskan wilderness</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/frigid-temperatures-and-no-roads-ministry-in-the-remote-alaskan-wilderness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/frigid-temperatures-and-no-roads-ministry-in-the-remote-alaskan-wilderness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “It may be weeks, sometimes even a couple months before you see a brother priest.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Frigid, temperatures, and, roads, –, ministry, the, remote, Alaskan, wilderness</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Venezuelan bishops silent after Maduro capture</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/venezuelan-bishops-silent-after-maduro-capture</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/venezuelan-bishops-silent-after-maduro-capture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “We’ve just been praying since 2 a.m.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Venezuelan, bishops, silent, after, Maduro, capture</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Leo XIV: The world is saved by welcoming all without fear</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-the-world-is-saved-by-welcoming-all-without-fear</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-the-world-is-saved-by-welcoming-all-without-fear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 02:05 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to a steadfast openness to other people, warning that peace will not be built through force or exclusion, as he celebrated his first liturgy of the new year on Thursday.“The world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing, or eliminating our brothers and sisters,” the pope said in his homily for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Rather, he added, it is saved by “tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate, and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear.”As is customary for the Jan. 1 Mass, a large group of diplomats accredited to the Holy See attended the liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, underlining the international scope of the Church’s prayer for peace on the World Day of Peace, observed each year on the first day of January.A blessing for a new beginningAt the start of his     homily, Leo XIV pointed to the ancient biblical blessing proclaimed in the liturgy: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace” (Num 6:24-26). He recalled that this blessing was addressed to a people set free, Israel after slavery in Egypt, and he drew a parallel to the Christian life at the opening of a new year.“For each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, his mercy, and the response of our freedom,” he said. The coming year, he continued, can be seen “as an open journey to be discovered,” lived with confidence “free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness,” trusting in “the closeness and goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always.”Mary’s ‘yes’ and the human face of mercyThe pope centered his reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation and Mary’s decisive role in salvation history. “By her ‘yes,’ she helped give a human face to the source of all mercy and benevolence: the face of Jesus,” he said.Leo XIV invited the faithful to contemplate God’s love through Christ’s life: “Through his eyes — first as a child, then as a young man and as an adult — the Father’s love reaches us and transforms us.”He urged Catholics to begin the year with renewed confidence in that love: “Let us ask the Lord to help us experience at every moment, around us and upon us, the warmth of his fatherly embrace and the light of his benevolent gaze.”‘Unarmed and disarming’ peaceEchoing the theme he chose for this year’s     World Day of Peace message, Leo XIV returned repeatedly to the image of God’s humility revealed in the Nativity. Citing St. Augustine, he emphasized “the complete gratuity of his love” and described God’s approach to humanity as one of radical vulnerability.“As I emphasized in the message for this World Day of Peace, God presents himself to us ‘unarmed and disarming,’ as naked and defenseless as a newborn in a cradle,” the pope said.That divine “style,” he suggested, is the model for Christian action in a world tempted by coercion, retaliation, and fear. Christian witness, he said, should reflect a God who does not overwhelm but invites, and who heals rather than humiliates.Mary the disciple who ‘laid aside every defense’Leo XIV also reflected on Mary’s path after Bethlehem, presenting her not only as mother but also as disciple. He described her as one who followed Jesus “with the heart of a humble disciple… all the way to the cross and the Resurrection.”“To do so, she too laid aside every defense,” he said, renouncing “expectations, claims, and comforts,” and “consecrating her life without reserve to the son she had received by grace.”In Mary’s divine motherhood, the pope added, the Church sees “the meeting of two immense, ‘unarmed’ realities”: God, who “renounces every privilege of his divinity to be born in the flesh” (cf. Phil 2:6-11), and the human person who embraces God’s will, offering “the greatest power she possesses: her freedom.”A renewed missionNear the end of the homily, Leo XIV recalled a Jan. 1 homily of St. John Paul II that invited Christians to begin again with courage after the Jubilee of 2000. As the Church approaches the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, Leo XIV urged the faithful to return to the Nativity with faith and then step forward with renewed commitment.“Let us approach it as the place of ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace par excellence,” he said, and then, “like the humble witnesses at the grotto,” to set out once more, “glorifying and praising God” (Lk 2:20) for what they have seen and heard.“This be our commitment and our resolve for the months ahead, and, indeed, for the whole of our Christian lives,” he concluded.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leo, XIV:, The, world, saved, welcoming, all, without, fear</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for peace in bloodied nations and wounded families</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-prayers-for-peace-in-bloodied-nations-and-wounded-families</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-prayers-for-peace-in-bloodied-nations-and-wounded-families</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for recitation of the Angelus on Jan. 1, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 02:30 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain,” during the Angelus address on the first day of 2026.Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 59th World Day of Peace, the pope     reflected on the start of a new year as a time to renew hope and reconciliation.“While the rhythm of passing months repeats itself, the Lord invites us to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among all peoples,” he said. “Without this desire for the good, there would be no point in turning the pages of the calendar and filling our diaries.”Leo also looked back on the jubilee, which he said “is about to end,” noting that it has taught the Church to cultivate hope for a new world by converting hearts to God, so as “to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation, and resolutions of virtue into good works.”The pope then turned to the Marian feast, saying Christmas today “directs our gaze towards Mary, who was the first to experience Christ’s beating heart.” He evoked “the silence of her virginal womb,” where “the Word of life presents himself as a heartbeat of grace.”“God, the good creator, has always known Mary’s heart and our hearts,” Leo said. “By becoming man, he makes his heart known to us.” He added that the heart of Jesus “beats for every man and woman,” both for those who welcome him and for those who reject him.“His heart is not indifferent to those who have no heart for their neighbor,” the pope said. “It beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.”At the end of the Angelus, Leo greeted the tens of thousands of pilgrims in the square and offered “good wishes of peace.” He also returned to the theme of the World Day of Peace, recalling that it has been celebrated on Jan. 1 since 1968 at the request of St. Paul VI.In his message for the day, Leo said he wanted to repeat the wish he felt the Lord gave him at the start of his pontificate: “Peace be with you all!”“A peace that is unarmed and disarming, which comes from God, a gift of his unconditional love, and is entrusted to our responsibility,” he said.“Dear friends, with the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence,” the pope continued.Leo also expressed appreciation for peace initiatives held around the world, mentioning a national march held the previous evening in Catania and greeting participants in a march organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio.He offered greetings as well to a group of students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, and to the Romans and pilgrims present.Finally, the pope noted that 2026 marks the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, and he invoked a biblical blessing for the new year: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”“May the Holy Mother of God guide us on our journey in the new year,” Leo said. “Best wishes to everyone!”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, prayers, for, peace, bloodied, nations, and, wounded, families</media:keywords>
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<title>Key dates on the agenda of the pope and Vatican for 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/key-dates-on-the-agenda-of-the-pope-and-vatican-for-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/key-dates-on-the-agenda-of-the-pope-and-vatican-for-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square in October 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

Jan 1, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election on May 8, 2025.1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope — Jan. 6On Jan. 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass and perform the rite for the closing the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing to an end the Jubilee of Hope that Pope Francis began on Dec. 24, 2024. This liturgical act officially closes a year that, according to the papal bull     Spes non Confundit, has been experienced as “a time of grace and hope” for the global Church.Pope Leo XIV walks through the Holy Door carrying the jubilee cross while leading the Holy See’s pilgrimage on June 9, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media2. Extraordinary consistory of cardinals — Jan. 7–8Following the conclusion of the jubilee, the pope has convened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals for Jan. 7–8. This type of meeting is usually reserved for discussing major doctrinal, institutional, or pastoral issues affecting the entire Church. Its scheduling in the days immediately following the close of the holy year underscores the pope’s intention to set a new course after the intense experience of the jubilee.3. Extraordinary restoration in the Sistine Chapel — JanuaryBeginning in January, the Vatican Museums will undertake extraordinary conservation work on Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” fresco in the Sistine Chapel, which will continue until March, with the expectation of completion before Holy Week. This project addresses the need to preserve the masterpiece in light of the impact of millions of visitors each year.4. Appeal hearing in the Becciu case — Feb. 3The appeal hearing in the case concerning the management of funds by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See in the purchase of a building in London has been postponed until Feb. 3. Spanish judge Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, dean of the Roman Rota, presides over the three-judge panel hearing the appeal of 77-year-old Cardinal Angelo Becciu. On Dec. 16, 2023, the cardinal was convicted of embezzlement and barred from holding public office. He was also fined 8,000 euros ($9,400).5. Second World Children’s Day — Sept. 25–27Pope Leo XIV has announced the celebration of the second World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome Sept. 25–27. Organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, this event aims to bring together thousands of children and families from around the world for a time of encounter, prayer, and celebration for peace and the future of children.Pope Leo XIV blesses a newborn baby. Credit: Vatican MediaPossible international trips for Pope Leo XIV in 2026Although the official travel schedule is not yet finalized, the pontiff has expressed a desire to visit several countries during 2026:— Algeria, an African country with deep ties to St. Augustine, is still in the planning stages as part of a possible continental itinerary.— Argentina and Uruguay have been mentioned as possible destinations, along with an extended visit to Peru and Mexico, with a particular interest in visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world.— There is also a strong possibility of an upcoming papal trip to Spain.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Key, dates, the, agenda, the, pope, and, Vatican, for, 2026</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Jubilee 2025: A look back at the year</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/jubilee-2025-a-look-back-at-the-year</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/jubilee-2025-a-look-back-at-the-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 2025 was marked by the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and the beginning of a pontificate shaped by journeys, meetings, and calls for peace. All of this unfolds in the midst of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which is set to conclude on January 6. Let us take a look back at this Holy Year.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Jubilee, 2025:, look, back, the, year</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Jubilee Year ‘a powerful sign of a new world’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-jubilee-year-a-powerful-sign-of-a-new-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-jubilee-year-a-powerful-sign-of-a-new-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a homily delivered at the final liturgy of the year, Pope Leo reflects on “the mystery of Christ, which points to a plan for human history” - a plan that stands in stark contrast to “armed strategies, concealed beneath hypocritical rhetoric.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Jubilee, Year, ‘a, powerful, sign, new, world’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: The new year is ‘a journey to be discovered’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-the-new-year-is-a-journey-to-be-discovered</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-the-new-year-is-a-journey-to-be-discovered</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first public Mass of 2026 on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, telling believers that Mary has revealed the ‘unarmed and disarming’ face of God.
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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2026/01/01/2026-01-01-santa-messa-nella-solennita-di-maria-ss-ma--madre-di-/1767261418885.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, The, new, year, ‘a, journey, discovered’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Pray for peace in our world and our families</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-pray-for-peace-in-our-world-and-our-families</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-pray-for-peace-in-our-world-and-our-families</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his first Angelus address for 2026, Pope Leo reminds us that the Jubilee has taught us how to cultivate hope for a new world, and says that God is inviting us “to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among peoples.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Pray, for, peace, our, world, and, our, families</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope: Start today to build a year of peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-start-today-to-build-a-year-of-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-start-today-to-build-a-year-of-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At his first Angelus greeting of 2026, Pope Leo urges everyone to “build a year of peace, by disarming our hearts and refraining from every form of violence.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Start, today, build, year, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV on New Year’s Eve: The future is in God’s hands</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-on-new-years-eve-the-future-is-in-gods-hands</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-on-new-years-eve-the-future-is-in-gods-hands</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV presides over first vespers (evening prayer) in St. Peter&#039;s Basilica in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Dec. 31, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media.

Dec 31, 2025 / 15:00 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV at a New Year’s Eve prayer service reflected on God’s divine plan of salvation for the world — and the hope of ordinary people.“The world moves forward in this way, propelled by the hope of so many simple people — unknown to the world but not to God — who, despite everything, believe in a better tomorrow, because they know that the future is in the hands of the One who offers them the greatest hope,” the pope said in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 31.Leo presided over first vespers (evening prayer) in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The liturgy included hymns, Psalms, readings from Scripture, and the singing of the “Te Deum,” a Latin hymn of thanksgiving from the early Church.In his homily, the pontiff spoke about God’s plan versus the plans the world makes.“In our own time we feel the need for a wise, benevolent, merciful plan — one that is free and liberating, peaceful and faithful, like the plan that the Virgin Mary proclaimed in her canticle of praise: ‘From generation to generation his mercy is upon those who fear him’ (Lk 1:50),” he said.But, Leo noted, the world is enveloped in other plans: “Strategies aimed at conquering markets, territories, spheres of influence — armed strategies, cloaked in hypocritical rhetoric, ideological proclamations, and false religious motives.”However, the holy Mother of God sees things with God’s eyes, the pope continued. She knows that “with the power of his arm the Most High scatters the schemes of the proud, casts the mighty from their thrones and lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty.”Pope Leo XIV presides over first vespers (evening prayer) in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 31, 2025, in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. | Credit: Vatican MediaThe Holy Father referenced the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4, that “when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.”The apostle presents the mystery of Christ as “a great plan for human history,” Leo said. “A mysterious plan, yet one with a clear center, like a lofty mountain illuminated by the sun in the midst of a dense forest: This center is the ‘fullness of time.’”On the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, he emphasized Mary’s motherhood and her role in the revelation of the great mystery and paradox of “a God who is born of a virgin.”Pope Leo XIV presides over first vespers (evening prayer) in St. Peter’s Basilica in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Dec. 31, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media“The mother of Jesus is the woman with whom God, in the fullness of time, wrote the Word that reveals the mystery,” he said. “He did not impose it; he first proposed it to her heart, and once her ‘yes’ was received, he wrote it with ineffable love in her flesh,” he said.“Thus God’s hope became intertwined with Mary’s hope,” he added.Pope Leo pointed out that the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, concludes the Octave of Christmas and “spans the passage from one year to the next and extends over it the blessing of the One ‘who is, who was, and who is to come’ (Rv 1:8).”“The liturgy of the first vespers of the Mother of God possesses a singular richness, deriving both from the dizzying mystery it celebrates and from its placement at the very end of the solar year,” he said.Recalling that the Church is at the end of the Jubilee Year 2025, he added that the “Te Deum” prayer, to be sung at the end of the liturgy, “seems to expand so as to give voice to all the hearts and faces that have passed beneath these vaults and through the streets of this city.”Pope Leo XIV visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 31, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media“We thank God for the gift of the jubilee, which has been a great sign of his plan of hope for humanity and for the world. And we thank all those who, during the months and days of 2025, have worked in service to the pilgrims and to make Rome more welcoming,” he said.“What can we wish for Rome?” he continued. “That it may be worthy of its smallest ones: of children, of elderly people who are alone and frail, of families who struggle most to make ends meet, of men and women who have come from afar hoping for a dignified life.”After the prayer service, Pope Leo visited the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, a papal custom, while the Swiss Guard Band gave its annual Christmas concert.He then personally greeted the band and some of the people gathered in the square.    
        Pope Leo celebrates First Vespers of the Feast of Saint Mary, Most Holy Mother of God and Te Deum of Thanksgiving on New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing in his homily the paradox of “a God born of a virgin, blessing the passing of one year to the next with Him,… pic.twitter.com/nKFQuNCDgh— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 31, 2025 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, New, Year’s, Eve:, The, future, God’s, hands</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>A wicked king, a puppet king, and the king of kings</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-wicked-king-a-puppet-king-and-the-king-of-kings</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-wicked-king-a-puppet-king-and-the-king-of-kings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Epiphany of the Lord, Year A ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>wicked, king, puppet, king, and, the, king, kings</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>How to obtain a plenary indulgence for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-to-obtain-a-plenary-indulgence-for-the-end-of-2025-and-the-beginning-of-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/how-to-obtain-a-plenary-indulgence-for-the-end-of-2025-and-the-beginning-of-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Credit: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

Dec 31, 2025 / 16:00 pm (CNA).
On New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and the first day of 2026, the Catholic Church offers the opportunity to obtain plenary indulgences as a sign of God’s mercy and the desire for the sanctification of all her members.A plenary indulgence is remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.Indulgences on Dec. 31On the eve of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Church grants a plenary indulgence to those Christian faithful who publicly recite the “Te Deum,” thanking God for the year that is ending. This blessing is extended especially on Dec. 31.To recite the “Te Deum,” click     here.Indulgences on Jan. 1Likewise, on Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a plenary indulgence is granted to those who publicly recite the hymn “Veni Creator,” imploring blessings for the new year that is beginning.To recite the “Veni Creator,” click     here.Additionally, those who devoutly receive the papal blessing “urbi et orbi” (“for the city and for the world”), either through radio, television, or the internet, as well as those who devoutly receive the blessing of the bishop of their diocese, will also be able to obtain these special blessings from the Church.Conditions to obtain a plenary indulgenceIn addition to performing the specific work mentioned above, the following conditions must be met:First, it is necessary to be detached from all sin, even venial sin.Second, one must make a sacramental confession, receive Communion, and pray for the pope’s intentions. These conditions can be met a few days before or after carrying out the action prescribed to obtain the indulgence, but it is suggested that Communion and prayer be performed on the same day that the action is carried out.It is important to note that several indulgences can be obtained through a single confession, although frequent participation in the sacrament of reconciliation is recommended in order to deepen one’s conversion and purity of heart.As for receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, it should be noted that with just one Communion and one prayer, made on the same day, a plenary indulgence is obtained.Finally, the condition of praying for the intentions of the supreme pontiff is fulfilled by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary. However, each Christian is given the right to use any other formula according to his personal piety and devotion.What is a plenary indulgence?A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.It is not a forgiveness of sin but the remission of punishment for sins already forgiven. It may apply either to oneself or to souls already in purgatory.In order to obtain a plenary indulgence the faithful must — in addition to being in the state of grace — both have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin (even venial sin), have sacramentally confessed their sins and received the Eucharist (either within or outside of Mass), and must pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.The conditions for a plenary indulgence can be fulfilled a few days before or after performing the actions specified to gain the indulgence, but it is appropriate that Communion and the prayer take place on the same day that the work is completed.This story     was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, obtain, plenary, indulgence, for, the, end, 2025, and, the, beginning, 2026</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Keeping the heat on &#45; Finances in the Diocese of Fairbanks</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/keeping-the-heat-on-finances-in-the-diocese-of-fairbanks</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/keeping-the-heat-on-finances-in-the-diocese-of-fairbanks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Roughly 85% of all of our funding comes from outside the diocese.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Keeping, the, heat, Finances, the, Diocese, Fairbanks</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust new year to God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-ends-2025-urging-catholics-to-examine-conscience-and-entrust-new-year-to-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-ends-2025-urging-catholics-to-examine-conscience-and-entrust-new-year-to-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 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 year with gratitude and repentance, and to place what lies ahead in God’s hands.In St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 31, the pope said 2025 brought both joy and sorrow, citing the jubilee pilgrimage of the faithful as well as “the passing of the late Pope Francis” and “the scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet.”“At its end,” Leo said, “the Church invites us to place everything before the Lord, entrusting ourselves to his providence, and asking him to renew, in us and around us, in the coming days, the wonders of his grace and mercy.”Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile to pilgrims gathered for his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican MediaHe tied that end-of-year spiritual “dynamic” to the Church’s Te Deum observance, saying the hymn of praise and thanksgiving helps believers recognize God’s gifts and renew hope. Leo noted that the prayer includes lines such as: “You are God: We praise you,” “In you, Lord, is our hope,” and “Have mercy on us.”According to the Vatican’s published schedule, Leo was set to celebrate first vespers for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Te Deum.In his     catechesis, the pope encouraged an honest examination of conscience, calling the faithful to reflect on God’s action over the past year, to evaluate their response to his gifts, and to ask forgiveness for times they failed to follow his inspirations or invest well the talents entrusted to them.Leo also returned to a core jubilee image, describing life as a pilgrimage. “This reminds us that our whole life is a journey,” he said, one that reaches its true fulfillment in “the encounter with God and in full and eternal communion with him.”Pope Leo XIV greets a young pilgrim during his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican MediaThe pope pointed to another emblematic jubilee practice, the passage through the Holy Door, describing it as a concrete sign of conversion and of the believer’s yes to God, who “invites us to cross the threshold of a new life, animated by grace, modeled on the Gospel.”Looking to Christmas, Leo recalled St. Leo the Great’s preaching on the universal joy of Christ’s birth: “Let the saint rejoice … let the sinner rejoice … let the pagan take courage.” The pope said that invitation extends to all, including those who feel weak or fragile, because Christ has taken human frailty upon himself and redeemed it.To close, Leo cited St. Paul VI’s reflection at the end of the 1975 Jubilee, saying its core message can be summed up in a single word: “love.” He then repeated Paul VI’s emphatic profession of faith, including: “God is love! … God is mercy! God is forgiveness! … God, yes, God is life!”This story was     first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, ends, 2025, urging, Catholics, examine, conscience, and, entrust, new, year, God</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vincentians sisters’ mission of compassion for children in Russia</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vincentians-sisters-mission-of-compassion-for-children-in-russia</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vincentians-sisters-mission-of-compassion-for-children-in-russia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Congregation of Missions and the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul carries out a mission in Russia to offer a silent witness, sharing a small seed of hope and a place where people may find shelter.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vincentians, sisters’, mission, compassion, for, children, Russia</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Sudanese General rejects possibility of mediated solution to war</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/sudanese-general-rejects-possibility-of-mediated-solution-to-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/sudanese-general-rejects-possibility-of-mediated-solution-to-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces has rejected the possibility of reaching a political solution to end the brutal civil his army is waging against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sudanese, General, rejects, possibility, mediated, solution, war</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope&amp;apos;s images and words light up the Eternal City for Christmas</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-images-and-words-light-up-the-eternal-city-for-christmas</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-images-and-words-light-up-the-eternal-city-for-christmas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Large screens around the Vatican display photos and messages of Pope Leo XIV as part of a Christmas initiative promoted by the Dicastery for Communication in collaboration with Selfiestreet, running through December 31.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Popes, images, and, words, light, the, Eternal, City, for, Christmas</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>DR Congo archbishop welcomes Pope’s call for a disarmed peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/dr-congo-archbishop-welcomes-popes-call-for-a-disarmed-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/dr-congo-archbishop-welcomes-popes-call-for-a-disarmed-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Archbishop of Lubumbashi and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), Fulgence Muteba, reflects on how Pope Leo’s strong appeal for a “disarmed and disarming” peace has been received in the country, the experience of the Jubilee of Hope in his diocese, and his wishes for the coming year.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Congo, archbishop, welcomes, Pope’s, call, for, disarmed, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Over a million still need help a month after Sri Lanka cyclone</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/over-a-million-still-need-help-a-month-after-sri-lanka-cyclone</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/over-a-million-still-need-help-a-month-after-sri-lanka-cyclone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The island’s eastern coast was badly hit in late November, causing hundreds of casualties and displacing thousands of people.
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, million, still, need, help, month, after, Sri, Lanka, cyclone</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV sends 3 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Ukraine</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-sends-3-truckloads-of-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-sends-3-truckloads-of-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 28, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 28, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has sent three trucks carrying humanitarian aid to parts of Ukraine hit hardest by bombardments, where residents are facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and heat.Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the pope’s almoner, disclosed the delivery to Vatican media on Dec. 27, saying the convoy carried special food that can be dissolved in a small amount of water to produce energy-rich soups with chicken and vegetables.Krajewski described the shipment as a small gesture of closeness from the pope to Ukrainian families on the feast of the Holy Family, celebrated Dec. 28.The trucks, he said, arrived in the Vatican shortly before Christmas loaded with supplies donated by South Korean food company Samyang Foods. As had happened on previous occasions, including during the pontificate of Pope Francis, the aid was then redirected to war zones most severely affected by strikes, where basic utilities are often unavailable.Krajewski said the delivery underscores that the pope not only prays for peace but also wants to be concretely present with families who are suffering.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, sends, truckloads, humanitarian, aid, Ukraine</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>The road runs out, but the Church continues</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-road-runs-out-but-the-church-continues</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-road-runs-out-but-the-church-continues</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Catholic life in Alaska’s rugged north ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, road, runs, out, but, the, Church, continues</media:keywords>
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<title>Submissive wives, and the Holy Family flees to Egypt</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/submissive-wives-and-the-holy-family-flees-to-egypt</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/submissive-wives-and-the-holy-family-flees-to-egypt</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Year A ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Submissive, wives, and, the, Holy, Family, flees, Egypt</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV: Christians have no enemies, only brothers and sisters</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-christians-have-no-enemies-only-brothers-and-sisters</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-christians-have-no-enemies-only-brothers-and-sisters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 26, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 26, 2025 / 02:17 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Friday urged Christians to resist the temptation to treat others as enemies, saying the mystery of Christmas calls believers to recognize the God-given dignity of every person, even in their adversaries.“Christians, however, have no enemies, but brothers and sisters, who remain so even when they do not understand each other,” the pope said Dec. 26 during his     Angelus address from the Apostolic Palace on the feast of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr.Leo acknowledged that “those who believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, excluded from public discourse,” and sometimes even “accused of favoring adversaries and enemies.” Yet, he said Christian joy is sustained by “the tenacity of those who already live in fraternity.”Reflecting on St. Stephen’s martyrdom, the pope noted that early Christians spoke of the saint’s “birthday,” convinced “that we are not born just once” and that “martyrdom is a birth into heaven.”Citing the Acts of the Apostles, Leo recalled that those who witnessed Stephen’s trial and death “saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15), calling it “the face of one who does not leave history indifferently but responds to it with love.”The pope linked Stephen’s witness to the meaning of Christmas, saying “the birth of the Son of God among us calls us to live as children of God,” drawing believers through the humility of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds of Bethlehem.At the same time, he said, the beauty of Christ and of those who imitate him can be rejected because it exposes injustice and threatens those “who struggle for power.”“To this day, however, no power can prevail over the work of God,” Leo said, pointing to people around the world who choose justice “even at great cost,” who “put peace before their fears,” and who serve the poor.“In the current conditions of uncertainty and suffering in the world, joy might seem impossible,” he added, but insisted hope still “sprouts” and “it makes sense to celebrate despite everything.”The pope said Stephen’s final act of forgiveness mirrors Jesus’ own, flowing from “a force more real than that of weapons,” a “gratuitous force” rekindled when people learn to look at their neighbor with “attention and recognition.”“Yes, this is what it means to be reborn, to come once more into the light, this is our ‘Christmas!’” he said.After the Angelus, Leo renewed his Christmas wishes “for peace and serenity,” greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, and asked St. Stephen’s intercession for persecuted Christians and communities suffering for their faith. He also encouraged those working amid conflict to pursue “dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV:, Christians, have, enemies, only, brothers, and, sisters</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV urges families to keep the flame of love alive</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-families-to-keep-the-flame-of-love-alive</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-families-to-keep-the-flame-of-love-alive</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 28, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 28, 2025 / 09:49 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Christian families to “cherish the values of the Gospel” and protect the “flame of love” in their homes against modern myths of success, power, and comfort that he said often leave people isolated and divided.Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square before the Angelus on Dec. 28, the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the pope reflected on the Gospel account of the family’s flight into Egypt and contrasted the trust of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with what he called the fear-driven cruelty of King Herod.“It is a moment of trial for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Leo said, adding that “the bright image of Christmas is suddenly almost eclipsed by the disturbing shadow of a deadly threat.”The pope described Herod as “a cruel and bloodthirsty man” who is “deeply lonely and gripped with the fear of being deposed.” After hearing from the Magi that the “king of the Jews” had been born, Herod “decrees that all children of the same age as Jesus should be killed,” the pope said.“In Bethlehem there is light and joy,” Leo noted, recalling the shepherds who “have glorified God before the manger,” but he said “none of this can penetrate the armored defenses of the royal palace, except as a distorted echo of a threat to be stifled with blind violence.”Against that backdrop, the pope said the Holy Family reveals “the only possible answer of salvation,” namely, “God who, in total gratuitousness, gives himself to men without reserve and without pretension.”Leo pointed to St. Joseph’s obedience in protecting Mary and Jesus, saying that “the gesture of Joseph is revealed in all its redemptive significance.” He added: “In Egypt, the flame of domestic love, to which the Lord has entrusted his presence in the world, grows and gains strength in order to bring light to the whole world.”Turning to families today, the pope warned that “the world always has its ‘Herods,’ its myths of success at any cost, of unscrupulous power, of empty and superficial well-being” and said societies often “pay the price in the form of loneliness, despair, divisions, and conflicts.”“Let us not allow these mirages to suffocate the flame of love in Christian families,” he said.Instead, Leo urged families to cultivate “prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, especially confession and Communion, healthy affections, sincere dialogue, fidelity, and the simple and beautiful concreteness of everyday words and gestures.” He said such family life can make homes “a light of hope for the places in which we live; a school of love and an instrument of salvation in God’s hands.”After the Angelus, the pope greeted pilgrims from several Italian parishes and groups. He also renewed his appeal for peace, asking Catholics to remember those suffering because of conflict.“In the light of the Nativity of the Lord, let us continue to pray for peace,” he said. “Today, in particular, let us pray for families suffering because of war, especially for children, elderly, and the most vulnerable.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, families, keep, the, flame, love, alive</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>A territory shattered: Gaza faces years of recovery</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-territory-shattered-gaza-faces-years-of-recovery</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-territory-shattered-gaza-faces-years-of-recovery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>territory, shattered:, Gaza, faces, years, recovery</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>‘God’s heart remains open&amp;apos;, says Cardinal at closing of Holy Door</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/gods-heart-remains-open-says-cardinal-at-closing-of-holy-door</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/gods-heart-remains-open-says-cardinal-at-closing-of-holy-door</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The closing of the Holy Door at Saint Mary Major took place on Christmas Day, with the Cardinal Archpriest of the papal basilica inviting the faithful to remain open to hearing the Word, welcoming the other, and forgiveness. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘God’s, heart, remains, open, says, Cardinal, closing, Holy, Door</media:keywords>
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<title>Uganda’s Catholic Bishops call for peaceful elections amid rising campaign violence</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ugandas-catholic-bishops-call-for-peaceful-elections-amid-rising-campaign-violence</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ugandas-catholic-bishops-call-for-peaceful-elections-amid-rising-campaign-violence</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In their annual Christmas message, Uganda’s Catholic Bishops have urged the Electoral Commission to take firm control of the electoral process and called on security forces to refrain from violence, as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026.


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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Uganda’s, Catholic, Bishops, call, for, peaceful, elections, amid, rising, campaign, violence</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope at Angelus: Saint Stephen teaches us that martyrdom is a birth into the light</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-saint-stephen-teaches-us-that-martyrdom-is-a-birth-into-the-light</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-saint-stephen-teaches-us-that-martyrdom-is-a-birth-into-the-light</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the feast of the Church’s first martyr, Saint Stephen, Pope Leo XIV reflects on martyrdom as a “birth into heaven” and on Christmas joy as the choice to live fraternity, forgiveness and peace in a world marked by fear and conflict.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Angelus:, Saint, Stephen, teaches, that, martyrdom, birth, into, the, light</media:keywords>
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<title>Ukraine’s Zelenskyy plans U.S. trip for talks with President Trump</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ukraines-zelenskyy-plans-us-trip-for-talks-with-president-trump</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ukraines-zelenskyy-plans-us-trip-for-talks-with-president-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he plans to travel to the United States in the coming days for a key meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, as Washington pushes for possible peace talks to end the war.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ukraine’s, Zelenskyy, plans, U.S., trip, for, talks, with, President, Trump</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV on Christmas night: Make room for others</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-on-christmas-night-make-room-for-others</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-on-christmas-night-make-room-for-others</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Mass during the Night in a packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 17:30 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV, at Christmas Mass during the Night, said Christ’s birth brings light into the world’s darkness — and where the human person is welcomed, God is welcomed too.“To enlighten our blindness, the Lord chose to reveal himself as a man to man, his true image, according to a plan of love that began with the creation of the world,” the pope said in his homily in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24.“As long as the night of error obscures this providential truth, then ‘there is no room for others either, for children, for the poor, for the stranger,’” he added, quoting Pope Benedict XVI’s homily at Christmas Mass on Dec. 24, 2012.“These words of Pope Benedict XVI remain a timely reminder that on earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person,” the pontiff said.Leo celebrated the Christmas Mass, also known as midnight Mass, for a packed Vatican basilica at 10 p.m. The Vatican said an estimated 6,000 people were inside the basilica for the Mass, while another 5,000 people followed the papal Mass via jumbo screens in St. Peter’s Square.In a surprise before the Mass, the pope stepped outside St. Peter’s Basilica to greet those who were forced to stay in the rainy square because there was no more room inside.“The basilica of St. Peter’s is very large, but unfortunately it is not large enough to receive all of you,” Leo said, thanking everyone for their presence, wishing them a merry Christmas, and bestowing his apostolic blessing.Just now: Pope Leo surprised and blessed the crowd that could not get into St. Peter’s Basilica for tonight’s Christmas Eve Mass. “The basilica of St. Peter is very large, but unfortunately, it is not large enough to receive all of you. Tante grazie per venire qui questa sera.” pic.twitter.com/vMK1Zmibl8— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 24, 2025 The preparatory readings and the sung Proclamation of the Birth of Christ — also called the Kalenda Proclamation — preceded the Mass. The pontiff removed a cloth to reveal a wooden sculpture of the Christ Child, placed in front of the main altar of the basilica, after the chanting of the Kalenda Proclamation. A group of 10 children dressed in traditional clothing from different parts of the world brought flowers to the figure of baby Jesus.In his homily, the pope recalled that, “for millennia, across the earth, peoples have gazed up at the sky” attempting to read the future in the stars. Yet, they remained lost and in the dark, he said. “On this night, however, ‘the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light’ (Is 9:2).”“Born in the night is the One who redeems us from the night,” Leo said. “The hint of the dawning day is no longer to be sought in the distant reaches of the cosmos, but by bending low, in the stable nearby.Pope Leo invited Christians to marvel at the wisdom of Christmas, through which “God gives the world a new life: his own, offered for all.”“He does not give us a clever solution to every problem but a love story that draws us in. In response to the expectations of peoples, he sends a child to be a word of hope. In the face of the suffering of the poor, he sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again. Before violence and oppression, he kindles a gentle light that illumines with salvation all the children of this world,” he said.The pontiff quoted a sermon of St. Augustine, who said “human pride weighed you down so heavily that only divine humility could raise you up again.”“While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person,” Leo said. “While humanity seeks to become ‘god’ in order to dominate others, God chooses to become man in order to free us from every form of slavery. Will this love be enough to change our history?” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, Christmas, night:, Make, room, for, others</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas night homily</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-christmas-night-homily</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-christmas-night-homily</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV venerates a statue of the child Jesus during the celebration of Christmas Mass during the Night in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 17:31 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Christmas Mass during the Night in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday. The Mass was attended by an estimated 6,000 people inside the basilica, while around 5,000 people gathered outside in St. Peter&#039;s Square, according to the Vatican.Below is the full text of the pope’s Christmas night homily:Dear brothers and sisters,For millennia, across the earth, peoples have gazed up at the sky, giving names to the silent stars, and seeing images therein. In their imaginative yearning, they tried to read the future in the heavens, seeking on high for a truth that was absent below amidst their homes. Yet, as if grasping in the dark, they remained lost, confounded by their own oracles. On this night, however, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Is 9:2).Behold the star that astonishes the world, a spark newly lit and blazing with life: “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Into time and space — in our midst — comes the One without whom we would not exist. He who gives his life for us lives among us, illuminating the night with his light of salvation. There is no darkness that this star does not illumine, for by its light all humanity beholds the dawn of a new and eternal life.It is the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel. In the Son made man, God gives us nothing less than his very self, in order to “redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own” (Titus 2:14). Born in the night is the One who redeems us from the night. The hint of the dawning day is no longer to be sought in the distant reaches of the cosmos, but by bending low, in the stable nearby.The clear sign given to a darkened world is indeed “a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Lk 2:12). To find the Savior, one must not gaze upward, but look below: The omnipotence of God shines forth in the powerlessness of a newborn; the eloquence of the eternal Word resounds in an infant’s first cry; the holiness of the Spirit gleams in that small body, freshly washed and wrapped in swaddling clothes. The need for care and warmth becomes divine since the Son of the Father shares in history with all his brothers and sisters. The divine light radiating from this Child helps us to recognize humanity in every new life.To heal our blindness, the Lord chooses to reveal himself in each human being, who reflect his true image, according to a plan of love begun at the creation of the world. As long as the night of error obscures this providential truth, then “there is no room for others either, for children, for the poor, for the stranger” (Benedict XVI, Homily, Christmas Mass during the Night, 24 December 2012).These words of Pope Benedict XVI remain a timely reminder that on earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person. To refuse one is to refuse the other. Yet, where there is room for the human person, there is room for God; even a stable can become more sacred than a temple, and the womb of the Virgin Mary become the Ark of the New Covenant.Let us marvel, dear brothers and sisters, at the wisdom of Christmas. In the Child Jesus, God gives the world a new life: his own, offered for all. He does not give us a clever solution to every problem, but a love story that draws us in. In response to the expectations of peoples, he sends a child to be a word of hope. In the face of the suffering of the poor, he sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again. Before violence and oppression, he kindles a gentle light that illumines with salvation all the children of this world. As St. Augustine observed, “human pride weighed you down so heavily that only divine humility could raise you up again” (St. Augustine, Sermon 188, III, 3). While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person. While humanity seeks to become “god” in order to dominate others, God chooses to become man in order to free us from every form of slavery. Will this love be enough to change our history?The answer will come as soon as we wake up from a deadly night into the light of new life, and, like the shepherds, contemplate the child Jesus. Above the stable of Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph watch over the newborn Child with hearts full of wonder, the starry sky is transformed into “a multitude of the heavenly host” (Lk 2:13). These are unarmed and disarming hosts, for they sing of the glory of God, of which peace on earth is the true manifestation (cf. v. 14). Indeed, in the heart of Christ beats the bond of love that unites heaven and earth, Creator and creatures.For this reason, exactly one year ago, Pope Francis affirmed that the Nativity of Jesus rekindles in us the “gift and task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost,” because “with him, joy flourishes; with him, life changes; with him, hope does not disappoint” (Homily, Christmas Mass during the Night, 24 December 2024). With these words, the holy year began. Now, as the jubilee draws to a close, Christmas becomes for us a time of gratitude and mission; gratitude for the gift received, and mission to bear witness to it before the world. As the Psalmist sings: “Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all the peoples” (Ps 96:2–3).Brothers and sisters, contemplation of the Word made flesh awakens in the whole Church a new and true proclamation. Let us therefore announce the joy of Christmas, which is a feast of faith, charity, and hope. It is a feast of faith, because God becomes man, born of the Virgin. It is a feast of charity, because the gift of the redeeming Son is realized in fraternal self-giving. It is a feast of hope, because the child Jesus kindles it within us, making us messengers of peace. With these virtues in our hearts, unafraid of the night, we can go forth to meet the dawn of a new day. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Full, text:, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, Christmas, night, homily</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope, at Christmas Day Mass, says wars fed by falsehoods send young people to their deaths</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-christmas-day-mass-says-wars-fed-by-falsehoods-send-young-people-to-their-deaths</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-christmas-day-mass-says-wars-fed-by-falsehoods-send-young-people-to-their-deaths</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in St. Peter&#039;s Basilica at the Vatican on December 25, 2025. / Daniel Ibañez/ EWTN News

Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 06:35 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Christmas Day deplored the “falsehoods” used to justify wars that leave young people “forced to take up arms” and “sent to their deaths,” while also drawing attention to the humanitarian suffering of displaced people, including families living in tents in Gaza.In his first Christmas as pope, Leo celebrated Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, reviving a practice not seen since 1994 during the pontificate of St. John Paul II. Reflecting on the prologue of St. John’s Gospel, the pope said in his homily that the Christmas liturgy highlights a striking contrast: God’s Word, which acts with power, comes into the world in utter weakness.“The ‘Word’ is a word that acts,” Leo said. Yet, he added, “the Word of God appears but cannot speak. He comes to us as a newborn baby who can only cry and babble.”Leo said the mystery Christians celebrate at Christmas cannot be separated from the vulnerability of those whose dignity is assaulted by war, displacement, and poverty. He urged Catholics to let Christ’s birth pierce complacency and move them toward tenderness and solidarity.“‘Flesh’ is the radical nakedness that, in Bethlehem as on Calvary, remains even without words – just as so many brothers and sisters, stripped of their dignity and reduced to silence, have no words today,” he said.In one of the homily’s most striking passages, Leo connected the Gospel image of the Word “pitching” his tent among humanity with the reality faced by families living in makeshift shelters amid conflict.“Dear brothers and sisters, since the Word was made flesh, humanity now speaks, crying out with God’s own desire to encounter us. The Word has pitched his fragile tent among us,” he said, before asking: “How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold; and of those of so many other refugees and displaced persons on every continent; or of the makeshift shelters of thousands of homeless people in our own cities?”The pope also described the toll of war in terms of both shattered communities and wounded consciences.“Fragile is the flesh of defenseless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” he said. “Fragile are the minds and lives of young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.”Leo framed Christmas as a proclamation that peace is not merely a hope for the future but a gift already present in Christ, even when few recognize it. Quoting Jesus’ words to the disciples, he said: “‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you’ (Jn 14:27).”That peace, he said, begins not in rhetoric but in concrete compassion that listens, stays close, and responds to suffering.“When the fragility of others penetrates our hearts, when their pain shatters our rigid certainties, then peace has already begun,” he said. “The peace of God is born from a newborn’s cry that is welcomed, from weeping that is heard. It is born amidst ruins that call out for new forms of solidarity.”The pope warned that believers can bury what the Gospel calls “the power to become children of God” by keeping their distance from the vulnerable.“Becoming children of God is a true power – one that remains buried so long as we keep our distance from the cry of children and the frailty of the elderly, from the helpless silence of victims and the resigned melancholy of those who do the evil they do not want,” he said.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Christmas, Day, Mass, says, wars, fed, falsehoods, send, young, people, their, deaths</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>PHOTOS: Pope Leo meets the tiniest members of the flock — babies</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-meets-the-tiniest-members-of-the-flock-babies</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-pope-leo-meets-the-tiniest-members-of-the-flock-babies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby on All Saints Day’ 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has welcomed and greeted a plethora of babies at the Vatican since his election on May 8. As Christians everywhere celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came into this world as a baby, it’s a perfect time to highlight many of these sweet “pontiff meets babies” moments.Pope Leo XIV holds a baby during an audience at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his general audience  in St. Peter’s Square on June 18, 2025, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets a young attendee at a Pentecost prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, June 7, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his Wednesday general audience on Aug. 6, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Basilica on Aug. 13, 2025, at the Vatican. Due to the heat, the pope gave his address in Paul VI Audience Hall but also greeted pilgrims in other locations. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo meets a family at the general audience on Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo embraces a crying baby in St. Peter&#039;s Square on Sept. 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo ambraces a baby at his general audience on Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during the general audience on Sept. 3, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his general audience on Sept. 24, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his general audience on Sept. 24, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets a baby during his general audience on Sept. 24, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his jubilee audience on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets a family in Rome. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets a baby at his general audience in St. Peter&#039;s Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAPope Leo XIV pauses to embrace a baby in the crowd during Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 12, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo greets young children and families in St. Peter&#039;s Basilica Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets a baby during his general audience in St. Peter&#039;s Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo blesses a baby on All Saints&#039; Day 2025. Credit: Vatican Media ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, Pope, Leo, meets, the, tiniest, members, the, flock, —, babies</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza, Yemen, migrants in first Christmas Urbi et Orbi message</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-gaza-yemen-migrants-in-first-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-message</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-gaza-yemen-migrants-in-first-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-message</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV delivers his Christmas &quot;Urbi et Orbi&quot; message at the Vatican on December 25, 2025. / Daniel Ibañez/ EWTN News

Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
In his first Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” message as pope, Leo XIV urged the world to embrace “responsibility” as the sure way to peace, while pointing in particular to the suffering of people in Gaza, Yemen, and those fleeing war and poverty as refugees and migrants.Before an estimated 26,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 25, the pope appeared at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Christmas blessing “to the city and to the world,” eight months after his May 8 election.In one of the most evocative passages of the message, the pope cited at length from “Wildpeace,” a poem by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai, contrasting “the peace of a cease-fire” with a deeper peace that arrives unexpectedly — “like wildflowers” — after exhaustion and conflict.“Responsibility is the sure way to peace,” Leo said. “If all of us, at every level, would stop accusing others and instead acknowledge our own faults, asking God for forgiveness, and if we would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change.”The pope framed his appeal around the Christian proclamation that Christ “is our peace,” adding: “Without a heart freed from sin, a heart that has been forgiven, we cannot be men and women of peace or builders of peace.”Turning to concrete “faces” of contemporary pain, Leo said that in becoming man, Jesus “took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent.”He also named those who have lost jobs, underpaid workers who are exploited, and prisoners “who often live in inhumane conditions.”Leo offered “a warm and fatherly greeting” to Christians, “especially those living in the Middle East,” recalling his recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. “I listened to them as they expressed their fears and know well their sense of powerlessness before the power dynamics that overwhelm them,” he said.“From God let us ask for justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria,” the pope continued, as he invoked Scripture on righteousness and peace.He also prayed “in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine,” asking that “the clamor of weapons cease,” and that the parties involved — “with the support and commitment of the international community” — find “the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”In a wider survey of global crises, the pope said: “From the Child of Bethlehem, we implore peace and consolation for the victims of all current wars in the world, especially those that are forgotten, and for those who suffer due to injustice, political instability, religious persecution and terrorism,” naming Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He prayed as well for Haiti, asking that “all forms of violence in the country will cease,” and called for a future of reconciliation for Myanmar.Leo also included a specific appeal for Latin America, asking that “the Child Jesus inspire those in Latin America who hold political responsibilities,” so that amid the region’s challenges “space may be given to dialogue for the common good, rather than to ideological and partisan prejudices.”He concluded by urging the faithful to open their hearts to those in need: “On this holy day, let us open our hearts to our brothers and sisters who are in need or in pain,” before offering “heartfelt good wishes for a peaceful and holy Christmas!”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, highlights, Gaza, Yemen, migrants, first, Christmas, Urbi, Orbi, message</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin: May we not forget the victims of the conflict in Cabo Delgado</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-may-we-not-forget-the-victims-of-the-conflict-in-cabo-delgado</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-may-we-not-forget-the-victims-of-the-conflict-in-cabo-delgado</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Cardinal Secretary of State has returned from a visit to Mozambique where he met with displaced people fleeing armed Islamist militias.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin:, May, not, forget, the, victims, the, conflict, Cabo, Delgado</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cardinal You Heung&#45;sik: Pope invites priests to fraternity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-you-heung-sik-pope-invites-priests-to-fraternity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-you-heung-sik-pope-invites-priests-to-fraternity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In an interview with Vatican Media, the prefect for the Dicastery for Clergy, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, explains that Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter on priestly ministry points out the way to “preserving, proclaiming, and fostering the beauty of a priesthood faithful to Christ, His Word, and the Church.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, You, Heung-sik:, Pope, invites, priests, fraternity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine: Christians don&amp;apos;t lose hope</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-delegate-to-jerusalem-and-palestine-christians-dont-lose-hope</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-delegate-to-jerusalem-and-palestine-christians-dont-lose-hope</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, comments on the recent arson attack on the Christmas tree of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Jenin, West Bank. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Apostolic, Delegate, Jerusalem, and, Palestine:, Christians, dont, lose, hope</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Russian launches missile and drone strikes against Ukraine ahead of Christmas</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/russian-launches-missile-and-drone-strikes-against-ukraine-ahead-of-christmas</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/russian-launches-missile-and-drone-strikes-against-ukraine-ahead-of-christmas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Officials say massive Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine have killed at least three people, including a four-year-old child, while cutting power to several regions just two days before Christmas, as the country faces bitter winter cold.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russian, launches, missile, and, drone, strikes, against, Ukraine, ahead, Christmas</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo asks for 24 hours of peace worldwide at Christmas</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-asks-for-24-hours-of-peace-worldwide-at-christmas</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-asks-for-24-hours-of-peace-worldwide-at-christmas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo addresses journalists outside Castel Gandolfo and answers questions on Ukraine and on assisted suicide laws in the United States.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, asks, for, hours, peace, worldwide, Christmas</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>England and Wales see uptick in priestly ordinations</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/england-and-wales-see-uptick-in-priestly-ordinations</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/england-and-wales-see-uptick-in-priestly-ordinations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ But the rise in 2024 is expected to be followed by a dip over the next three years. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>England, and, Wales, see, uptick, priestly, ordinations</media:keywords>
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<title>Bishop’s bankruptcy opens new chapter in episcopal liability</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishops-bankruptcy-opens-new-chapter-in-episcopal-liability</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishops-bankruptcy-opens-new-chapter-in-episcopal-liability</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bishop Scharfenberger filed for bankruptcy after a court found him personally liable for the failure of a shuttered Catholic hospital’s pension plan. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bishop’s, bankruptcy, opens, new, chapter, episcopal, liability</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV highlights key virtues for final days of Advent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-key-virtues-for-final-days-of-advent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-key-virtues-for-final-days-of-advent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 21, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 21, 2025 / 09:15 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday highlighted four virtues of St. Joseph — “piety and charity, mercy and trust” — as guides for Catholics in the final days of Advent leading up to Christmas.Speaking during his Angelus address from the window of the Apostolic Palace on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the pope said the day’s liturgy invited the faithful to reflect on St. Joseph, especially “at the moment when God reveals his mission to him in a dream.”Calling the Gospel episode “a very beautiful page in salvation history,” Leo described Joseph as a man who is “fragile and fallible — like us — and at the same time courageous and strong in faith.”Referring to the Gospel of Matthew, the pontiff recalled that Joseph of Nazareth was a “just man,” a devout Israelite who observed the law and frequented the synagogue, while also being “extremely sensitive and human.”In the face of Mary’s mysterious pregnancy — a situation that was difficult to understand and accept — the pope noted that Joseph did not choose “the way of scandal” or public condemnation. Instead, he opted for the discreet and benevolent path of planning to divorce her quietly.In doing so, Leo said, Joseph demonstrated he had grasped the deepest meaning of religious observance: mercy.The pope added that Joseph’s purity and nobility became even clearer when the Lord revealed his plan of salvation in a dream, showing Joseph the unexpected role he would assume as the husband of the Virgin Mother of the Messiah.Leo pointed to Joseph’s “great act of faith,” saying the saint left behind the last of his certainties and set out into a future fully in God’s hands.Referring to St. Augustine, the pope said that from Joseph’s piety and charity, “a son was born of the Virgin Mary — Son at the same time of God.”“Piety and charity, mercy and trust,” Leo said, are the virtues the liturgy proposes for the faithful today so that they may accompany Christians through these final Advent days toward “holy Christmas.”The pope emphasized that these attitudes “educate the heart” for encountering Christ and one another and can help believers become for each other “a welcoming manger, a comfortable home, a sign of God’s presence.”He urged Catholics not to miss opportunities during this season of grace to put the virtues into practice — forgiving, encouraging, offering hope to those they live with and meet — and renewing in prayer a childlike trust in the Lord and in his providence.Leo concluded by entrusting the faithful to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, who were the first to welcome Jesus, the Savior of the world, “with great faith and love.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, highlights, key, virtues, for, final, days, Advent</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>These are Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intentions for 2026</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/these-are-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intentions-for-2026</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/these-are-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intentions-for-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV prays during his Wednesday general audience on Aug. 13, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, Dec 22, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
The pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has released Pope Leo XIV’s list of prayer intentions for the year 2026.Every month, Pope Leo asks Catholics around the world to pray for a particular intention. This initiative is accompanied by a video in which the pontiff expresses the reasons why he has chosen that particular intention.Below is the complete list of Pope Leo’s prayer intentions for 2026.January: For prayer with the word of GodLet us pray that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.February: For children with incurable diseasesLet us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.March: For disarmament and peaceLet us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.April: For priests in crisisLet us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.May: That everyone might have foodLet us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.June: For the values of sportsLet us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.July: For respect for human lifeLet us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.August: For evangelization in the cityLet us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.September: For the care of waterLet us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.October: For mental health ministryLet us pray that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.November: For the proper use of wealthLet us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less.December: For single-parent familiesLet us pray for families experiencing the absence of a mother or father, that they may find support and accompaniment in the Church, and help and strength in the faith during difficult times. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>These, are, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, prayer, intentions, for, 2026</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV urges a ‘more missionary’ Roman Curia and warns against internal divisions</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-a-more-missionary-roman-curia-and-warns-against-internal-divisions</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-a-more-missionary-roman-curia-and-warns-against-internal-divisions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses officials of the Roman Curia at the Vatican on Dec. 22, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 22, 2025 / 06:25 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Monday called on officials of the Roman Curia to deepen both mission and communion, urging Vatican offices to be “more mission-oriented” and cautioning against the “forces of division” that can take root even “beneath an apparent calm.”Speaking during his annual Christmas greetings with personnel of the Church’s central administration, the pope also paid tribute to Pope Francis, whom he described as his “beloved predecessor” who “this year concluded his earthly life.”Leo said Francis’ “prophetic voice, pastoral style, and rich magisterium” encouraged the Church “to place God’s mercy at the center, to give renewed impetus to evangelization, and to be a joyful Church, welcoming to all and attentive to the poorest.”Drawing on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Leo focused his address on what he called “two fundamental aspects of the Church’s life: mission and communion.”“By her very nature, the Church is outward-looking, turned toward the world, missionary,” the pope said, adding that the Church exists to invite people into “the good news of God’s love.”He insisted that ecclesial structures should serve evangelization rather than slow it down. “Structures must not weigh down or slow the progress of the Gospel or hinder the dynamism of evangelization; instead, we must ‘make them more mission-oriented,’” he said.Applying that principle directly to Vatican governance, the pope said: “We need an ever more missionary Roman Curia in which institutions, offices, and tasks are conceived in light of today’s major ecclesial, pastoral, and social challenges, and not merely to ensure ordinary administration.”Leo said the mystery of Christmas highlights not only the mission of the Son of God but also the purpose of that mission: reconciliation and a new kind of fraternity. “Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to reveal the true face of God as Father, so that we might all become his children and therefore brothers and sisters to one another,” he said.Pope Leo XIV addresses officials of the Roman Curia at the Vatican on Dec. 22, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaThe pope warned that communion within the Church requires ongoing conversion, especially when tensions arise in workplaces and debates about doctrine and practice.“At times, beneath an apparent calm, forces of division may be at play,” he said. He cautioned against “swinging between two opposite extremes: uniformity that fails to value differences, or the exacerbation of differences and viewpoints instead of seeking communion.”Such patterns, he said, can lead to “rigidity or ideology” and the conflicts that follow.Yet, he continued, Christians are united in Christ even amid real diversity. “And in Christ, though many and diverse, we are one: ‘In Illo uno unum,’” he said.Leo called Curia officials in particular to be “builders of Christ’s communion,” emphasizing a synodal Church in which “all cooperate in the same mission, each according to his or her charism and role.”The pope acknowledged that long years of service can leave some Vatican employees disheartened by workplace dynamics, including “the exercise of power,” “the desire to prevail,” or “the pursuit of personal interests.”He posed the question directly: “Is it possible to be friends in the Roman Curia? To have relationships of genuine fraternal friendship?” He said it is “a grace to find trustworthy friends, where masks fall away,” where “no one is used or sidelined,” and where each person’s “worth and competence are respected.”Such relationships, he said, require personal conversion so that “Christ’s love” can be visible.The pope also linked internal communion to the Church’s public witness in a world marked by violence and polarization. He said this conversion becomes a sign “ad extra” in “a world wounded by discord, violence, and conflict,” where there is “a growth in aggression and anger,” often “exploited by both the digital sphere and politics.”“Dear brothers and sisters, mission and communion are possible if we place Christ at the center,” Leo said.He also pointed to the significance of the Church’s current jubilee year, saying it underscores that Christ “alone is the hope that does not disappoint.”The pope referenced two major anniversaries marked this year: the Council of Nicaea, which he said returns the Church “to the roots of our faith,” and the Second Vatican Council, which “strengthened the Church and sent her forth to engage the modern world.”Leo closed by recalling the 50th anniversary of St. Paul VI’s apostolic exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, highlighting its emphasis that evangelization belongs to the whole Church and that the first means of evangelization is the witness of an authentically Christian life.“Let us remember this also in our curial service: The work of each is important for the whole, and the witness of a Christian life, expressed in communion, is the first and greatest service we can offer,” he said.Quoting Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the humility of God revealed at Christmas, Leo prayed that the Lord would grant the Curia “his own humility, his compassion, and his love,” and he concluded by wishing all present “a holy Christmas” and asking God to “grant peace to the world.”At the close of the exchange of greetings, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, offered Christmas wishes on behalf of Curia offices, the Vatican City State Governorate, and the Diocese of Rome, and the pope presented curial personnel with a copy of “The Practice of the Presence of God,” the spiritual classic he has recently recommended.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, ‘more, missionary’, Roman, Curia, and, warns, against, internal, divisions</media:keywords>
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<title>Our Lady of Hope to accompany Christmas liturgies in St. Peter’s Basilica</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-lady-of-hope-to-accompany-christmas-liturgies-in-st-peters-basilica</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/our-lady-of-hope-to-accompany-christmas-liturgies-in-st-peters-basilica</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Jubilee of Hope concludes with the Christmas Season, an image of Our Lady of Hope from southern Italy will accompany the faithful attending liturgies celebrated by Pope Leo XIV.
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Our, Lady, Hope, accompany, Christmas, liturgies, St., Peter’s, Basilica</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV convenes his first Consistory of Cardinals</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-convenes-his-first-consistory-of-cardinals</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-convenes-his-first-consistory-of-cardinals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV convenes his first Consistory of Cardinals, which will take place on January 7-8 and will be marked by prayer, support, and counsel for the Pope.
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, convenes, his, first, Consistory, Cardinals</media:keywords>
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<title>Cardinal Pizzaballa arrives in Gaza ahead of Christmas</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-arrives-in-gaza-ahead-of-christmas</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-arrives-in-gaza-ahead-of-christmas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is on a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Holy Family and will preside over the Christmas Mass on Sunday.
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Pizzaballa, arrives, Gaza, ahead, Christmas</media:keywords>
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<title>U.S. strikes more than 70 Islamic State targets in Syria</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/us-strikes-more-than-70-islamic-state-targets-in-syria</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/us-strikes-more-than-70-islamic-state-targets-in-syria</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. forces launch missiles toward Islamic State positions in desert areas of eastern and northern Syria.


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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., strikes, more, than, Islamic, State, targets, Syria</media:keywords>
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<title>Message from the Holy Land: Peace is not an illusion but a life choice</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/message-from-the-holy-land-peace-is-not-an-illusion-but-a-life-choice</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/message-from-the-holy-land-peace-is-not-an-illusion-but-a-life-choice</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Violence begets death and destruction, revenge begets hatred and pain. News and pictures from Gaza and other war-torn lands show the physical and moral suffering of the innocent and defenceless.
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Message, from, the, Holy, Land:, Peace, not, illusion, but, life, choice</media:keywords>
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<title>Ep. 242: Sing a new Hicks into being</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-242-sing-a-new-hicks-into-being</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-242-sing-a-new-hicks-into-being</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Archdiocese of New York has a new archbishop. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ep., 242:, Sing, new, Hicks, into, being</media:keywords>
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<title>Countdown to the closing of the jubilee: When, who will close the Holy Doors in Rome?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/countdown-to-the-closing-of-the-jubilee-when-who-will-close-the-holy-doors-in-rome</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/countdown-to-the-closing-of-the-jubilee-when-who-will-close-the-holy-doors-in-rome</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV passes through the Holy Door carrying the jubilee cross as he leads the pilgrimage of the Holy See on June 9, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 18, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Just a few weeks remain until the closing of the holy year, which was inaugurated by Pope Francis on Dec. 24, 2024. On Jan. 6, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will be the one to close the enormous bronze door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, through which nearly 30 million pilgrims have passed during the last 12 months seeking a plenary indulgence. This Holy Door is slated to be reopened in 2033, when the Church celebrates the Extraordinary Holy Year of the Redemption.The schedule for closing rites of the Holy Doors of the main papal basilicas in Rome is as follows:The first Holy Door to be closed — and which will remain walled up until the next jubilee — is that of St. Mary Major Basilica. The rite will take place on Dec. 25, as reported by the Holy See Press Office. The ceremony will be begin at 6 p.m. local time, followed by Mass celebrated by the cardinal archpriest of the basilica, Rolandas Makrickas.Lithuanian Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, celebrates Mass on Aug. 5, 2025, to mark the anniversary of the dedication of the Marian basilica. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNATwo days later, on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. local time, the closing ceremony at St. John Lateran Basilica will be presided over by the cardinal vicar of Rome, Baldassare Reina, who will celebrate the Eucharist, and will feature the participation of the diocesan choir, directed by Monsignor Marco Frisina.On Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. local time, the Holy Door of St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica will be closed. The solemn event will be presided over by Cardinal Archpriest James Michael Harvey.Finally, on Jan. 6, 2026, the solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to close the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before celebrating the Mass that will mark the concluding act of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. On that occasion, the pontiff will invite pilgrims to return to Rome in 2033 for the Extraordinary Holy Year of Redemption.Detail of the bronze panels on the Holy Door of St. Peter&#039;s Basilica, highlighted during the nocturnal opening for the Jubilee of Artists, Feb. 16, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAThe Holy Doors, as is tradition, have been solely those of the four papal basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s in the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. However, on Dec. 26, two days after officially inaugurating the holy year, Pope Francis made an exception by traveling to the Rebibbia prison in Rome to repeat this gesture at another door as a symbol of hope.The late pope wanted to extend this gesture of grace to prisoners by opening the door of this correctional facility in the Italian capital.The date on which the closing ceremony for this fifth Holy Door will take place has yet to be announced.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Countdown, the, closing, the, jubilee:, When, who, will, close, the, Holy, Doors, Rome</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV warns against destructive spiral of autonomous weapons and escalation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-destructive-spiral-of-autonomous-weapons-and-escalation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-destructive-spiral-of-autonomous-weapons-and-escalation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV speaks to patients and caregivers at the De La Croix Hospital in Jal el Dib, Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 18, 2025 / 18:28 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV warned against the destructive spiral fueled by the arms race and the development of autonomous weapons, and called for an “unarmed and disarming” peace — one that springs from the resurrection of Christ — as the only answer to the world’s challenges.“The peace of the risen Jesus is unarmed, because his was an unarmed struggle in the midst of concrete historical, political, and social circumstances,” the pontiff wrote in his message for the 59th World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on Jan. 1, 2026. Its text was released Dec. 18 by the Holy See Press Office.The four-page document is titled “Peace Be with You All: Towards an Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” an expression that directly echoes the first words spoken by Leo XIV after his election as the successor of Peter on May 8, when he appeared on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to greet the faithful for the first time.In the text, the pope lamented that, in the face of global challenges, the predominant response is an “enormous economic investment in rearmament.” In this regard, he noted that in 2024, global military spending increased by 9.4% compared with the previous year, confirming “the trend of the last 10 years.” According to the data cited, total spending reached $2.718 trillion, equivalent to 2.5% of the world’s gross domestic product.Beyond the statistics, the pope warned of the cultural and educational consequences of this logic. He criticized the fact that schools and universities are not adequately preserving “a culture of memory” that remembers the “millions of victims” of wars ​​and lamented that, instead, educational programs are being promoted that are based on the “perception of threats,” promoting “only an armed notion of defense and security.”The Holy Father also emphasized how technological advancements and the incorporation of artificial intelligence in the military sphere have “worsened the tragedy” of armed conflicts. He therefore warned of the risk of a growing tendency to “shirk responsibility” by political and military leaders such that “decisions about life and death are increasingly “‘delegated’ to machines.” In his view, this is an “unprecedented destructive betrayal” of the “legal and philosophical principles of humanism” upon which any civilization is based and safeguarded.The pontiff did not shy away from denouncing “the enormous concentrations of private economic and financial interests” that are driving states in this direction, but emphasized that just criticizing this would not be enough “unless we also awakened conscience and critical thought” throughout society.In his reflection, Leo XIV included an explicit warning against the religious instrumentalization of violence. The pope observed that it is part of the contemporary landscape to “to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion.” In response, he urged believers to “actively refute this, above all by the witness of their lives,” because “these forms of blasphemy profane the holy name of God.”Therefore, he emphasized that, alongside concrete actions for peace, it is increasingly necessary to cultivate “prayer, spirituality, and ecumenical and interreligious dialogue” as authentic paths to peace and as languages ​​of encounter between traditions and cultures.The Holy Father also warned of the risk of treating peace as a “distant ideal” and “disconnected from the concrete experience of people and the political life of nations.”When peace is presented as something unattainable, the pope noted in the text, “we cease to be scandalized when it is denied, or even when war is waged in its name.”According to the pontiff, there is a real risk that this logic will end up seeping into both private and public life, fueling the perception that it is almost “a fault” not to be sufficiently prepared for war, “not to react to attacks,” even going “far beyond the principle of legitimate defense.”“It is no coincidence that repeated calls to increase military spending, and the choices that follow, are presented by many government leaders as a justified response to external threats,” Leo XIV lamented.Indeed, he continued, “the deterrent power of military might, especially nuclear deterrence, is based on the irrationality of relations between nations, built not on law, justice, and trust but on fear and domination by force.”Faced with this scenario, the pope proposed a different understanding of peace that “wants to dwell within us” and has the “gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence.”‘Peace is a breath of the eternal’“Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out ‘Enough,’ to peace we whisper ‘Forever,’” the pope emphasized.The reflection included a cultural critique of the modern world, which he called “realistic” in its narratives but “devoid of hope, blind to the beauty of others,” and that forgets that “God’s grace is always at work in human hearts, even those wounded by sin.”In this regard, the pope recalled that the path proposed by Jesus was already perplexing even for his own disciples: “The Gospels do not hide the fact that what troubled the disciples was his nonviolent response,” a path that everyone, starting with Peter, opposed, “yet the Master asked them to follow this path to the end. The way of Jesus continues to cause unease and fear.” The Holy Father acknowledged the discouragement experienced by people of goodwill who “have hearts ready for peace” and are overwhelmed by a feeling of “powerlessness” in the face of the increasingly uncertain course of events.The World Day of Peace was instituted by St. Paul VI, who proposed it on Dec. 8, 1967, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It was celebrated for the first time on Jan. 1, 1968, coinciding with the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and since then it has become an annual occasion for the Church to reflect on the great challenges of human coexistence.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, warns, against, destructive, spiral, autonomous, weapons, and, escalation</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV writes preface to book that shaped his spiritual life</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-writes-preface-to-book-that-shaped-his-spiritual-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-writes-preface-to-book-that-shaped-his-spiritual-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 14, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2025 / 11:05 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has written the preface to a new Vatican edition of the book “The Practice of the Presence of God,” a spiritual work he says is “one of the texts that has most shaped my spiritual life.”“The Practice of the Presence of God” is a 17th-century spiritual classic written by the Carmelite friar Lawrence of the Resurrection.The pontiff shared the personal importance of this work during the return flight to Rome at the end of his first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon earlier this month.“It’s a very simple book, by someone who doesn’t even give his last name — Brother Lawrence — written many years ago,” he said at the time.“But it describes, if you will, a type of prayer and spirituality where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead.”The book that has ‘shaped my spiritual life’In a preface to “The Practice of the Presence of God,” published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV) in Italian, the pope goes deeper into this personal experience and places the work within his own journey of faith.“As I have had occasion to say, together with the writings of St. Augustine and other books, this is one of the texts that has most shaped my spiritual life and has formed me in what the path for knowing and loving the Lord can be,” he writes.Leo emphasizes that the small book by Brother Lawrence places at the center not merely the experience but a true “practice” of the presence of God, lived in everyday life.It is, he explains, a path that is “simple and arduous at the same time. Simple, because it requires nothing other than “constantly calling God to mind, with small, continual acts of praise, prayer, supplication, adoration, in every action and in every thought, with him alone as our horizon, source, and end.”It is demanding because it requires “a journey of purification, of ascetic discipline, of renunciation and conversion of the most intimate part of ourselves — of our mind and our thoughts, even more than of our actions,” he explains.In this context, the pontiff cites St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians: “Have in you the same sentiments as Christ Jesus” — to underscore that “it is not only our attitudes and behaviors that must be conformed to God, but our very sentiments, our very way of feeling.”Making daily tasks ‘easy and light’In the preface, Leo underscores that this spiritual path, in which the presence of God becomes “familiar and occupies our inner space,” is where “graces and spiritual riches blossom, and even daily tasks become easy and light.”The pope situates Brother Lawrence’s message in the context of today’s world. The writings of this Carmelite, who lived with luminous faith through a century marked by conflicts and violence — “certainly no less violent than our own” — can, he affirms, “also be an inspiration and a help for the lives of us men and women of the third millennium.”Beyond ‘moralism’The writing of Brother Lawrence shows us “that there is no circumstance that can separate us from God, that each of our actions, each of our occupations, and even each of our mistakes acquires infinite value if lived in the presence of God, continually offered to him,” the Holy Father says.The pope adds that the whole of Christian ethics “can truly be summed up in this continual calling to mind of the fact that God is present: He is here.”“This remembrance, which is more than a simple memory because it involves our feelings and affections, overcomes all moralism and every reduction of the Gospel to a mere set of rules, and shows us that truly, as Jesus promised us, the experience of entrusting ourselves to God the Father already gives us a hundredfold here on earth,” he explains. “Entrusting ourselves to the presence of God means tasting a foretaste of paradise,” Leo writes.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA&#039;s Spanish-language partner agency. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, writes, preface, book, that, shaped, his, spiritual, life</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV: The person and families must be at center of labor system</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xivthe-person-and-families-must-be-at-center-of-labor-system</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xivthe-person-and-families-must-be-at-center-of-labor-system</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addresses employment consultants on Dec. 18, 2025, at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 19, 2025 / 14:30 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV advocated for a labor system that serves individuals and families so that the dignity of each employee is recognized and his or her real needs are met.During a Dec. 18 audience at the Vatican with members of the Order of Employment Consultants, the Holy Father highlighted three aspects that he considers particularly important in the business world: the dignity of the person, mediation, and the promotion of safety.At the beginning of his address in the Apostolic Palace, the pontiff emphasized that at the heart of any work dynamic “should neither be capital, nor the laws of the market, nor profit, but the person, the family, and their well-being, to which everything else is secondary.”Consequently, he stated that workers must “be recognized in their dignity” and receive concrete responses to their real needs, such as the needs of young families, of parents with small children, “as well as the importance of helping those who, even while working, must care for elderly and sick family members.”“These are needs,” he pointed out, “that no truly civilized society can afford to forget or neglect.” This is especially true today, when artificial intelligence and technology “increasingly manage and influence our activities.” Therefore, he emphasized the urgent need to ensure that companies are characterized “as humane and fraternal communities.”He also urged the establishment of fair mediation between managers and employees, avoiding “excessive bureaucratization of relationships” and “distance and detachment and distance from reality.”Thus, he invited employment consultants to pay close attention “to the people in front of you, especially those who are in difficulty and have fewer opportunities to express their needs and assert their interests.” Finally, he emphasized the importance of promoting workplace safety and lamented the numerous accidents that occur at work. “Prevention is better than remediating,” he remarked.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV: The, person, and, families, must, center, labor, system</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope on Advent: Prepare for Christ&amp;apos;s coming, don’t get lost in frenetic activity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-on-advent-prepare-for-christs-coming-dont-get-lost-in-frenetic-activity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-on-advent-prepare-for-christs-coming-dont-get-lost-in-frenetic-activity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In his greetings to the faithful from the different language groups during the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV underlines the importance of Advent as a time of preparation, prayer, and reflection so that we may welcome the birth of Christ at Christmas.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Advent:, Prepare, for, Christs, coming, don’t, get, lost, frenetic, activity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Thailand: Compassion in the villages of Chiang Mai</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/thailand-compassion-in-the-villages-of-chiang-mai</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/thailand-compassion-in-the-villages-of-chiang-mai</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Among rice paddies and temples in northern Thailand, Idente Missionaries live alongside families in villages, transforming their shared life into a place of encounter between the Gospel and local traditions.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Thailand:, Compassion, the, villages, Chiang, Mai</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo condemns antisemitism in phone call with Israeli President</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-condemns-antisemitism-in-phone-call-with-israeli-president</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-condemns-antisemitism-in-phone-call-with-israeli-president</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV receives a telephone call from Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, following the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, and reiterates the Catholic Church’s condemnation of all forms of antisemitism.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, condemns, antisemitism, phone, call, with, Israeli, President</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>China and the Church: Building a bridge</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/china-and-the-church-building-a-bridge</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/china-and-the-church-building-a-bridge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Vatican Media’s headquarters holds a launch event for a new book by Chinese author Chiaretto Yan, entitled “My Chinese Dream: Dialogues and Encounters with Christianity”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, and, the, Church:, Building, bridge</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Dire weather causes misery for Gaza homeless</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/dire-weather-causes-misery-for-gaza-homeless</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/dire-weather-causes-misery-for-gaza-homeless</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Aid workers say heavy rainfall is causing widespread suffering in Gaza. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dire, weather, causes, misery, for, Gaza, homeless</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Confirmed: Joliet&amp;apos;s Bishop Hicks to NYC</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/confirmed-joliets-bishop-hicks-to-nyc</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/confirmed-joliets-bishop-hicks-to-nyc</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sources close to the Dicastery for Bishops confirmed the appointment to The Pillar. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Confirmed:, Joliets, Bishop, Hicks, NYC</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV voices concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo, urges dialogue</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-voices-concern-over-renewed-fighting-in-eastern-congo-urges-dialogue</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-voices-concern-over-renewed-fighting-in-eastern-congo-urges-dialogue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the Angelus on Dec. 14, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 14, 2025 / 08:05 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced deep concern over renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in line with ongoing peace efforts.After leading pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in praying the Angelus on the third Sunday of Advent, the pope said he was “following with deep concern the resumption of fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.”“While expressing my closeness to the people, I urge the parties in the conflict to cease all forms of violence and to seek constructive dialogue, respecting the ongoing peace process,” he said.The pope’s appeal came amid reports of intensified clashes involving the M23 rebel group in the mineral-rich eastern region, despite a recently signed peace agreement between Congolese and Rwandan leaders.Pope Leo also recalled recent beatifications of martyrs in Spain and France, praising their fidelity to the faith amid persecution. “Let us praise the Lord for these martyrs, courageous witnesses to the Gospel, persecuted and killed for remaining close to their people and faithful to the Church,” he said.Earlier, in his catechesis before leading the Angelus, Pope Leo reflected on the Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Advent, which presents John the Baptist imprisoned for his preaching yet still seeking the truth about Jesus.From prison, John hears “about the works of Christ” and sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus is truly the one who is to come, the pope noted. Jesus’ response, he said, points not to abstract claims but to concrete signs.“Christ announces who he is by what he does. And what he does is a sign of salvation for all of us,” Pope Leo said. Encountering Jesus, he explained, restores meaning to lives marked by darkness and suffering: “The blind see, the mute speak, the deaf hear… Even the dead, who are completely lifeless, come back to life. This is the Gospel of Jesus, the good news proclaimed to the poor.”“The words of Jesus free us from the prison of despair and suffering,” the pope said, adding that Christ “gives voice to the oppressed and to those whose voices have been silenced by violence and hatred” and “defeats ideologies that make us deaf to the truth.”Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo said that Advent calls Christians to unite their expectation of the Savior with attentiveness to God’s action in the world. “Then we will be able to experience the joy of freedom in encountering our Savior,” he said, echoing the Church’s celebration of Gaudete Sunday.This story was first published in two parts by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, voices, concern, over, renewed, fighting, eastern, Congo, urges, dialogue</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV condemns attack on Sydney’s Jewish community, prays for victims</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-attack-on-sydneys-jewish-community-prays-for-victims</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-attack-on-sydneys-jewish-community-prays-for-victims</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV gives his apostolic blessing at the end of the general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 12, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Vatican City, Dec 15, 2025 / 07:48 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Monday condemned a deadly attack on the Jewish community in Sydney and entrusted the victims to God in prayer.“Today I wish to entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist attack carried out yesterday in Sydney against the Jewish community,” the pope said Dec. 15, referring to a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that left at least 15 people dead and some 40 others injured.The Holy Father expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected by the violence, which occurred as more than 1,000 people had gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Lights — one of the most important celebrations in the Jewish calendar.According to local media reports, two armed assailants opened fire on the crowd, sparking panic and a mass flight toward the beach and nearby businesses. One attacker was killed during the police response, while the second remains in critical condition. Authorities are investigating possible links between the attackers and a jihadist terrorist organization. Among the victims were a child and a Holocaust survivor.The pope made his remarks during a Vatican audience with delegations that donated this year’s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes for St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall. During the same encounter, Leo also reflected on the meaning of Christmas, urging the faithful to “let the tenderness of the Child Jesus illuminate our lives.”Catholic leaders in Australia also responded with prayer and a strong condemnation of antisemitism. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney called for prayer and invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary in the immediate aftermath of the Dec. 14 shooting.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, condemns, attack, Sydney’s, Jewish, community, prays, for, victims</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope thankful for pro&#45;life Nativity scene that ‘represents a life preserved from abortion’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-thankful-for-pro-life-nativity-scene-that-represents-a-life-preserved-from-abortion</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-thankful-for-pro-life-nativity-scene-that-represents-a-life-preserved-from-abortion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo admires the Nativity scene that was made in Costa Rica. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 15, 2025 / 17:06 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Monday thanked Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto for donating a pro-life Nativity scene to the Vatican, named “Gaudium” (“Joy”), which features a pregnant Virgin Mary.“I thank the Costa Rican artist who, along with the message of peace of Christmas, also wanted to make an appeal for protecting life from conception,” the pope said during the audience he granted Dec. 15 to the delegations that prepared this year’s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes that will adorn the Vatican during the Christmas season.The artwork from the Central American country has been on display since Dec. 15 in the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, the large hall where the pope is now holding his Wednesday general audiences so pilgrims don’t have to endure the cold temperatures of the Roman winter in St. Peter’s Square.In his address, the Holy Father alluded to its composition, mentioning the 28,000 colorful ribbons that symbolize lives saved thanks to the support provided by Catholic organizations to pregnant women in vulnerable situations.“The scene depicts a life saved from abortion thanks to prayer and the support provided by Catholic organizations to many mothers in difficult circumstances,” Pope Leo XIV noted.The decorations in St. Peter’s Square — which were unveiled Monday afternoon — have an Italian touch. The chosen tree comes from Val d’Ultimo, one of the most picturesque and lesser-known valleys of South Tyrol in Italy. Meanwhile, the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square comes from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, one of the oldest in Italy: Its origins date back to the third century, when Nuceria Alfaterna — the ancient Roman city in the Sarno Valley — already had an organized Christian community.“I thank you for this artistic work that incorporates characteristic elements of your territory,” the pope said, noting that this traditional Nativity scene includes a reproduction of the sixth-century baptistery of St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the best-preserved in the country.The pope emphasized that this work will be a reminder for pilgrims from all over the world that “God draws near to humanity, entering into our history in the vulnerability of a child.”“In the poverty of the cave in Bethlehem, we contemplate a mystery of humility and love,” the pope reflected. He also highlighted the figure of the Virgin Mary “as a model of adoring silence,” who treasures in her heart all that she has experienced, while the shepherds glorify God and share what they have seen and heard. In this regard, he emphasized the “need to seek moments of silence and prayer in our lives.”Regarding the Christmas tree, the pontiff said the large fir tree “is a sign of life and a reminder of the hope that does not fade even in the cold of winter.”The lights that adorn it, he added, symbolize “Christ, the light of the world,” who comes to “dispel the darkness and guide our path.” In addition to the large fir tree, the forests of South Tyrol have also donated other smaller trees to the Vatican, intended for offices, public spaces, and various areas of Vatican City.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, thankful, for, pro-life, Nativity, scene, that, ‘represents, life, preserved, from, abortion’</media:keywords>
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<title>‘Seeking Beauty’ travel show with David Henrie premieres at Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/seeking-beauty-travel-show-with-david-henrie-premieres-at-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/seeking-beauty-travel-show-with-david-henrie-premieres-at-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Catholic actor and director David Henrie speaks with EWTN News after the first episode of his new travel show, “Seeking Beauty,” premiered at the Vatican’s movie theater on Dec. 15, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Vatican City, Dec 16, 2025 / 10:45 am (CNA).
The first episode of a new travel show, hosted by Catholic actor and director David Henrie, premiered at the Vatican’s movie theater on Monday evening.“Seeking Beauty,” which will debut on EWTN’s free streaming platform EWTN+ on Jan. 19, 2026, is a series documenting Henrie’s exploration of the beauty of art and culture in six Italian cities.Henrie and executive producer Edmundo Reyes, with other crew members, were present for the airing of Episode 1 inside Vatican City on Dec. 15. The premiere was followed by a Q-and-A with Henrie, Reyes, and Peter Gagnon, president of EWTN Studios, moderated by Andreas Thonhauser, chief global officer of EWTN.“It’s a blessing to be able to play the show at the Vatican, which is where we [filmed] our first episode,” Henrie told EWTN News. “You can’t help but feel grateful, and feel like [it’s] a full-circle moment.”Catholic actor and director David Henrie shares just how much fun he had while filming his new travel show, &quot;Seeking Beauty,&quot; in Italy. ?The first episode premiered at the Vatican on Dec. 15, and will stream on EWTN+ (via Roku) starting Jan. 19. pic.twitter.com/4GtNvqKycn— Hannah Brockhaus (@HannahBrockhaus) December 16, 2025 In the first episode, Henrie speaks to a range of experts — including art historian Elizabeth Lev and artist Kelly Medford — to learn more about the Vatican Gardens, the Swiss Guard, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square.Reyes called it “such a special moment” to show the first episode of “Seeking Beauty” at the Vatican.“We can’t wait for people to see it,” he told EWTN News at the event. “I think it’s going to be a great, great evangelization tool.”Reyes, who had the original idea for the show, recalled visiting Spain with his family four years ago and how it was there he realized how many stories about art and faith have not been shared with a wider audience.“God put in my heart this desire … Let’s create a travel show that will be more than a travel show, that would help people encounter God through beauty,” he said.“What David has done is very special, because it’s not about going to places but retraining us or inviting us to contemplate and to look at beauty differently,” Reyes said during the Q-and-A. It’s about “God speaking to us through beauty, and not so much about, ‘Hey, here’s a cool place to visit and to put on your bucket list.’”The first episode of new travel show “Seeking Beauty” premiered at the Vatican’s movie theater on Dec. 15, 2025. It was followed by a Q-and-A with, from left, EWTN Studios President Peter Gagnon, series executive producer Edmundo Reyes, and series host David Henrie. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNAThe series is produced by EWTN Studios in partnership with Digital Continent and in association with Novo Inspire and Sacred Arthouse.“Each episode is very unique … There’s so much there that can touch people in different ways,” Gagnon said.In Season 1, Henrie will also visit Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Subiaco, a place connected to St. Benedict. Season 2 of “Seeking Beauty” recently wrapped filming in Spain.“I’m not an expert. You’re just seeing it through my eyes,” Henrie told EWTN News. “The thing that will make this accessible is that you’re not sitting down for a history lesson; it’s a travel show,” he said. “When my wife and I watch travel shows, we have a glass of wine, we hang out, we relax, we watch something. It’s easy consumption, but there’s some medicine under all the sugar.”Paola Flynn, Vatican correspondent for EWTN Noticias, contributed to this report. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Seeking, Beauty’, travel, show, with, David, Henrie, premieres, Vatican</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cambodia: In the midst of conflict, the youth call for peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cambodia-in-the-midst-of-conflict-the-youth-call-for-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cambodia-in-the-midst-of-conflict-the-youth-call-for-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After conflict reignited between Cambodia and Thailand earlier this month, the Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia highlights how the local community is using the Advent season to place their uncertain situation in God’s hands whilst the young people join in Pope Leo&#039;s call for peace.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cambodia:, the, midst, conflict, the, youth, call, for, peace</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo: Flowers can bloom even in prisons</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-flowers-can-bloom-even-in-prisons</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-flowers-can-bloom-even-in-prisons</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During his homily on the Sunday of the Jubilee of Prisoners, Pope Leo XIV challenges both inmates and those responsible for the prisons to hold on to hope and he reminds everyone “that no human being is defined only by his or her actions and that justice is always a process of reparation and reconciliation.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Flowers, can, bloom, even, prisons</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo calls for end to violence in Democratic Republic of Congo</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-calls-for-end-to-violence-in-democratic-republic-of-congo</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-calls-for-end-to-violence-in-democratic-republic-of-congo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During the Sunday Angelus Pope Leo appeals for those fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo to stop the violence which has broken out and return to constructive dialogue. He also remembers the newly beatified martyrs in two separate beatifications in Spain and in France on Saturday 13 December.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, calls, for, end, violence, Democratic, Republic, Congo</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope: Jesus&amp;apos; words &amp;apos;free us from the prison of despair&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-jesus-words-free-us-from-the-prison-of-despair</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-jesus-words-free-us-from-the-prison-of-despair</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After celebrating Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners, Pope Leo delivers his Angelus address for the third Sunday of Advent, saying that Christian joy  endures &quot;when life seems to lose its meaning and everything appears darker.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Jesus, words, free, from, the, prison, despair</media:keywords>
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<title>At least eleven killed in Australia shooting during Jewish festival</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-least-eleven-killed-in-australia-shooting-during-jewish-festival</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/at-least-eleven-killed-in-australia-shooting-during-jewish-festival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Officials believe two men were involved in a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>least, eleven, killed, Australia, shooting, during, Jewish, festival</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Ep. 241: China, Venezuela, and a slick transition</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-241-china-venezuela-and-a-slick-transition</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-241-china-venezuela-and-a-slick-transition</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ed unpacks the recent installation of a new bishop in China, and what it could signal about the state of the Vatican-China deal. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ep., 241:, China, Venezuela, and, slick, transition</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Bonus: Strawberry milk, and a Venezuelan in Rome</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-strawberry-milk-and-a-venezuelan-in-rome</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bonus-strawberry-milk-and-a-venezuelan-in-rome</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Edgar Beltran joins the bonus episode to talk about his experience on the Pillar pilgrimage in Rome and more. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bonus:, Strawberry, milk, and, Venezuelan, Rome</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope warns about risks to Church when intelligence agencies ‘act for nefarious purposes’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-warns-about-risks-to-church-when-intelligence-agencies-act-for-nefarious-purposes</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-warns-about-risks-to-church-when-intelligence-agencies-act-for-nefarious-purposes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV speaks to people who work in Italy’s intelligence sector in the Vatican’s Hall of Blessings on Dec. 12, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2025 / 09:11 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV warned that intelligence agencies in some countries work against the Catholic Church, “oppressing its freedom” by using confidential information for “nefarious purposes.”In an audience at the Vatican on Friday with people who work in Italy’s intelligence sector, the pope recalled the importance of conducting their jobs both ethically and morally.“We must be vigilant to ensure that confidential information is not used to intimidate, manipulate, blackmail, or discredit politicians, journalists, or other actors in civil society. All of this also applies to the ecclesial sphere,” he said on Dec. 12.Speaking in the Hall of Blessings, Leo urged those engaged in national security intelligence work to act with professionalism, to have respect for human dignity, and to engage in ethical communication.“Security agencies often have to collect information on individuals and therefore have a strong impact on individual rights,” he noted. “It is therefore necessary that limits be established, according to the criterion of human dignity, and that we remain vigilant against the temptations to which a job like yours exposes you.”The pope urged them to ensure that the protection of national security “always and in all cases guarantees people’s rights, their private and family life, freedom of conscience and information, and the right to a fair trial.”Leo recalled the massive changes to digital communications in recent decades and warned that the arrival of new and increasingly advanced technologies “offers us greater possibilities but, at the same time, exposes us to constant dangers.”“The massive and continuous exchange of information requires us to be critically vigilant about certain issues of vital importance: the distinction between truth and fake news, the undue exposure of private life, the manipulation of the most vulnerable, the logic of blackmail, and incitement to hatred and violence,” he said. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, warns, about, risks, Church, when, intelligence, agencies, ‘act, for, nefarious, purposes’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo praises Christian archaeology, capable of ‘bringing to light anonymous holiness’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-praises-christian-archaeology-capable-of-bringing-to-light-anonymous-holiness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-praises-christian-archaeology-capable-of-bringing-to-light-anonymous-holiness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square during his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 10, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2025 / 11:42 am (CNA).
On the centenary of the founding of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, Pope Leo XIV published a new apostolic letter in which he praised Christian archaeology as a work capable of “giving a voice to the silence of history” and of “bringing to light the anonymous holiness of many faithful who have contributed to building up the Church.”“In today’s fast-paced world, there is a tendency to forget and to consume images and words without reflecting on their meaning. The Church, on the other hand, is called to educate people in memory, and Christian archaeology is one of its most noble tools for doing so — not in order to take refuge in the past, but consciously to live in the present and work towards an enduring future,” the pope stated in the document, published on Dec. 11.This is the third magisterial publication of this kind by Leo XIV in his eight months as pontiff, following “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” a document focused on education, and In Unitate Fidei on the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, in which he explored the unity of Christians.For Leo XIV, Christian archaeology allows the Church to “remember its origins” and “recount the history of salvation not only through words but also through images, forms, and spaces.” In a time that “often loses sight of its roots,” it is “a valuable instrument of evangelization.”Thus, he emphasized that archaeology speaks to believers and nonbelievers, young people, scholars, and pilgrims, because it illuminates the meaning of the journey and evokes an “echo of eternity.”‘Christianity is not an abstract concept’Each archaeological discovery, he explained, demonstrates that “Christianity is not an abstract concept but rather a body that has lived, celebrated, and inhabited space and time.”For the Holy Father, archaeology shows that faith “has already survived difficult times and resisted persecution, crises, and changes. Faith has been renewed and regenerated,” and has “flourished in new forms.” Hence, he described it as “a ministry of hope.”The pope said the discipline allows people to intuit the “power of an existence that transcends time,” to read in burials the “expectation of the Resurrection” and in apses “the orientation toward Christ.”The pope emphasized that archaeology also plays a decisive role in the theology of revelation, since God “has in time spoken through events and people.” Therefore, understanding revelation requires knowing its historical contexts: Archaeology “illuminates the texts,” he affirmed, and also “completes written sources.”In the document, the pope distanced himself from any idealization of the past and called for understanding the true history of the Church — made up of “greatness and limitation, holiness and fragility, continuity and rupture” — which will allow for a more authentic theology.‘Living memory,’ not ‘a cult of the past’Leo XIV warned against a merely conservationist vision of archaeology. “True Christian archaeology is not a matter of sterile conservation but of living memory,” he emphasized after pointing out that Christian archaeology must foster a “reconciled memory” and promote spaces for dialogue.Likewise, the pope recalled the value of academic communion and cooperation among archaeological institutions, describing this field as “a resource for everyone.”In affirming the fundamental role of Christian archaeology, the pope underscored that “theological studies that disregard archaeology run the risk of becoming disembodied, abstract, or even ideological.”According to the pontiff, archaeology not only provides historical data but also allows theology to remain rooted in the concrete reality of the people of God. Thus, he affirmed that a theology that “embraces archaeology ... listens to the body of the Church, assesses its wounds, reads its signs, and is touched by its history.”In his reflection, Leo XIV highlighted the human and pastoral dimension of archaeological work. He described it as an essentially “hands-on” profession in which researchers “are the first to handle buried material that conserves its vitality even after centuries.”But the contribution of the Christian archaeologist, Leo XIV added, goes beyond material recovery: “They study not only the artifacts but also the hands that forged them, the minds that conceived them, and the hearts that loved them.”God has truly entered history, and faith is not a philosophyThe pope recalled that from its origins, the Christian faith was transmitted through the memory of places and signs. “Christian communities safeguarded not only Jesus’ words but also the places, objects, and signs of his presence,” he stated.Places such as the empty tomb, Peter’s house in Capernaum, and the Roman catacombs not only served as historical testimony but also “all testify that God has truly entered history and that faith is not a mere philosophy but a tangible path within the reality of the world,” the Holy Father wrote.The pope affirmed that the Church needs to “search for a profound wisdom capable of preserving and passing on to future generations what is truly essential” and emphasized that archaeology has “an essential role in understanding Christianity and, consequently, its application within catechetical and theological formation.”Citing Pope Francis’ apostolic constitution Veritatis Gaudium, Leo recalled that archaeology is part of the fundamental disciplines of theological formation, because “it does not merely tell us about artifacts but about people: their homes, tombs, churches, and prayers” and about “how faith shaped their spaces, cities, landscapes, and mentalities.”The pope also emphasized that archaeology “is not just a specialized discipline reserved to a few experts” but rather a path accessible “to anyone who wishes to understand how faith is embodied in time, place, and culture.”Archaeology as a ‘school of hope’In his view, studying and narrating history helps to keep “the flame of collective conscience” alive. Otherwise, he warned, “all that remains is the personal memory of facts bound to our own interests or sensibilities, with no real connection to the human and ecclesial community in which we live.”Leo XIV recalled that the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology was established by Pius XI’s motu proprio Primitivi Cemeteri (“Primitive Cemeteries”) of Dec. 11, 1925, with the task “of directing studies on the monuments of ancient Christianity with the utmost scientific rigor” in order to “reconstruct the lives of the early communities.”The institute has participated in crucial excavations, such as that of the tomb of the apostle Peter beneath the Altar of the Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica, and in recent investigations at St. Paul Outside the Walls.The pope asked: “How fruitful can the role of Christian archaeology still be for society and the Church in an age marked by artificial intelligence and by the exploration of the innumerable galaxies of the universe?”He himself offered the answer: Contemporary methods “enable us to glean new information from findings once considered insignificant,” reminding us that “nothing is truly useless or lost.” Even the marginal, he affirmed, can “reveal profound meaning in the light of new questions and methods. In this respect, archaeology is also a school of hope.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, praises, Christian, archaeology, capable, ‘bringing, light, anonymous, holiness’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV, in meeting with award committee, calls for concrete acts of charity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-in-meeting-with-award-committee-calls-for-concrete-acts-of-charity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-in-meeting-with-award-committee-calls-for-concrete-acts-of-charity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV meets with the committee that chooses recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity at the Vatican on Dec. 11, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2025 / 06:52 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV urged concrete acts of charity and solidarity in a world marked by conflict as he met with the committee that chooses recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.“In a time marked by increased conflict and division, we need authentic testimonies of human kindness and charity to remind us that we are all brothers and sisters. Words are not enough,” the pope told the delegation at the Vatican on Dec. 11.Leo praised the committee for continuing the legacy of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in promoting compassion and fraternity, calling their work a “noble service of human fraternity.”The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, named after the late United Arab Emirates president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was established following the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Al-Tayyeb during Francis’ 2019 apostolic journey to Abu Dhabi.“This prize not only embodies the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and these other leaders, it also emphasizes that every human being and every religion is called to promote fraternity,” Leo said.The pope stressed that ideals must be matched by action, telling the committee that building a society founded on love and respect requires “concrete actions.”“Remaining in the realm of ideas and theories, while failing to give them expression through frequent and practical acts of charity, will eventually cause even our most cherished hopes and aspirations to weaken and fade away,” he said, quoting his apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te.Leo encouraged the committee to persevere in its work, expressing confidence that its efforts would “continue to bear fruit for the good of the human family.”The Zayed Award association has received nominations from individuals and institutions worldwide whose work aims to foster solidarity and human connection across national, ethnic, and religious lines. For its 2026 edition, the award received more than 350 nominations from over 75 countries, with winners to be announced in January.Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4, coinciding with the anniversary of the Document on Human Fraternity and the U.N. International Day of Human Fraternity. A $1 million prize will be divided among the winners.Earlier this week, the Zayed Award delegation met with Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in Cairo. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, meeting, with, award, committee, calls, for, concrete, acts, charity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Christian archaeology is vocation and form of love for Church and humanity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-christian-archaeology-is-vocation-and-form-of-love-for-church-and-humanity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-christian-archaeology-is-vocation-and-form-of-love-for-church-and-humanity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a new Apostolic Letter commemorating the centenary of the foundation of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, Pope Leo XIV highlights the importance of archaeology, noting that this academic discipline bears witness to the fact that God became flesh. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Christian, archaeology, vocation, and, form, love, for, Church, and, humanity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Refugees arrive in Italy through humanitarian corridors</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/refugees-arrive-in-italy-through-humanitarian-corridors</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/refugees-arrive-in-italy-through-humanitarian-corridors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 122 refugees arrive in Italy from Libya thanks to humanitarian corridors.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Refugees, arrive, Italy, through, humanitarian, corridors</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>International Mountain Day: Preserving our tallest lifelines</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/international-mountain-day-preserving-our-tallest-lifelines</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/international-mountain-day-preserving-our-tallest-lifelines</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From biblical mountaintops to Ethiopia’s cliff churches, mountain regions hold deep spiritual and ecological significance, now threatened by rapid glacier loss and and a warming planet.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>International, Mountain, Day:, Preserving, our, tallest, lifelines</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Anti&#45;trafficking experts urge strong action 25 years from Palermo Protocol</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/anti-trafficking-experts-urge-strong-action-25-years-from-palermo-protocol</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/anti-trafficking-experts-urge-strong-action-25-years-from-palermo-protocol</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At a conference organised by the Institute of Anthropology of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Church actors highlight the urgent need for action against human trafficking on the 25th anniversary of the Palermo Protocol.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Anti-trafficking, experts, urge, strong, action, years, from, Palermo, Protocol</media:keywords>
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<title>Zayed Award judges: Human fraternity is a mission for everyone</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/zayed-award-judges-human-fraternity-is-a-mission-for-everyone</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/zayed-award-judges-human-fraternity-is-a-mission-for-everyone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and former European Council President Charles Michel, two judges on the commission to select the honorees of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, share their perspectives on the importance of promoting human fraternity in the midst of a world marked by conflict and division.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Zayed, Award, judges:, Human, fraternity, mission, for, everyone</media:keywords>
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<title>Régimen venezolano detiene al Cardenal Porras y le prohíbe de salir del país</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/regimen-venezolano-detiene-al-cardenal-porras-y-le-prohibe-de-salir-del-pais</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/regimen-venezolano-detiene-al-cardenal-porras-y-le-prohibe-de-salir-del-pais</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ El cardenal Baltazar Porras, uno de los eclesiásticos más críticos del régimen venezolano, fue detenido brevemente por la policía y se le anuló el pasaporte después de que intentara embarcar un vuelo el 10 de diciembre. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Régimen, venezolano, detiene, Cardenal, Porras, prohíbe, salir, del, país</media:keywords>
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<title>Former Hungarian ambassador reflects on 10&#45;year term at the Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/former-hungarian-ambassador-reflects-on-10-year-term-at-the-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/former-hungarian-ambassador-reflects-on-10-year-term-at-the-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Eduard Habsburg, Hungary&#039;s ambassador to the Holy See from 2015 to 2025, takes his leave during a farewell visit to Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 21, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media.

Vatican City, Dec 9, 2025 / 10:30 am (CNA).
Archduke of Austria Eduard Habsburg, who served as Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See since 2015, described his post at the Vatican as “the greatest 10 years of my life.”Shortly before his farewell meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 21, Habsburg told EWTN News reporter Colm Flynn that after a decade on the job, he has “seen it all” and now wants to dedicate more time to his family, particularly his parents.“I felt that 10 years is a good term. It’s far longer than ambassadors usually have here,” he said in the exclusive interview.“I think I’ve seen everything you can see here, including a conclave, visits by my prime minister, exciting moments,” he added. “In a way, I’m going to miss it but also family is important.” The former ambassador, whose term at the Vatican ended on Nov. 30, said he will likely continue to represent Hungary at future international events organized by the Church and pro-family groups.  “I’ll keep a foot in that world, so to speak, so I’m not going to totally give it up,” he said.Reflecting on his initial surprise at being asked to be Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See, Habsburg, who belongs to the prominent 850-year-old European Catholic dynasty, said he “hit the floor running” when he arrived in Rome for his first post.On Pope Francis and his love for HungaryDescribing his relationship with Pope Francis as “incredibly positive,” the former ambassador said the Argentine pontiff had a warm affection for the Central European nation and its people.“I saw it every time he met a Hungarian,” he said. “He would use Hungarian expressions. He would smile. He would be happy. He would take his time with them.”Though Pope Francis had not visited Hungary until 2021 for the 52nd International Eucharistic Conference, he told Habsburg that he “learned everything” about Hungary through three religious sisters who fled their country in 1956, during the Soviet occupation, to a monastery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.   “They have shaped Pope Francis’ outlook on Hungary and that made my work very easy,” he quipped. “He was incredibly generous.”Pope Francis visited Hungary a second time in 2023 for his apostolic journey to the country’s capital of Budapest from April 28–30.   On Pope Benedict XVI and his humorDuring the 1990s, Pope Benedict XVI, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, read Habsburg’s doctoral thesis on the topic of Thomas Aquinas and Vatican II and told him “he liked it” and that he wanted him to either make a documentary or a thriller about Thomism.After first meeting with Pope Francis, the former ambassador said he later met with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Vatican Gardens.  “He looked at me and said, ‘So you’re ambassador now?’” Habsburg recalled. “And then he said, ‘You know you still owe me a documentary or a thriller about Thomism.” “That was the first thing he said. I was so blown away,” he said. “I still haven’t written it.”“That’s the one thing many people don’t realize about Pope Benedict XVI was the sense of humor that he had that we never got to see publicly,” he said.  Habsburg earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in 1999. On Pope Leo XIV The archduke told EWTN News he had briefly met Pope Leo XIV four times prior to his farewell visit to the pontiff on Nov. 21.  “I’m very impressed by him. I feel [he is] a very balanced and just man who is trying to do good,” he said of the first U.S.-born pope. Noting Pope Leo’s fluency in many languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and Latin, Habsburg commented that he believes the universal Church’s new leader “has several cultures in his heart and in his mind.”“And yes, we will see the things that he’ll do. We pray for him every day,” he said.Watch the full interview with Eduard Habsburg on the EWTN News YouTube channel. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Former, Hungarian, ambassador, reflects, 10-year, term, the, Vatican</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV criticizes transhumanism: ‘Death is not opposed to life’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-criticizes-transhumanism-death-is-not-opposed-to-life</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-criticizes-transhumanism-death-is-not-opposed-to-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims in St. Peter&#039;s Square during a Jubilee audience on Nov. 22, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media.

Vatican City, Dec 10, 2025 / 11:21 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday rejected technological promises to indefinitely prolong human existence — such as those proposed by “transhumanism”— and said the resurrection of Christ “reveals to us that death is not opposed to life.”Speaking on a cold morning in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 10, the pontiff warned that numerous current anthropological visions “promise immanent immortality [and] theorize the prolongation of earthly life through technology.”That outlook, he said, is characteristic of “the transhumance scenario,” a phenomenon that “is making its way into the horizon of the challenges of our time.”In response, Leo urged people to consider two central questions: “Could death really be defeated by science? But then, could science itself guarantee us that a life without death is also a happy life?”The Holy Father explained that death and life are not opposed, and that in the Christian meaning, death is “a constitutive part of [life], as the passage to eternal life.”“The Pasch of Jesus gives us a foretaste, in this time still full of suffering and trials, of the fullness of what will happen after death,” he added.Thailand-Cambodia border clashesAt the end of his audience, Pope Leo spoke out against violent clashes at the border of Thailand and Cambodia, saying he was “deeply saddened by the news of the escalation of the conflict.”The hostilities have injured more than 100 people and displaced thousands of people in both countries. An estimated 13 people, including civilians, have been killed as the fighting entered the third day on Wednesday.“I express my closeness in prayer to these beloved populations and I ask the parties to immediately cease fire and resume dialogue,” the pope said.Death, ‘a great teacher of life’In his catechesis for the general audience, Leo XIV noted that throughout history, “many ancient peoples developed rites and customs linked to the cult of the dead, to accompany and to recall those who journeyed towards the supreme mystery.” But today, death “seems to be a sort of taboo” and “something to be spoken of in hushed tones, to avoid disturbing our sensibilities and our tranquility.”The pope lamented that this attitude often leads people to avoid visiting cemeteries.He also evoked the teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, recalling the enduring relevance of the saint’s work, “Preparation for Death.” The pontiff emphasized that, for the saint, death is “a great teacher of life,” capable of guiding the believer toward what is essential.As the pope explained, St. Alphonsus invited people to “to know that [death] exists, and above all to reflect on it” as a way to discern what is truly important in life.Leo also recalled that, in Alphonsian spirituality, prayer holds a central place “to understand what is beneficial in view of the kingdom of heaven, and letting go of the superfluous that instead binds us to ephemeral things.”From this perspective, he asserted that only the resurrection of Christ “is capable of illuminating the mystery of death to its full extent.”“In this light, and only in this, what our heart desires and hopes  becomes true: that death is not the end, but the passage towards full light, towards a happy eternity,” he said.The pope explained that the risen Christ “has gone before us in the great trial of death, emerging victorious thanks to the power of divine Love.”“He has prepared for us the place of eternal rest, the home where we are awaited; he has given us the fullness of life in which there are no longer any shadows and contradictions,” Leo said.This story was originally published by ACI Prensa, CNA&#039;s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, criticizes, transhumanism:, ‘Death, not, opposed, life’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pontifical Yearbook goes digital: What is it and what does it contain?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pontifical-yearbook-goes-digital-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-contain</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pontifical-yearbook-goes-digital-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-contain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV uses a tablet to navigate the website of the new digital version of the Vatican&#039;s Pontifical Yearbook, known as the &quot;Annuario Pontificio&quot; in Italian. / Credit: Vatican Media.

Vatican City, Dec 10, 2025 / 11:00 am (CNA).
The Vatican this week launched the first-ever digital version of its annual directory, creating an easier way to find reliable and up-to-date information about the Church’s structures and members all around the world.The red-covered Pontifical Yearbook — known in Italian as the “Annuario Pontificio” — is an important reference updated every year with Church statistics, the names and contacts of bishops, information about the departments of the Holy See, and more.The Pontifical Yearbook, in its current form, started in the early 20th century, though other versions of a book with information about the Catholic hierarchy and the Roman Curia can be traced to the 18th century or earlier.The 2025 edition of the Annuario Pontificio, also called the Pontifical Yearbook. Credit: EWTN News.The biggest benefits to users are the ability to easily search for information and the possibility for updates to be reflected in real time.Before now, to keep the directory current, one would have to cut out and glue periodic updates from the Vatican into the hardback book.The directory includes global data that is frequently changing, including statistics about Catholic dioceses and missions, and information about bishops, the members of the Church, the number of priests and religious, and the Holy See’s diplomatic representation.It also contains information about the pope and cardinals, and lists the people who lead the many different entities that make up the Roman Curia and the Vatican.Screenshot of the homepage of the digital version of the Pontifical Yearbook.On Dec. 8, the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, which is responsible for publishing the Pontifical Yearbook, unveiled the digital version, available in both web and app versions for an annual subscription of 68,10 euros ($79.20), around the same price as a printed version, which is still being published.The Vatican said in time it intends to offer the directory in languages other than Italian, “making it more accessible to a growing number of users around the world.”At a presentation of the project, Pope Leo XIV had a chance to receive a first lesson in how the digital yearbook works. He thanked those involved, calling it “a wonderful service which will be of great help.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pontifical, Yearbook, goes, digital:, What, and, what, does, contain</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>On solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, pope encourages renewing our ‘yes’ to God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-pope-encourages-renewing-our-yes-to-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-pope-encourages-renewing-our-yes-to-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV prays the Angelus prayer on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 8, 2025 / 13:30 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer Dec. 8 from the window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on the occasion of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.Addressing the faithful and pilgrims in attendance in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff commented that on Dec. 8 we express our joy because the Father of heaven wanted her to be “preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”“The Lord has granted to Mary the extraordinary grace of a completely pure heart, in view of an even greater miracle: the coming of Christ the Savior,” he added.The pope also noted that the gift of the fullness of grace in the young woman of Nazareth “was able to bear fruit because she in her freedom welcomed it, embracing the plan of God.”He emphasized that “the Lord always acts in this way: He gives us great gifts, but he leaves us free to accept them or not.”For the Holy Father, this feast also invites us to “believe as she believed, giving our generous assent to the mission to which the Lord calls us.”In this way, he pointed out that the miracle that happened for Mary at her conception was “renewed for us in baptism: Cleansed from original sin, we have become children of God, his dwelling place and the temple of the Holy Spirit.”“The ‘yes’ of the mother of the Lord is wonderful, but so also can ours be, renewed faithfully each day, with gratitude, humility, and perseverance, in prayer and in concrete acts of love, from the most extraordinary gestures to the most mundane and ordinary efforts and acts of service. In this way, Christ can be known, welcomed, and loved everywhere and salvation can come to everyone,” he emphasized.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>solemnity, the, Immaculate, Conception, pope, encourages, renewing, our, ‘yes’, God</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope at Angelus: Believe as Mary believed, say ‘yes’ to God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-believe-as-mary-believed-say-yes-to-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-angelus-believe-as-mary-believed-say-yes-to-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Leo XIV prays the Angelus and invites the faithful to believe as Mary did, and to welcome Christ into their lives.  
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Angelus:, Believe, Mary, believed, say, ‘yes’, God</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Immaculate Conception in the hearts and words of the Popes</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-immaculate-conception-in-the-hearts-and-words-of-the-popes</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-immaculate-conception-in-the-hearts-and-words-of-the-popes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the occasion of the solemnity of December 8, we look back at several reflections from Popes throughout the years—a Marian path that connects to the dogma proclaimed by Pope Pius IX.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Immaculate, Conception, the, hearts, and, words, the, Popes</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Syria marks al&#45;Assad ouster amid ongoing challenges</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/syria-marks-al-assad-ouster-amid-ongoing-challenges</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/syria-marks-al-assad-ouster-amid-ongoing-challenges</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Syria is marking one year since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad after nearly 14 years of war.


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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Syria, marks, al-Assad, ouster, amid, ongoing, challenges</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo: Blessed Virgin Mary, watch over this humanity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-blessed-virgin-mary-watch-over-this-humanity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-blessed-virgin-mary-watch-over-this-humanity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Continuing a decades-old tradition of paying homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in Rome, Pope Leo prays at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed, and lays a wreath at the base.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Blessed, Virgin, Mary, watch, over, this, humanity</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Supporting Christians to remain in Lebanon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/supporting-christians-to-remain-in-lebanon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/supporting-christians-to-remain-in-lebanon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From the north to the south of the country, the small team at Aid to the Church in Need is working hard to ensure that Christians have a home in the Land of the Cedars. Pastoral care and education are the charity’s two main priorities. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Supporting, Christians, remain, Lebanon</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Michael Bublé Headlines Concert With the Poor at the Vatican</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/michael-buble-headlines-concert-with-the-poor-at-the-vatican</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/michael-buble-headlines-concert-with-the-poor-at-the-vatican</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ blog ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Michael, Bublé, Headlines, Concert, With, the, Poor, the, Vatican</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Philadelphia Archdiocese Prays St. Andrew Novena for Fallen&#45;Away Catholics</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/philadelphia-archdiocese-prays-st-andrew-novena-for-fallen-away-catholics</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/philadelphia-archdiocese-prays-st-andrew-novena-for-fallen-away-catholics</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Philadelphia, Archdiocese, Prays, St., Andrew, Novena, for, Fallen-Away, Catholics</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>On Visit to Detroit, Patriarch of Jerusalem Focuses on Hope for Holy Land Christians</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-visit-to-detroit-patriarch-of-jerusalem-focuses-on-hope-for-holy-land-christians</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-visit-to-detroit-patriarch-of-jerusalem-focuses-on-hope-for-holy-land-christians</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Visit, Detroit, Patriarch, Jerusalem, Focuses, Hope, for, Holy, Land, Christians</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Christ Pratt to Release Documentary on Tomb of St. Peter</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/christ-pratt-to-release-documentary-on-tomb-of-st-peter</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/christ-pratt-to-release-documentary-on-tomb-of-st-peter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Christ, Pratt, Release, Documentary, Tomb, St., Peter</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV Among the Most Viewed and Searched on Wikipedia and Google in 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-among-the-most-viewed-and-searched-on-wikipedia-and-google-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-among-the-most-viewed-and-searched-on-wikipedia-and-google-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ cna ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, Among, the, Most, Viewed, and, Searched, Wikipedia, and, Google, 2025</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope receives Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-receives-croatian-prime-minister-andrej-plenkovic</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-receives-croatian-prime-minister-andrej-plenkovic</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV welcomes the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. With the Secretary of State, talks included mutual appreciation for the strong bilateral relations and the international context, with a focus on regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and the conflict in Ukraine.



                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, receives, Croatian, Prime, Minister, Andrej, Plenković</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>South Sudanese bishop: The youth are essential to building peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/south-sudanese-bishop-the-youth-are-essential-to-building-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/south-sudanese-bishop-the-youth-are-essential-to-building-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala describes a workshop in South Sudan, dedicated to encouraging young people to bring “peace to them now and to the future of their communities.”
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>South, Sudanese, bishop:, The, youth, are, essential, building, peace</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Papal preacher: Advent is a time of trusting expectation</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/papal-preacher-advent-is-a-time-of-trusting-expectation</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/papal-preacher-advent-is-a-time-of-trusting-expectation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “The Parousia of the Lord. An expectation without hesitation” is the theme of the first of three meditations for Christmas, which began this morning, 5 December, in the Paul VI Hall, with Pope Leo in attendance.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Papal, preacher:, Advent, time, trusting, expectation</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang consecrated in China</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishop-of-the-apostolic-prefecture-of-xinxiang-consecrated-in-china</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/bishop-of-the-apostolic-prefecture-of-xinxiang-consecrated-in-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On Friday, December 5, the episcopal ordination of Bishop Francis Li Jianlin took place.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bishop, the, Apostolic, Prefecture, Xinxiang, consecrated, China</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Michael Bublé: When I hear music, I hear the voice of God</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/michael-buble-when-i-hear-music-i-hear-the-voice-of-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/michael-buble-when-i-hear-music-i-hear-the-voice-of-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of the 6th edition of the Vatican&#039;s Concert with the Poor, to be held on 6 December, Canadian singer and songwriter Michael Bublé shares how “music is a gift from God” and says he hopes to use his platform as an artist to share his faith.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Michael, Bublé:, When, hear, music, hear, the, voice, God</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican commission rejects female diaconate, although without a ‘definitive judgment’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-commission-rejects-female-diaconate-although-without-a-definitive-judgment</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-commission-rejects-female-diaconate-although-without-a-definitive-judgment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. / Credit: Xosema (CC BY-SA 4.0)

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 4, 2025 / 13:37 pm (CNA).
The Vatican published on Dec. 4 the summary of the work carried out by the commissions studying the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate, presented to Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi.Petrocchi, the president of the Study Commission on the Female Diaconate created by Pope Francis, stated that — with seven votes in favor and one against — the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate as a degree of the sacrament of holy orders is ruled out.However, he emphasized that for the moment it is not possible “to formulate a definitive judgment, as in the case of priestly ordination.”Historical investigation into so-called ‘deaconesses’This second working session — following the one held in 2021 — ended last February, and the conclusions were presented on Sept. 18 to Pope Leo XIV, who ordered that they be made public on Dec. 4.In a seven-page document, the cardinal stated that, based on a historical investigation, the commissions agree that the so-called “deaconesses” existed in the history of the Church but with diverse functions and not equivalent to the male diaconate.Petrocchi emphasized that this question cannot be resolved solely with historical data and that, ultimately, it is up to the magisterium to issue a doctrinal judgment.Following the Synod on Synodality, everyone who wished to do so was invited to submit their contributions on the topic. The cardinal revealed that “although numerous submissions were received, the individuals or groups who sent their work numbered only 22 and represented only a few countries.”“Therefore, although the material is abundant and, in some cases, skillfully argued, it cannot be considered the voice of the synod, much less of the people of God as a whole,” he noted.Christ is male and the sex of those who receive ordinationAlthough there is not enough consensus to admit women to the diaconate, the votes show divided positions, with a clear tendency to maintain caution in this regard.On the one hand, those who support the female diaconate argue for “the equal status of men and women as images of God,” while those who are against it recall “the fact that Christ is male, and therefore that those who receive ordination are male is not accidental but is an integral part of the sacramental identity, preserving the divine order of salvation in Christ.”For those who oppose it, “altering this reality would not be a simple adjustment of the ministry but a rupture of the nuptial meaning of salvation.”Despite the lack of consensus surrounding the diaconate, there is unanimity on the need to expand the ministries instituted for women, further exploring the “baptismal diaconate” (every baptized person’s call to serve) and promoting greater female co-responsibility in the life of the Church. Petrocchi concluded by recommending that Pope Leo XIV follow a line of doctrinal prudence in his discernment as well as continue the theological study of the diaconate and, at the same time, open new ministerial spaces for women without resorting to sacramental ordination.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, commission, rejects, female, diaconate, although, without, ‘definitive, judgment’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Leo XIV eliminates commission for donations to Holy See created by Pope Francis</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-eliminates-commission-for-donations-to-holy-see-created-by-pope-francis</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/leo-xiv-eliminates-commission-for-donations-to-holy-see-created-by-pope-francis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ null / Credit: Yury Dmitrienko/Shutterstock

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 4, 2025 / 16:07 pm (CNA).
The Vatican announced on Dec. 4 a new decision by Pope Leo XIV regarding fundraising for the Holy See.Through the new chirograph Vinculum Unitatis et Caritatis, the Holy Father is eliminating the current Commissio de Donationibus (Donations Commission) structure created in February by Pope Francis to raise funds, which was approved “ad experimentum” (for temporary or provisional use) for three years.This commission was tasked with encouraging donations through specific campaigns among the faithful, bishops’ conferences, and other potential benefactors.The pontiff thus repealed the rules in force until now and established that they will no longer have “any canonical or legal force,” as well as any acts adopted up to this point. Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV decreed that all the commission’s assets must be transferred to the Holy See.By means of this decree, the members of the commission are immediately dismissed. The commission was composed of Monsignor Roberto Campisi, adviser for general affairs of the Secretariat of State, who chaired it; Archbishop Flavio Pace, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Sister Silvana Piro, undersecretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See; and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, deputy secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State.The decision of Leo XIV comes after consulting with experts in the field and following the recommendations of the Council for the Economy, with the aim of strengthening administrative efficiency in the financial management of the Holy See.The liquidation of the former commission will be managed by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, while the Secretariat for the Economy will resolve any outstanding issues and must keep the Council for the Economy informed of all actions taken in this regard.The Holy Father also ordered the creation of a new working group tasked with designing a renewed and more suitable model for fundraising, whose members will be proposed by the Council for the Economy. This measure takes effect immediately upon its publication in L’Osservatore Romano.On Nov. 26, Pope Leo XIV also made an adjustment to the reforms undertaken by his predecessor with a new decree to revise the financial and administrative rules governing the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Mary Major.The pontiff placed both institutions under the ordinary supervision of the Vatican’s Council for the Economy, emphasizing that the economic and financial reform of the Holy See requires a “periodic reevaluation and redefinition” of the regulatory framework.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leo, XIV, eliminates, commission, for, donations, Holy, See, created, Pope, Francis</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Powerful moments from Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/powerful-moments-from-pope-leo-xivs-trip-to-turkey-and-lebanon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/powerful-moments-from-pope-leo-xivs-trip-to-turkey-and-lebanon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV interacts with a baby before celebrating Mass in Beirut, Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, Dec 2, 2025 / 17:34 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV’s first official papal trip from Nov. 27–Dec. 2 to Turkey and Lebanon has just ended. The wide-ranging international visit included historic ecumenical encounters, deeply symbolic gestures of prayer, and pastoral visits to Christian communities under pressure. Pope Leo highlighted the importance of unity, peace, and fraternity, and brought encouragement to a region marked by ancient faith and present suffering.Here are some of the most powerful moments from Pope Leo’s trip:TurkeyUpon landing at the Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, Turkey, Pope Leo was greeted by Turkish authorities and members of the military. Outside of the Presidential Palace, the pontiff  was welcomed by a cavalry escort, the playing of the national anthems, and 21 cannon shots.null The pope commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea on Nov. 28 alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and other Christian leaders in the Turkish city of Iznik, southeast of Istanbul, the site of the Council of Nicaea, historically known as the birthplace of the Nicene Creed.The ecumenical prayer service took place at the archaeological excavations of the ancient Basilica of St. Neophytus, built in 380 at the site of the first Christian ecumenical council, which was convened by Emperor Constantine I in 325.null While in Istanbul, Pope Leo visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, telling the community that Christian charity begins not with doing but with being — i.e., living a real communion with those one serves.Pope Leo XIV visits a care home for the elderly run by a community of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 28, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaLater that day, Pope Leo met the “little flock” of Catholics at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul. Catholics in Turkey make up roughly just 0.05% of the country’s 85 million people. The pope encouraged them to rediscover what he called the Gospel’s “logic of littleness” and not to be discouraged by their tiny numbers but to recognize in them the strength of authentic Christian witness.null In another touching moment at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, a young child eagerly awaited and received the blessing of the Holy Father:null Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew I gave a joint ecumenical blessing from the balcony of the patriarchate following the Orthodox Divine Liturgy on Nov. 30. The joint blessing recalls the fraternity and communion between the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople.Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I give a joint blessing from the balcony of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey, following an Orthodox Divine Liturgy on Nov. 30, 2025. Credit: Elias Turk/EWTN NewsLebanonAhead of his second day in Lebanon, a stunning rainbow appeared over the Port of Beirut, the site of the explosion that devastated the area in 2020.This morning, a stunning rainbow over the Port of Beirut opened the second day of Pope Leo’s visit to Lebanon. The pope will pray at the site of the explosion that devastated this area in 2020. What a beautiful sign of peace and hope.?Magdalena Wolińska-Riedi / EWTN News pic.twitter.com/DKqS9pclSg— EWTN News (@EWTNews) December 1, 2025 Pope Leo XIV became the first pope in history to visit the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf when he arrived at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya on the second day of his apostolic journey to Lebanon.Pope Leo XIV reflects on the enduring message of St. Charbel Makhlouf at the hermit&#039;s tomb at the Monastery of St. Maron, in Annaya, Lebanon, on Dec. 1, 2025. Credit: Vatican Medianull In another beautiful moment, Pope Leo gave a Golden Rose to the Virgin Mary during his visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, Lebanon.Pope Leo XIV presents a Golden Rose to Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, Lebanon, on Dec. 1, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaA little girl proudly showed off a rosary given to her by Pope Leo during the pope’s meeting with bishops, clergy, and religious at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa.null On the final morning of his trip to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV paused before the ruins of the Beirut port explosion, praying in silence and placing a wreath in memory of the victims. In one of the most emotional moments of his trip, he also met family members of those killed and survivors still carrying the wounds of the Aug. 4, 2020, blast.Five years after the explosion, one of the largest nonnuclear blasts in history, families of the 236 people killed and more than 7,000 wounded say they are still waiting for truth and accountability.Pope Leo XIV prays in silence at the site of the 2020 port explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: AIGAV PoolPope Leo XIV greets a young child at the site of the Aug. 4, 2020, blast at the Port of Beirut on Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV prayed in silence at the Port of Beirut, where an explosion in 2020 left hundreds of victims. He stopped before the monument honoring the dead, amid the debris that still remains, to lay a wreath of flowers and light a candle. pic.twitter.com/asEbtchn7R— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 2, 2025 After visiting the site of the explosion, Pope Leo celebrated Mass for an estimated 150,000 people at the Beirut Waterfront. Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for an estimated 150,000 people at Beirut&#039;s Waterfront in Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaWhile visiting the De La Croix Hospital in Jal el Dib, north of Beirut, Pope Leo also spent time in the Saint-Dominique wing, where children with severe physical and mental disabilities are cared for, and blessed the children.Pope Leo XIV blesses a child at the De La Croix Hospital for the mentally disabled in Jal el Dib, north of Beirut, Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaFrom there, Pope Leo boarded the papal plane for Rome, telling the Lebanese people: “Leaving this land means carrying you in my heart.”Pope Leo XIV waves goodbye to those in attendance at a farewell ceremony at the International Airport of Beirut in Lebanon on Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Powerful, moments, from, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, trip, Turkey, and, Lebanon</media:keywords>
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<title>The kitchen friar’s book that inspires Pope Leo’s spirituality</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-kitchen-friars-book-that-inspires-pope-leos-spirituality</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-kitchen-friars-book-that-inspires-pope-leos-spirituality</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV speaks with reporters on his flight from Beirut to Rome on Dec. 2, 2025. / Credit: Elias Turk/EWTN

CNA Staff, Dec 3, 2025 / 18:21 pm (CNA).
On the papal plane on the way home from his first international trip, Pope Leo XIV referenced a book that has greatly influenced his spirituality after being asked by a journalist about the conclave and what it’s been like becoming the pope.“Besides St. Augustine,” Pope Leo said that “The Practice of the Presence of God” by a 17th-century Carmelite friar named Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection is a book that can help anyone to understand his spirituality.“It’s a very simple book by someone who doesn’t even give his last name,” the pope told journalists on the papal plane Dec. 2. “I read it many years ago, but it describes a type of prayer and spirituality where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead.”“And if you want to know something about me, that’s been my spirituality for many years, in midst of great challenges — living in Peru, during years of terrorism, being called to service in places where I never thought I would be called to serve to — I trust in God, and that message is something that I share with all people,” he continued. After being asked what it was like for him during the conclave, Pope Leo mentioned the book and said: “I resigned myself to the fact, when I saw how things were going, [that] this could be a reality.” “I took a deep breath. I said, here we go. Lord, you’re in charge, and you lead the way,” he said. Who was Brother Lawrence?“The Practice of the Presence of God” is a collection of Brother Lawrence’s teachings — memorialized in about 30 pages of letters and records of his conversations. Though Brother Lawrence was virtually unknown in life, Father Joseph de Beaufort compiled his wisdom into a pamphlet published soon after his death in 1691. The book is now beloved by Catholics and Protestants alike. In his writings, Brother Lawrence presents a spirituality that involves being constantly in contact with God, being accompanied by him in all things — from cooking to shoe repair. Before he was Brother Lawrence, Nicholas Herman was a soldier during the Thirty Years’ War. Because of a wartime injury, his leg impaired his movement and caused him constant pain for life. But as a young adult, he had a vision of Christ that would inspire him for the rest of his life; or, as de Beaufort recalled: “which has never since been effaced from his soul.”He went on to join the Discalced Carmelite Prior in Paris, doing humble work as a cook, and eventually working in the sandal repair shop as well.  Brother Lawrence believed that little things could please God just as much as great things. “We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work but the love with which it is performed,” he taught.Amid the busy environment of a kitchen serving about 100 people, he still connected with God. In one recorded conversation, de Beaufort recalled Brother Lawrence saying that “the time of business … does not with me differ from the time of prayer.”“And in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament,” he continued. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, kitchen, friar’s, book, that, inspires, Pope, Leo’s, spirituality</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo reveals Mideast peace talks with Trump, Netanyahu, other regional players</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-reveals-mideast-peace-talks-with-trump-netanyahu-other-regional-players</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-reveals-mideast-peace-talks-with-trump-netanyahu-other-regional-players</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV speaks with reporters on his flight from Beirut to Rome on Dec. 2, 2025. / Credit: Elias Turk/EWTN

Rome, Italy, Dec 2, 2025 / 11:30 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has begun conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the need to halt violence and seek solutions in the Middle East, the pope told journalists on his Tuesday flight from Beirut to Rome.The wide-ranging news conference also touched on Ukraine, the Catholic Church in Germany, and Leo’s own election as pope, among other topics.In response to a question referring to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political party and militia that holds significant influence in Lebanon, the pope said that during the trip he also held personal meetings with representatives of unnamed political groups involved in regional conflicts. “Our work is not something we announce publicly,” he said. “We try to convince the parties to put down the arms and violence and come together to the table of dialogue.” Leo also addressed concerns about Islam in Europe, saying fear is often “generated by people who are against immigration.” He said the Middle East offers an alternative model. “One of the great lessons that Lebanon can teach to the world,” he said, “is showing a land where Islam and Christianity are both present and respected, and where there is a possibility to live together.”On Ukraine, Leo repeated his appeal for a ceasefire. He acknowledged that the United States is seeking to promote a peace plan, but “the presence of Europe is important,” noting that the administration in Washington modified its first proposal after European concerns. He suggested that Italy could play “a very important role” as an intermediary.Asked about his own election, he said he had once imagined retiring. He affirmed his commitment to conclave secrecy but recalled telling a reporter the day before his election that “everything is in the hands of God.” When the reality of the vote became clear, he said, “I took a deep breath. I said, here we go, Lord, you are in charge.” Leo added that he is often amused by journalists’ interpretations of his expressions. “You think you can read my mind or my face,” he joked, “and you are not always correct.”Leo said he hopes his next trip will be to somewhere in Africa and said he wants eventually to go to Algeria to visit sites associated with St. Augustine and continue building bridges with Muslims. He said he would also like to visit Argentina and Uruguay, which have been waiting for a papal visit. He added that other Latin American countries, including Peru, are being considered, but “nothing is confirmed.”On Venezuela, Leo said the Holy See is working with the national bishops’ conference and the nuncio to calm tensions after recent threats from the United States. “We are looking for ways to calm the situation,” he said, “seeking above all the good of the people, because so often those who suffer are the people, not the authorities.”Responding to a question about the German Church’s Synodal Way, a controversial series of meetings of bishops and laity that have proposed major changes to Catholic doctrine and governance, Leo noted concerns among many German Catholics that “certain aspects of the Synodal Way … do not represent their own hope for the Church.” He stressed the need for “dialogue and listening … so that the voice of those who are more powerful does not silence or stifle” others. “I suspect there will be some adjustments made on both sides in Germany, but I’m certainly hopeful that things will work out positively,” Leo said. He added that the ongoing meetings between German bishops and the Roman Curia aim “to try and make sure that the German Synodal Way does not, if you will, break away from what needs to be considered as the pathway of the universal Church.”Asked what the Middle Eastern Church can offer the West, Leo reflected on the value of unity in an individualistic age. “Young people ask, why should I want to be one?” he said. “But unity, friendship, human relationships, communion are extremely important and extremely valuable.” Recalling the testimony of Christians and Muslims who helped one another after their villages were destroyed, he said such gestures show how “authentic peace and justice” can take root when people overcome distrust.In response to a question about how he is learning to be pope, Leo recommended a book that he said has shaped his own life by the 17th-century Carmelite friar known as Brother Lawrence. “If you want to know something about me,” he said, “read ‘The Practice of the Presence of God.’ It describes a way of prayer where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead. That has been my spirituality for many years.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, reveals, Mideast, peace, talks, with, Trump, Netanyahu, other, regional, players</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo at Beirut farewell: &amp;apos;Choose peace as a way, not just a goal&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-at-beirut-farewell-choose-peace-as-a-way-not-just-a-goal</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-at-beirut-farewell-choose-peace-as-a-way-not-just-a-goal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Before taking off for Rome at Beirut’s airport, Pope Leo XIV concludes his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, calling for dialogue, fraternity, and reconciliation across the Middle East and expressing his hope that those who “currently consider themselves enemies” may embrace a spirit of fraternity and commitment to peace.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, Beirut, farewell:, Choose, peace, way, not, just, goal</media:keywords>
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<title>Zimbabwe: Bishops urge national renewal, compassion, and responsible stewardship in Advent</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/zimbabwe-bishops-urge-national-renewal-compassion-and-responsible-stewardship-in-advent</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/zimbabwe-bishops-urge-national-renewal-compassion-and-responsible-stewardship-in-advent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Church enters the sacred Season of Advent, Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has released a Pastoral Statement titled “Advent Pastoral Message – Remember the Poor,” in which it invites Zimbabweans to use the period as a time of national renewal, both social and spiritual.  
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Zimbabwe:, Bishops, urge, national, renewal, compassion, and, responsible, stewardship, Advent</media:keywords>
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<title>Lebanon faces renewed instability</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/lebanon-faces-renewed-instability</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/lebanon-faces-renewed-instability</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Lebanon is facing renewed instability as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues. 

                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lebanon, faces, renewed, instability</media:keywords>
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<title>Hope for Lebanon and for the world</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/hope-for-lebanon-and-for-the-world</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/hope-for-lebanon-and-for-the-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Our Editorial Director reflects on the message of hope offered by Lebanon, even amid its suffering, which Pope Leo XIV says is shown by young people who believe in peace, and by families who look beyond differences of belief and welcome those in need. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hope, for, Lebanon, and, for, the, world</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: ‘I was thinking of retiring, but instead I surrendered to God’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-i-was-thinking-of-retiring-but-instead-i-surrendered-to-god</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-i-was-thinking-of-retiring-but-instead-i-surrendered-to-god</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Aboard the papal plane returning to Rome from Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists about the role of the Holy See, which works “behind-the-scenes” in peace negotiations, so that all parties may lay down arms. Regarding Ukraine, the Pope underlines Europe’s involvement and the important role Italy could play, and answers a question about how he reacted to his election, stressing the importance of giving one’s life to God and letting him &quot;lead the way&quot;.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, ‘I, was, thinking, retiring, but, instead, surrendered, God’</media:keywords>
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<title>Will Nigeria’s ‘security emergency’ declaration help Christians?</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/will-nigerias-security-emergency-declaration-help-christians</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/will-nigerias-security-emergency-declaration-help-christians</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Tinubu declared a &#039;nationwide security emergency amid surging violence. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Will, Nigeria’s, ‘security, emergency’, declaration, help, Christians</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo offers Lebanon a way to hope ‘even when surrounded by the sound of weapons’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-offers-lebanon-a-way-to-hope-even-when-surrounded-by-the-sound-of-weapons</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-offers-lebanon-a-way-to-hope-even-when-surrounded-by-the-sound-of-weapons</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV addressed Lebanon’s bishops, clergy, and pastoral workers at Harissa, Lebanon, on Dec. 1, 2025. / Credit: Elias Turk/EWTN

Harissa, Lebanon, Dec 1, 2025 / 05:32 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s bishops, clergy, and pastoral workers on Monday that Christians can remain steadfast in hope “even when surrounded by the sound of weapons,” urging them to look to the Virgin Mary as a model of faith in dark and uncertain times.Meeting them at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa on the second day of his apostolic visit, the pope said that Mary teaches believers how to persevere when daily life becomes a struggle. “It is in being with Mary at the foot of Jesus’ cross that our prayer, that invisible bridge which unites hearts, gives us the strength to continue to hope and work,” he said.Leo recalled St. John Paul II’s words to the Lebanese — “In the Lebanon of today, you are the ones responsible for hope” — and urged believers to nurture a climate of fraternity wherever they live and work. He stressed the need to trust one another so that “the regenerative power of forgiveness and mercy may triumph,” adding that the fruits of this message are visible in Lebanon’s resilience.The pope compared faith to an anchor that holds firm in turbulence. “Our faith is an anchor in heaven,” he said. “Hold fast to the rope.” He reminded those present that peace requires loving without fear and giving without measure. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Leo said Christians are called to celebrate “the victory of love over hate… forgiveness over revenge,” a message he said continues to guide the Church’s mission.During the gathering, Pope Leo was welcomed by clergy and the shrine’s rector before processing to the presbytery, where Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian greeted him. The celebration included prayers, testimonies, Arabic chants, the Gospel reading (John 19:25–27), the Magnificat, the Our Father, a blessing, Marian hymns, and the exchange of gifts.Pope Leo also presented a Golden Rose to the Virgin Mary, a traditional papal gift to major Marian shrines. The ornament, a gold branch of roses set in a silver vase and mounted on white marble, bears the papal coat of arms and symbolizes the pope’s devotion to the Mother of God. Leo said the rose’s fragrance calls Christians to be “the fragrance of Christ,” drawing a parallel to the richness and diversity of Lebanese family tables and encouraging the faithful to live that spirit of shared love each day.The pope also highlighted testimonies shared during the meeting. Father Youhanna spoke of Debbabiyé, where Christians, Muslims, and refugees live together in mutual trust. Loren, a migrant worker, appealed to all communities to welcome those forced from their homes, telling them, “Welcome home!” Sister Dima described keeping a school open during violence, teaching children to share “bread, fear, and hope.”The pope noted that the shrine itself remains “a symbol of unity for the entire Lebanese people.” Rising about 2,130 feet above sea level and roughly 16 miles north of Beirut, the sanctuary offers sweeping views of Jounieh Bay and stands not far from Bkerke, the seat of the Maronite patriarch. Its white-painted bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, 28 feet tall and weighing about 33,000 pounds, was cast in France and placed atop a 66-foot stone pedestal shaped like a tree trunk. The adjacent basilica, designed to evoke both a cedar tree and a Phoenician ship, seats around 3,500 people and opens toward the Marian statue through its glass façade. The site is entrusted to the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries.Later at the apostolic nunciature, Pope Leo was scheduled to welcome the Council of Eastern Catholic Patriarchs together with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. He was then set to share lunch with them and with the country’s Orthodox patriarchs, joined by Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, in a gesture underscoring the ecumenical dimension of his visit. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, offers, Lebanon, way, hope, ‘even, when, surrounded, the, sound, weapons’</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo tells Lebanese religious leaders unity and peace are possible</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-tells-lebanese-religious-leaders-unity-and-peace-are-possible</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-tells-lebanese-religious-leaders-unity-and-peace-are-possible</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV in Harissa, Lebanon, on Dec. 1, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 1, 2025 / 10:35 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s religious leaders on Monday that their country remains a sign to the world that fear and prejudice do not have the final word. At an ecumenical and interreligious meeting in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, the pope said Lebanon shows that unity, reconciliation, and peace can take root even amid profound differences.In his address, the Holy Father recalled Pope Benedict XVI, who wrote in 2012 that the Church’s mission is to dialogue with followers of other religions, guided not by political interests but by theological truths rooted in faith. Pope Leo said Lebanon proves this kind of dialogue is possible, where minarets and bell towers stand side by side and bear witness to belief in the one God.The pope said the world often watches the Middle East with trepidation, yet hope emerges when the focus turns to what unites people — their shared humanity and belief in a God of mercy. Lebanon, he said, “remains a sign that unity and peace can be achieved.” He also cited the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate, on the Church’s relation to non-Christian religions, which opened a new horizon for encounter, rejected prejudice, and affirmed the dignity of every person. Leo concluded by calling the Lebanese “builders of peace,” both within their borders and throughout the world.Before the address, Pope Leo was welcomed at the entrance of the meeting tent by the Syriac Catholic patriarch, the Maronite patriarch, the Grand Sunni imam, and a Shia representative. The program included chanting from the Gospel, a moment of silence, and chanting from the Quran. Leaders from Sunni, Greek Orthodox, Shia, Syriac Orthodox, Druze, Armenian Orthodox, Protestant, and Alawite communities offered brief remarks, interspersed with chants. After Leo spoke, participants planted an olive tree and ended with a final prayer for peace.Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut is widely regarded as the symbolic heart of the capital. It takes its name from Lebanese and Arab nationalists executed there by Ottoman authorities in 1916 and has long served as the city’s civic center. The square has been the site of major demonstrations that crossed sectarian lines, including the 2005 Cedar Revolution following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the nationwide 2019 protests against corruption and economic collapse, and the public outcry after the 2020 Beirut port explosion. These movements expressed frustration with Lebanon’s entrenched sectarian political system and highlighted the square’s enduring role as a gathering place where citizens of all faiths call for reform. Pope Leo’s meeting with religious leaders reinforced that symbolic role.The Holy Father’s message was directed to leaders of a society shaped by a complex sectarian power-sharing structure, where political figures influenced by regional powers often block national decision-making. Lebanon does not publish official religious statistics, but most estimates hold that roughly 70% of the population is Muslim and about 30% Christian, the highest Christian proportion of any Arab country. Maronite Catholics form the largest Christian community. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, tells, Lebanese, religious, leaders, unity, and, peace, are, possible</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo to Lebanese youth: Love, not retaliation, is the real answer to evil</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-to-lebanese-youth-love-not-retaliation-is-the-real-answer-to-evil</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-to-lebanese-youth-love-not-retaliation-is-the-real-answer-to-evil</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV greets a young mother and her child outside of the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya, Lebanon, on Dec. 1, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Bkerke, Lebanon, Dec 1, 2025 / 12:34 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV told thousands of young people in Lebanon on Monday that love, not retaliation, is the real force capable of transforming their country as it continues to grapple with the wounds of conflict and social instability. “The true opposition to evil is not evil, but love,” he said, calling the nation’s youth to rebuild their homeland through reconciliation, service, and a renewed rooting in faith.The gathering took place in the square before the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch, in Bkerké, where the pope was welcomed by Patriarch Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï. After greeting the crowd in a brief tour, Pope Leo opened his address with the Arabic words “assalamu alaykum,” meaning “peace be with you,” telling the young people that this greeting of the risen Christ “sustains the joy of our meeting.”Lebanon’s young generation has endured some of the nation’s hardest years. A devastating financial collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and the 2023–2024 border war between Hezbollah and Israel have left deep physical and social scars, contributing to widespread emigration and a sense of exhaustion among the country’s youth.The pope spoke directly to their anxieties, acknowledging that many feel they have inherited “a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social injustice,” yet insisted that hope lives within them. “You have time to dream, to plan, and to do good. You are the present, and the future is already taking shape in your hands.”Pointing to Lebanon’s national symbol, he said the country “will flourish once again, beautiful and vigorous like the cedar,” explaining that its strength lies in deep roots. In the same way, he told them, the foundation of renewal cannot rest only on ideas or agreements. “The true principle of new life is the hope that comes from above. It is Christ himself. He, the Living One, is the foundation of our trust.”Peace, he continued, cannot grow out of factional interests. “It is only genuinely sincere when I do to others what I would like them to do to me. Forgiveness leads to justice, which is the foundation of peace.”Calling them to works of charity, he reminded them that nothing reveals God’s presence more clearly than love. Renewal begins in daily choices, he said, such as welcoming “those near and far” and offering concrete help “to friends and refugees and enemies.”The pope held up several saints as companions for the journey: Carlo Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Rafqa, Blessed Yakub El-Haddad, and St. Charbel, whose hidden life “shines a powerful light.” He urged the youth to pray, to read Scripture, and attend Mass and adoration. “Be contemplatives like St. Charbel,” he told them.Pope Leo ended with the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” and assured the young people that “the Lord will always be with you, and you can be assured of the support of the whole Church.” He entrusted them to the Mother of God, Our Lady. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, Lebanese, youth:, Love, not, retaliation, the, real, answer, evil</media:keywords>
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<title>Aid to the Church in Need welcomes appointment of Cardinal Koch as its new president</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/aid-to-the-church-in-need-welcomes-appointment-of-cardinal-koch-as-its-new-president</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/aid-to-the-church-in-need-welcomes-appointment-of-cardinal-koch-as-its-new-president</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cardinal Kurt Koch during an interview with EWTN News. / Credit: EWTN News

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 1, 2025 / 16:21 pm (CNA).
The executive director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Regina Lynch, thanked Pope Leo XIV for appointing Cardinal Kurt Koch as the new president of the pontifical foundation.“We very much look forward to having Cardinal Koch as our president and for the guidance he can bring to our mission to persecuted and suffering Christians all over the world. We are grateful to Pope Leo XIV for this appointment and for his interest in our work,” Lynch said.Koch is 75 years old and replaces Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, who is 81 years old and has led the institution since 2011.Piacenza was the first president of ACN since the organization received the title of pontifical foundation.In a Nov. 27 statement published on the ACN website, Lynch highlighted the work carried out by Piacenza, in whom the international institution “has always had a steady and trusted mentor and president.”Furthermore, Piacenza “was always a great supporter of ACN initiatives, such as the One Million Children Praying the Rosary and the Middle East campaigns, and we are very grateful for his service to suffering and persecuted Christians.”Koch is the prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and has headed the Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism since 2010. He has also closely collaborated with the Catholic charity over the years, ACN reported.The organization highlighted its new president’s experience in ecumenical and interreligious relations, as these are an essential part of the pontifical foundation’s mission, “especially in countries where Christians, or Catholics, are a minority.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Aid, the, Church, Need, welcomes, appointment, Cardinal, Koch, its, new, president</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV meets and prays with Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-and-prays-with-ecumenical-patriarch-in-istanbul</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-meets-and-prays-with-ecumenical-patriarch-in-istanbul</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV joins the Ecumenical Patriarch for a prayer service at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, meets, and, prays, with, Ecumenical, Patriarch, Istanbul</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Looking to Jerusalem and Jubilee of 2033, Pope Leo highlights path of unity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/looking-to-jerusalem-and-jubilee-of-2033-pope-leo-highlights-path-of-unity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/looking-to-jerusalem-and-jubilee-of-2033-pope-leo-highlights-path-of-unity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I are joined by ecclesial leaders representing the vast majority of the Christian world for an ecumenical encounter to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Looking, Jerusalem, and, Jubilee, 2033, Pope, Leo, highlights, path, unity</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope at Mass: Bring hope in world where religion is used to justify war</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-mass-bring-hope-in-world-where-religion-is-used-to-justify-war</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-at-mass-bring-hope-in-world-where-religion-is-used-to-justify-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Presiding over Mass in Istanbul, Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV urges everyone to take time to reflect during the Advent season on the three bonds of unity we are all called to build: within the community, in ecumenical relations, and with members of different faiths.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Mass:, Bring, hope, world, where, religion, used, justify, war</media:keywords>
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<title>A mosaic of different confessions and nationalities at Pope’s Mass in Istanbul</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-mosaic-of-different-confessions-and-nationalities-at-popes-mass-in-istanbul</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/a-mosaic-of-different-confessions-and-nationalities-at-popes-mass-in-istanbul</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The faithful present at the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul on Saturday share their excitement and express their belief that his visit is a message of peace and unity for all.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>mosaic, different, confessions, and, nationalities, Pope’s, Mass, Istanbul</media:keywords>
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<title>Apostolic Journey to Türkiye: Day Three</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-journey-to-turkiye-day-three</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/apostolic-journey-to-turkiye-day-three</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The highlights of Pope Leo XIV&#039;s third day in Türkiye include a visit to Istanbul&#039;s Blue Mosque, an ecumenical meeting with Christian leaders, prayer with Patriarch Bartholomew, and Mass with Catholic faithful from across the country.
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Apostolic, Journey, Türkiye:, Day, Three</media:keywords>
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<title>Starting Seven: November 28, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/starting-seven-november-28-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/starting-seven-november-28-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Welcome to Starting Seven, The Pillar’s daily newsletter. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starting, Seven:, November, 28, 2025</media:keywords>
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<title>President of Germany’s ZdK re&#45;elected</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-germanys-zdk-re-elected</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/president-of-germanys-zdk-re-elected</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Irme Stetter-Karp won 80% of votes cast ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>President, Germany’s, ZdK, re-elected</media:keywords>
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<title>Vatican&amp;amp;amp;#039;s 2025 Christmas tree installed in St. Peter&amp;amp;amp;#039;s Square</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican039s-2025-christmas-tree-installed-in-st-peter039s-square</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican039s-2025-christmas-tree-installed-in-st-peter039s-square</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Workers erect the Vatican&#039;s 2025 Christmas tree in St. Peter&#039;s Square on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Nov 27, 2025 / 14:30 pm (CNA).
A towering Christmas tree now stands in the center of St. Peter’s Square, after the spruce arrived at the Vatican on Thursday morning. The 88-foot-tall spruce tree from Italy’s Bolzano province was erected next to the ancient Egyptian obelisk which stands in the middle of the 17th century Baroque square designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.This year, the northern Italian municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo gifted the Christmas tree to the Vatican. The tree was harvested in the alpine valley of Ultimo.In an Oct. 20 interview published on the Vatican State website, Bishop Ivo Muser of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone said the tree reaffirms the local church’s “spiritual and emotional bond” with the pope. “It is a way of saying: ‘We are with you, Pope Leo; we wish to pray with you and share the joy of Christmas with you,” he said.“The tree thus becomes an ‘ambassador’ of our territory, our culture, and our faith — a way of bringing a small piece of our local Church into the heart of the universal Church,” he added.The Vatican’s large-scale nativity display — donated by the Italian Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno — is currently under construction behind covered fencing in St. Peter’s Square.The highly-awaited 2025 nativity scene will honor St. Alphonus Maria de Liguori, whose remains lay in the southern Italian diocese. In Italy, St. Alponsus is famous for composing the famous Italian Christmas carol “Tu scendi dalle stelle” (“From starry skies descending”).Bishop Giuseppe Giudice of the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno said the nativity project for the Vatican, which involved a “long period of preparation,” will also showcase local Neapolitan Christmas traditions.  “I am happy to say that everyone working on the project is from our wonderful region, and the Nativity scene will be rich in elements typical of our local Agro nocerino-sarnese area,” he said in an Oct. 24 interview published by Vatican City State.  The Vatican will hold a special ceremony on Dec. 7 at 6:30 pm local time to present  the Christmas tree and nativity scene to the public. The display will be open to the public until mid-January 2026. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican&amp;amp039s, 2025, Christmas, tree, installed, St., Peter&amp;amp039s, Square</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo reminds Turkish Catholic minority of the ‘logic of littleness’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-reminds-turkish-catholic-minority-of-the-logic-of-littleness</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-reminds-turkish-catholic-minority-of-the-logic-of-littleness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV encourages Catholic clergy, religious brothers and sisters, and lay pastoral workers to see the Catholic community’s small size as a strength during an encounter at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 28, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media.

Istanbul, Turkey, Nov 28, 2025 / 01:55 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV encouraged Turkey’s small Catholic community Friday to rediscover what he called the Gospel’s “logic of littleness,” urging them not to be discouraged by their tiny numbers but to recognize in them the strength of authentic Christian witness.The pope addressed bishops, priests, religious, pastoral workers, and laypeople at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul on his second day in the country. Catholics in Turkey make up roughly 0.05% of the nation’s 85 million people.Calling Turkey a “holy land” where the Old and New Testaments meet, the pope recalled the deep Christian roots of the region: Abraham’s journey through Harran, the early Christian communities in Antioch and Ephesus, and the long and influential history of Byzantine Christianity. He noted in particular that the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, currently led by Patriarch Bartholomew I,  remains “a point of reference” both for its Greek faithful and for other Orthodox Churches.The pope warned Christians not to treat this heritage merely as a memory of past greatness. Instead, he urged them to adopt “an evangelical vision” that sees their present reality through the Holy Spirit’s light.“When we look with God’s eyes, we discover that he has chosen the way of littleness,” he said, pointing to the mustard seed, the little ones praised by Jesus, and the quiet growth of the kingdom of God. The Church’s true strength, he explained, “does not lie in her resources or structures,” nor in numbers or influence, but in remaining gathered around Christ and sent by the Holy Spirit.Quoting Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid, little flock,” the pope encouraged Christians in Turkey to cultivate hope. He pointed to the growing number of young people approaching the Catholic Church as a sign of promise and asked communities to continue welcoming and accompanying them.He urged particular dedication to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, the transmission of the faith to local communities, and pastoral service to refugees and migrants—many of whom are among the most vulnerable people in the country. The pope also noted that many Catholics in Turkey come from abroad, a reality that calls for a deeper process of inculturation so that the language and culture of the country become “more and more your own.”The pope highlighted Turkey’s unique role in the history of the Church, recalling that the first eight ecumenical councils were held on its soil. Marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, he said the council continues to pose three questions to Christians today: What is the essence of the faith? Who is Jesus for us? And how should doctrine be expressed in ways that speak to contemporary culture?He warned against what he described as a “new Arianism,” a version of the heresy that divided Christianity in its early centuries, that reduces Jesus to a moral teacher or heroic figure while denying his divinity and lordship over history.Before concluding, the pope invoked the memory of St. John XXIII, who served in Turkey and wrote affectionately of its people. Reflecting on the saint’s image of Bosporus fishermen laboring through the night, he encouraged Turkish Catholics to persevere in the same spirit: working faithfully, joyfully, and courageously “in the Lord’s boat.”The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, where the meeting took place, was built in 1846 and houses relics of early popes, including St. Linus. A statue of Pope Benedict XV stands in its courtyard, erected in gratitude for his efforts to help victims of the 1915–1918 war. The inscription honors him as a “benefactor of peoples, without distinction of nationality or religion.”Watch Pope Leo XIV&#039;s full homily here. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, reminds, Turkish, Catholic, minority, the, ‘logic, littleness’</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo shares ‘secret of Christian charity’ with Little Sisters of the Poor</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-shares-secret-of-christian-charity-with-little-sisters-of-the-poor</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-shares-secret-of-christian-charity-with-little-sisters-of-the-poor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV visits a care home for the elderly run by a community of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 28, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media.

Istanbul, Turkey, Nov 28, 2025 / 03:00 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul on Friday, telling the community that Christian charity begins not with doing, but with being, i.e., living a real communion with those one serves.“The secret of Christian charity is that before being for others, we must first be with others in a communion based on fraternity,” he said during the encounter on Nov. 28, the second day of his apostolic trip to Turkey, where he is marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. A papal stop at a charitable institution has become customary during international journeys, and Pope Leo chose to spend time with the elderly as a sign of closeness to those often marginalized in modern societies.Founded in France in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan, the Little Sisters of the Poor serve elderly people in need around the world, including in Turkey, where they welcome residents of different religious backgrounds. The pope was greeted at the residence by the mother superior, former superior, and provincial leader before proceeding to the chapel to meet residents, staff, and benefactors.Pope Leo XIV visits a care home for the elderly run by a community of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 28, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media.Reflecting on the congregation’s name, the pope told the Sisters that their mission mirrors the life of Christ himself. “The Lord has called you not only to assist or help the poor, but has also called you to be their ‘sisters.’ You are to be like Jesus, whom the Father sent to us not only to help and serve us, but also to be our brother.” Turning to the residents, he warned that the word “elderly” risks losing its meaning in cultures driven by efficiency and materialism. Such attitudes, he said, lead societies to forget the dignity and value of older persons. Scripture and tradition, by contrast, present the elderly as bearers of memory and wisdom.“As Pope Francis loved to repeat – the elderly are the wisdom of a people, a treasure for their grandchildren, families and society as a whole,” he said. Pope Leo concluded by thanking the community for its patient, prayerful witness and prayed that the Lord would strengthen all who live and serve in the home. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, shares, ‘secret, Christian, charity’, with, Little, Sisters, the, Poor</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>‘On the paths of unity and peace:’ Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Journey</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-the-paths-of-unity-and-peace-pope-leo-xivs-first-apostolic-journey</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/on-the-paths-of-unity-and-peace-pope-leo-xivs-first-apostolic-journey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As Pope Leo XIV prepares to depart on his first Apostolic Journey, which takes him to Türkiye and Lebanon on November 27 to December 2, our Editorial Director explores the visit as a sign of unity and peace for the Middle East.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘On, the, paths, unity, and, peace:’, Pope, Leo, XIV’s, first, Apostolic, Journey</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Mozambique: Archbishop of Nampula’s urgent appeal for 30,000 displaced people in Memba</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/mozambique-archbishop-of-nampulas-urgent-appeal-for-30000-displaced-people-in-memba</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/mozambique-archbishop-of-nampulas-urgent-appeal-for-30000-displaced-people-in-memba</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Archbishop of Nampula and President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, Archbishop Inacio Saure, has issued an urgent plea for immediate humanitarian support to aid over 30,000 displaced individuals in the Alua district of Memba. 
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mozambique:, Archbishop, Nampula’s, urgent, appeal, for, 30, 000, displaced, people, Memba</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope’s December prayer intention: ‘For Christians in areas of conflict’</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-december-prayer-intention-for-christians-in-areas-of-conflict</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/popes-december-prayer-intention-for-christians-in-areas-of-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV releases his prayer intention for the month of December, and invites the faithful to pray that Christians living in the midst of war may be seeds of peace.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope’s, December, prayer, intention:, ‘For, Christians, areas, conflict’</media:keywords>
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<title>SACBC Justice and Peace Commission commends G20 resolutions</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/sacbc-justice-and-peace-commission-commends-g20-resolutions</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/sacbc-justice-and-peace-commission-commends-g20-resolutions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has welcomed and commended the key resolutions emerging from the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, recognising their alignment with long-standing calls for global justice, solidarity, and inclusive development.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>SACBC, Justice, and, Peace, Commission, commends, G20, resolutions</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope: &amp;apos;Virtual connection&amp;apos; cannot replace human relationships</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-virtual-connection-cannot-replace-human-relationships</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-virtual-connection-cannot-replace-human-relationships</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo meets with some 160 men and women religious from the Union of Superiors General, encouraging them to make good use of the “extraordinary opportunities” offered by technology—so long as these don&#039;t come at the expense of human connection.
                    Read all
                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope:, Virtual, connection, cannot, replace, human, relationships</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>‘The Sinner,’ Vatican terms, and stretching curds</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-sinner-vatican-terms-and-stretching-curds</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-sinner-vatican-terms-and-stretching-curds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Tuesday Pillar Post ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘The, Sinner, ’, Vatican, terms, and, stretching, curds</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>DDF head: No plans to change canon law on polygamous unions</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ddf-head-no-plans-to-change-canon-law-on-polygamous-unions</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ddf-head-no-plans-to-change-canon-law-on-polygamous-unions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The African bishops have long expressed concerns about the canonical discipline. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>DDF, head:, plans, change, canon, law, polygamous, unions</media:keywords>
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<title>New EWTN docuseries commemorates 100th anniversary of Christ the King</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-ewtn-docuseries-commemorates-100th-anniversary-of-christ-the-king</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/new-ewtn-docuseries-commemorates-100th-anniversary-of-christ-the-king</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Aidan Gallagher, director of EWTN Ireland, speaks at the premiere of “The Kingship of Christ” at the Vatican on Nov. 18, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

CNA Staff, Nov 23, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Marking the 100th anniversary of the feast of Christ the King, which this year falls on Nov. 23, EWTN has released “The Kingship of Christ,” a four-part docuseries that explores some of the core aspects of the kingship of Christ. The four 30-minute episodes look at the origin of kingship in the Old and New Testaments, what type of kingship is that of Christ’s, the growth in interest and devotion to kingship in the 1800s and 1900s, and how Christ’s kingship is being realized today. Currently airing on EWTN, the docuseries features Father Bernard McGuckian, SJ; Father Dominic Holtz, OP; and Father Mark Lewis, SJ.The four-part series was filmed across five principal locations in Rome that are highly relevant to Christ’s kingship, namely St. Peter’s Basilica, the Gesù (the main Jesuit Church in Rome), the Scala Santa, the Basilica of Santa Croce Gerusalemme, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Christ the King. Additionally, many other churches, basilicas, and monuments are featured across many countries throughout the world that were built in honor of the kingship of Christ.Aidan Gallagher, director of EWTN Ireland, who co-produced the series alongside EWTN Studios and EWTN Vatican, told CNA in an interview that he was approached by McGuckian 18 months ago to see if he was interested in making a series on the kingship of Christ to “commemorate and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of feast of Christ the King in 1925, which had followed Pope Pius XI’s papal encyclical Quas Primas.”From there, they worked to create a comprehensive series looking into this devotion and its importance. “At the heart of this work lies the desire that the kingship of Christ is recognized, realized, and accepted by individuals, peoples, societies, countries across the entire world so that Christ can reign in all hearts and thus be truly king of the world, leading us to peace,” he said. He explained that extensive work “has been put into researching and evidencing the fact that Jesus Christ is King, where we highlighted relevant Scripture across thousands of years from the Old Testament and New Testament. So, for thousands of years it has been there, and we hope that people will take away this fact from watching the series.”The premiere of &quot;The Kingship of Christ&quot; at the Vatican on Nov. 18, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN NewsThe film premiered at the Filmoteca Vaticano, a screening room in the Vatican, on Nov. 18. Ambassadors to the Holy See, journalists, and dignitaries were present for the screening. Gallagher shared that it was “very well received” and “there was excitement about watching the full series online.”After watching the series, he said he hopes that “people will understand the type of kingship which Christ presents and that recognition and allegiance to his kingship can ultimately lead us to peace, holiness, and the betterment of human existence — both in this life and the next.”“The Kingship of Christ” can also be viewed on EWTN Ireland’s website. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, EWTN, docuseries, commemorates, 100th, anniversary, Christ, the, King</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV urges Christians to move beyond outdated theological disputes</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-christians-to-move-beyond-outdated-theological-disputes</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-urges-christians-to-move-beyond-outdated-theological-disputes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV receives Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople at the Vatican on May 30, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Nov 23, 2025 / 12:29 pm (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to move beyond “theological controversies” that no longer serve the cause of unity and to rediscover together the faith professed at the Council of Nicaea 1,700 years ago.In a new apostolic letter, In Unitate Fidei (“In the Unity of Faith”), released Nov. 23, the solemnity of Christ the King, the pope links the anniversary of the first ecumenical council to the holy year of 2025 and to his upcoming apostolic journey to Turkey, where he will commemorate Nicaea’s 1,700th anniversary and take part in an ecumenical event with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Nov. 30 before traveling on to Lebanon.“I would like this letter to encourage the whole Church to renew her enthusiasm for the profession of faith,” the pope writes, stressing that the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed “for centuries … has been the common heritage of Christians, and it deserves to be professed and understood in ever new and relevant ways.”In a strong ecumenical appeal, Leo XIV says the Nicene Creed “can be the basis and reference point” for a renewed journey toward full communion among Christians. “It offers us a model of true unity in legitimate diversity. Unity in the Trinity, Trinity in unity, because unity without multiplicity is tyranny, multiplicity without unity is fragmentation,” he writes.“We must therefore leave behind theological controversies that have lost their ‘raison d’être’ in order to develop a common understanding and even more, a common prayer to the Holy Spirit, so that he may gather us all together in one faith and one love,” the pope continues.“The restoration of unity among Christians does not make us poorer; on the contrary, it enriches us,” he adds, calling the goal of full visible unity “a theological challenge and, even more so, a spiritual challenge, which requires repentance and conversion on the part of all.”‘This Creed gives us hope’Linking Nicaea to today’s crises, Leo XIV notes that the holy year is dedicated to the theme “Christ Our Hope” and that the Nicene Creed remains a source of confidence amid war, injustice, and suffering.“In this holy year, dedicated to the theme of ‘Christ Our Hope,’ it is a providential coincidence that we are also celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea,” he writes. That council, he recalls, “proclaimed the profession of faith in Jesus Christ, Son of God. This is the heart of the Christian faith.”“In these difficult times we are living, amid so many concerns and fears, threats of war and violence, natural disasters, grave injustices and imbalances, and the hunger and misery suffered by millions of our brothers and sisters, this Creed gives us hope,” the pope says.Leo XIV presents the letter as an invitation for all Christians “to walk in harmony, guarding and transmitting the gift they have received with love and joy,” especially through the words of the Creed: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God … for our salvation he came down from heaven.”Nicaea and the heart of the Christian faithThe pope devotes much of In Unitate Fidei to explaining the historical and theological context of the Council of Nicaea, which met in 325 to address the Arian controversy over the divinity of Christ.The dispute, he notes, “concerned the essence of the Christian faith,” namely the answer to Jesus’ question in the Gospel: “Who do you say that I am?” In response, the Nicene Fathers confessed that Jesus is the Son of God “in as much as he is of the substance (ousia) of the Father … ‘begotten, not made, consubstantial (homooúsios) with the Father.’”“The Fathers of Nicaea were firm in their resolution to remain faithful to biblical monotheism and the authenticity of the Incarnation,” Leo XIV writes. By adopting terms such as “substance” and “consubstantial,” which are not found in Scripture, the council “did not … replace biblical statements with Greek philosophy,” he explains. Rather, it sought “to affirm biblical faith with clarity and to distinguish it from Arius’ error, which was deeply influenced by Hellenism.”“The Nicene Creed does not depict a distant, inaccessible, and immovable God who rests in himself but a God who is close to us and accompanies us on our journey in the world, even in the darkest places on earth,” the pope writes. “His immensity is revealed when he makes himself small, laying aside his infinite majesty to become our neighbor in the little ones and in the poor. This revolutionizes pagan and philosophical conceptions of God.”Leo XIV also highlights the Nicene emphasis on the full humanity of Christ, noting the clarification that the Word “became man.” Against teachings that suggested the Logos only assumed a body, he recalls that later councils made explicit that “in Christ, God assumed and redeemed the whole human being, body and soul.”Quoting St. Athanasius and the patristic tradition, the pope writes: “Divinization, then, is true humanization (becoming fully human). This is why human existence points beyond itself, seeks beyond itself, desires beyond itself, and is restless until it rests in God.” Only God, he adds, “in his infinity, can satisfy the infinite desire of the human heart, and for this reason the Son of God chose to become our brother and redeemer.”A call to examine conscienceBeyond doctrine, Leo XIV insists that the Creed must shape Christian life.“Both the liturgy and the Christian life are thus firmly anchored in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed: What we profess with our mouths must come from the heart so that we may bear witness to it with our lives,” he writes. “We must therefore ask ourselves: What about our interior reception of the Creed today? Do we experience that it also affects our current situation? Do we understand and live out what we say every Sunday? What do these words mean for our lives?”“In this sense, the Nicene Creed invites us to examine our conscience,” the pope continues. “What does God mean to me and how do I bear witness to my faith in him? Is the one and only God truly the Lord of my life, or do I have idols that I place before God and his commandments?”He ties this examination to care for creation and social justice, asking: “How do I treat creation, the work of his hands? Do I exploit and destroy it, or do I use it with reverence and gratitude, caring for and cultivating it as the common home of humanity?”Echoing the Second Vatican Council, Leo XIV notes that “for many people today, however, God and the question of God have almost no meaning in their lives” and that Christians themselves bear some responsibility, since “they do not bear witness to the true faith; they hide the true face of God with lifestyles and actions that diverge from the Gospel.”Instead of proclaiming a merciful God, he laments, “a vengeful God has been presented who instils terror and punishes.”Following Christ and loving one anotherAt the center of the Creed, the pope writes, is the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and God.“The profession of faith in Jesus Christ, Our Lord and God, is the center of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. This is the heart of our Christian life,” he says. “For this reason, we commit to follow Jesus as our master, companion, brother, and friend.”Following Christ, he continues, “is not a wide and comfortable path,” but “this often demanding or even painful path always leads to life and salvation.”“If God loves us with all his being, then we too must love one another,” Leo XIV writes. “We cannot love God whom we do not see without loving our brother and sister whom we do see. Love for God without love for neighbor is hypocrisy; radical love for our neighbor, especially love for our enemies, without love for God, requires a ‘heroism’ that would overwhelm and oppress us.”“In the face of disasters, wars, and misery, we bear witness to God’s mercy to those who doubt him only when they experience his mercy through us,” he adds.Ecumenism as ‘sign of peace and instrument of reconciliation’Recalling the teaching of Vatican II and St. John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical Ut Unum Sint, the pope says that in a divided world “the one universal Christian community can be a sign of peace and an instrument of reconciliation, playing a decisive role in the global commitment to peace.”He notes that, while full visible unity with Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and communities born of the Reformation has not yet been achieved, ecumenical dialogue “founded on one baptism and the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed” has already helped Christians recognize each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and rediscover “the one universal community of Christ’s disciples throughout the world.”“We share the same faith in the one and only God, the Father of all people; we confess together the one Lord and true Son of God, Jesus Christ, and the one Holy Spirit, who inspires us and impels us towards full unity and the common witness to the Gospel,” he writes. “Truly, what unites us is much greater than what divides us!”‘Come, divine Comforter’The letter concludes with a prayer to the Holy Spirit for the renewal of faith and the healing of divisions among Christians.“Holy Spirit of God, you guide believers along the path of history,” Leo XIV prays. “We thank you for inspiring the symbols of faith and for stirring in our hearts the joy of professing our salvation in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, consubstantial with the Father. Without him, we can do nothing.”“Come, divine Comforter, source of harmony, unite the hearts and minds of believers. Come and grant us to taste the beauty of communion,” he continues. “Come, Love of the Father and the Son, gather us into the one flock of Christ. Show us the ways to follow, so that with your wisdom, we become once again what we are in Christ: one, so that the world may believe.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, urges, Christians, move, beyond, outdated, theological, disputes</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vatican defends monogamy against polygamy, polyamory</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-defends-monogamy-against-polygamy-polyamory</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/vatican-defends-monogamy-against-polygamy-polyamory</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ null / Credit: Alex Studio/Shutterstock

Vatican City, Nov 25, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
A new Vatican document defends marriage as a monogamous relationship amid the growing popularity of polyamory and addresses the pastoral challenges caused by conversion to Catholicism of people in polygamous situations.“One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy” was published in Italian by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on Nov. 25.“Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in the succession of partners,” the Vatican says.To illustrate this metaphorically, the text cites the myth of Don Juan, an unbridled seducer whose womanizing leads him to hell, which demonstrates that “multiplying partners in a supposed total union means fragmenting the meaning of marital love.”The text also draws on the writing of poets Walt Whitman, Pablo Neruda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Emily Dickinson, as well as philosophers such as the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.The document, signed by Pope Leo XIV, does not address the indissolubility of marriage or the purpose of procreation but focuses on the unitive aspect of marriage: “A communion of love and life shared by both spouses, a communion that is not oriented solely toward procreation but also toward the integral good of both.”The text originated from a request made during the Synod on Synodality for African bishops to prepare a statement on polygamy. African bishops themselves asked the Holy See for guidance on the issue, the doctrine dicastery said earlier this month.In the Nov. 25 document, the dicastery says it also wanted to provide a deeper reflection on monogamy in the face of growing “public forms of nonmonogamous unions — sometimes called ‘polyamory’” — in the West.The Vatican’s doctrinal note emphasizes that “properly understood, monogamy is not simply the opposite of polygamy.”Drawing from the teachings of St. John Paul II, the Vatican affirms that “only monogamy guarantees that sexuality develops within a framework of recognizing the other as a subject with whom one shares one’s life entirely, a subject who is an end in himself and never a means to one’s own needs. Sexual union, which involves the whole person, can treat the other as a person, that is, as a co-subject of love and not an object of use, only if it develops within the framework of a unique and exclusive belonging.”“Those who give themselves fully and completely to the other can only be two,” the text states, after noting that in nonmonogamous relationships everyone “would be treated as means and not as persons.”Sexuality: Total and open to lifeThe text makes it clear that placing sexuality within the framework of a love that “unites spouses in a single friendship” does not imply a “devaluation of sexual pleasure.” Rather, “by orienting it toward self-giving, it is not only enriched but also enhanced.”Thus, “sexuality is no longer the release of an immediate need but a personal choice that expresses the totality of the person.”The Vatican criticizes contemporary culture that reduces sexuality to consumption: “Various problems have arisen from an excessive and uncontrolled pursuit of sex, or from the simple denial of its procreative purpose.”Therefore, the Vatican defends openness to life in sexual union as a form of expression of “conjugal charity” without requiring that every act explicitly have that purpose.On an anthropological level, the document insists that “the defense of monogamy is also a defense of the dignity of women,” since “the unity of marriage implies, therefore, a free choice on the part of the woman, who has the right to demand exclusive reciprocity.”The document also addresses sexual violence, which it says proliferates on social media, and invites Catholics to provide education on “faithful and monogamous love.”“Education in monogamy is not a moral restriction but rather an initiation into the grandeur of a love that transcends immediacy,” it says.Theological foundations and spiritual traditionThe text offers a broad overview of the Christian tradition that has upheld and reflected upon marital unity. It quotes popes and Church fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, who saw in marital unity an antidote to “unbridled sexual abandon, without love or fidelity.”Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the text also considers the challenges for those who, desiring to convert to the Catholic faith, must navigate complex family situations. In addition to Africa, the document cites Asia, specifically India, where “monogamy has generally been the norm and has been considered an ideal in married life,” but polygamous relationships have also been present.Africa’s Catholic bishops issued a document earlier this year with six pastoral guidelines for how to welcome people in polygamous situations into the Church, both while upholding Church teaching on marriage and not leaving women and children vulnerable to abandonment and poverty.At the Aug. 4 assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in Kigali, Rwanda, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Cameroon’s Bamenda Catholic Archdiocese clarified that during the deliberations at the Synod on Synodality, “polygamy was not brought up as an African concept to be approved. It was brought up as a challenge to Christian marriage in Africa.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Hannah Brockhaus contributed to this report. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vatican, defends, monogamy, against, polygamy, polyamory</media:keywords>
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<title>COP30 ends without agreement for phasing out fossil fuels</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cop30-ends-without-agreement-for-phasing-out-fossil-fuels</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cop30-ends-without-agreement-for-phasing-out-fossil-fuels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Despite early hopes in the heart of the Amazon, the summit concludes without commitments on fossil fuels, leaving vulnerable nations disheartened and the multilateral process under strain.
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>COP30, ends, without, agreement, for, phasing, out, fossil, fuels</media:keywords>
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<title>Nigeria Catholic School: OLA Sisters call for global prayers for 315 abducted students, staff</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/nigeria-catholic-school-ola-sisters-call-for-global-prayers-for-315-abducted-students-staff</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/nigeria-catholic-school-ola-sisters-call-for-global-prayers-for-315-abducted-students-staff</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), the managing agents of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Nigeria, where 315 students and staff were abducted early Friday night, have issued a heartfelt appeal requesting prayers and spiritual solidarity.
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nigeria, Catholic, School:, OLA, Sisters, call, for, global, prayers, for, 315, abducted, students, staff</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo:  Choirs are called to be a sign of the Church’s unity</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-choirs-are-called-to-be-a-sign-of-the-churchs-unity</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-choirs-are-called-to-be-a-sign-of-the-churchs-unity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On the Jubilee of Choirs, Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass, urging choristers to live their ministry as a sign of ecclesial unity, singing “in unison” as a people walking together in faith. He notes that liturgical music must foster communion, helping the whole Church journey forward.
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo:, Choirs, are, called, sign, the, Church’s, unity</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo issues Apostolic Letter &amp;apos;In unitate fidei&amp;apos; on Nicaea Anniversary</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-issues-apostolic-letter-in-unitate-fidei-on-nicaea-anniversary</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-issues-apostolic-letter-in-unitate-fidei-on-nicaea-anniversary</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo issues the Apostolic Letter &#039;In unitate fidei&#039; on the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, broken down into 12 points, with the hope of &quot;encouraging the whole Church to renew her enthusiasm for the profession of faith.&quot; 

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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, issues, Apostolic, Letter, In, unitate, fidei, Nicaea, Anniversary</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo calls for the release of hostages in Nigeria and Cameroon</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-calls-for-the-release-of-hostages-in-nigeria-and-cameroon</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-calls-for-the-release-of-hostages-in-nigeria-and-cameroon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King in St Peter&#039;s Square, Pope Leo makes a heartfelt appeal for the release of students and priests kidnapped in recent days in Nigeria and Cameroon. 
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, calls, for, the, release, hostages, Nigeria, and, Cameroon</media:keywords>
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<title>Pope Leo XIV warns against ‘false mercy’ in marriage annulment proceedings</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-false-mercy-in-marriage-annulment-proceedings</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-false-mercy-in-marriage-annulment-proceedings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with the Roman Rota on Nov. 21, 2025, at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media

ACI Prensa Staff, Nov 22, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).
In a firm call to avoid “false mercy” in marriage annulment proceedings, Pope Leo XIV reminded that compassion cannot disregard the truth.During a Friday audience with participants in the legal-pastoral training course of the Roman Rota, the Holy See’s court of appeals, the Holy Father read a lengthy speech in which he recalled the importance of the reform of marriage annulment processes initiated by Pope Francis 10 years ago.The pontiff emphasized that theology, law, and pastoral care must be understood in a harmonious way, not as separate or opposing areas, and pointed out that annulment proceedings are not merely technical procedures to obtain the “free status of persons” but rather an ecclesial service based on the search for truth and on family pastoral care.Judicial processes at the service of truthIn this context, Pope Leo stressed that ecclesial judicial processes must be “at the service of the truth” and also reiterated that “the mystery of the conjugal covenant” must be kept in mind.“A fundamental aspect of pastoral service operates in judicial authority: the diaconia [ministry] of truth. Every faithful person, every family, every community needs truth about their ecclesial situation in order to walk well the path of faith and charity. The truth about personal and community rights is situated in this context: the juridical truth declared in ecclesiastical processes is an aspect of existential truth within the Church,” he stated.Consequently, the Holy Father pointed out that “the sacred authority is participation in the authority of Christ, and its service to truth is a way of knowing and embracing the ultimate truth, which is Christ himself.”A manifestation of justice and mercyHe then recalled that in God’s judgment on salvation, “his forgiveness of the repentant sinner is always at work, but human judgment on the nullity of marriage cannot however be manipulated by false mercy.”“Any activity contrary to the service of the process of truth must certainly be deemed unjust. However, it is precisely in the proper exercise of judicial authority that true mercy must be practiced,” he emphasized.In this regard, Pope Leo XIV insisted that the process of matrimonial nullity can be seen as “a contribution by legal practitioners to satisfy the need for justice that is so deeply rooted in the conscience of the faithful, and thus to accomplish a just work motivated by true mercy.”“The aim of the reform,” he added, “which is to make the process more accessible and expeditious, but never at the expense of truth, thus appears as a manifestation of justice and mercy.”The pontiff also emphasized the urgency of ensuring realism in annulment cases and appealed to the responsibility of the judges of the Roman Rota. He thus encouraged them to view the institution of the judicial process “as an instrument of justice” in which there is “an impartial judge” and the aim is to seek “a great benefit for all concerned and for the Church herself.”He stressed the importance of making “efforts to promote reconciliation between spouses are very important, including, where possible, through the validation of the marriage.”“Behind the procedural technicalities, with the faithful application of the current legislation, the ecclesiological presuppositions of the matrimonial process are therefore at stake: the search for truth and the ‘salus animarum’ itself [the salvation of souls],” he noted.Synergy between justice and pastoral carePope Leo recalled in this regard that, in recent years, there has been “a growing awareness of the inclusion of the Church’s judicial activity in the field of marriage within the overall pastoral care of the family.”“This pastoral care,” he pointed out, “cannot ignore or underestimate the work of ecclesiastical tribunals, and the latter must not forget that their specific contribution to justice is a piece in the task of promoting the good of families, with particular reference to those in difficulty.”Thus, he emphasized that “the synergy between pastoral attention to critical situations and the judicial sphere has found significant expression in the implementation of preliminary investigations aimed at ascertaining the existence of grounds for initiating a case of nullity.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, warns, against, ‘false, mercy’, marriage, annulment, proceedings</media:keywords>
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<title>The Friday Pillar Post &#45; November 21, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-friday-pillar-post-november-21-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/the-friday-pillar-post-november-21-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Written by Ed Condon and published November 21, 2025. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Friday, Pillar, Post, November, 21, 2025</media:keywords>
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<title>Authenticity, AI, and the present of the Church — Young people react to Pope Leo LIVE!</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/authenticity-ai-and-the-present-of-the-church-young-people-react-to-pope-leo-live</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/authenticity-ai-and-the-present-of-the-church-young-people-react-to-pope-leo-live</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Just hearing the pope’s voice speaking to us was powerful.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Authenticity, AI, and, the, present, the, Church, —, Young, people, react, Pope, Leo, LIVE</media:keywords>
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<title>Ep. 238: Pope Leo meets with young people, and the pension crisis</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-238-pope-leo-meets-with-young-people-and-the-pension-crisis</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/ep-238-pope-leo-meets-with-young-people-and-the-pension-crisis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV’s virtual conversation today with young people at NCYC sparks a conversation about the evolving relationship Catholics have with the petrine office. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ep., 238:, Pope, Leo, meets, with, young, people, and, the, pension, crisis</media:keywords>
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<title>PHOTOS: St. Cecilia, martyr and patron saint of music, rests in Roman basilica named for her</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-st-cecilia-martyr-and-patron-saint-of-music-rests-in-roman-basilica-named-for-her</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/photos-st-cecilia-martyr-and-patron-saint-of-music-rests-in-roman-basilica-named-for-her</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A close-up of the tomb of St. Ceclia at the basilica dedicated to her in Trastevere, Rome, Italy. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Vatican City, Nov 22, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).
St. Cecilia, widely known as the patron saint of music and musicians, is buried in the Basilica of St. Cecilia in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere where a famous Baroque sculpture of her still puzzles scholars.According to popular belief, Cecilia was a Roman noblewoman who lived in the third century. Despite being forced by her family to marry, she remained a virgin, as she had vowed to do as a young girl. Her pagan husband, Valerian, converted to Christianity after their marriage, and Valerian’s brother, Tiburtius, was also baptized a Christian. Both men were martyred. St. Cecilia, too, would later be tortured and martyred. It is said she took three days to die after the executioner hit her three times on the neck with a sword.The Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere in Rome, Italy. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and poets because of this sentiment and her alleged singing within the oven during her martyrdom. Her fortitude may inspire the modern Catholic in the trials of life and inspire one to find God within music. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAAfter her martyrdom, St. Cecilia was buried in the Catacomb of St. Callixtus. The underground burial place of early Christians was created around the turn of the first century A.D. by Callixtus, a deacon who later became pope.Located under the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road connecting the city to southeast Italy, the Catacomb of St. Callixtus once held the bodies of more than 50 martyrs, including St. Cecilia, and popes from the second to the fourth centuries.The Basilica of St. Cecilia is a fifth-century church in Rome, Italy, in the Trastevere neighborhood. It is dedicated to the Roman martyr St. Cecilia (early third century A.D.) and serves as the conventual church for the adjacent abbey of Benedictine nuns. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAAfter the end of Christian persecution, the relics of the Christians buried in the city’s many catacombs were moved to churches for veneration. St. Cecilia’s remains were transferred in the early 800s to a church built on the ruins of her former home.It is said that hundreds of years later, during a restoration of the church in 1599, her tomb was opened, revealing her body to be, miraculously, incorrupt. Artist Stefano Maderno was commissioned to create a marble sculpture of the saint.The main altar and crypt in the church of St. Cecilia in Trastevere. The church was built on the site of the house where the saint lived. St. Cecilia is known for “singing in her heart to the Lord” on her wedding day, despite her consecration to God. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNASources disagree about whether the Baroque artwork, still on display today at Cecilia’s tomb in the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, is a depiction of how the saint’s body was found in 1599 or an invention of Maderno. Either way, the sculpture — which depicts Cecilia lying on her right side, her hands tied, her face turned toward the ground, and the wound of her martyrdom visible upon her neck — is considered a masterpiece.A close-up of the statue at the tomb of St. Cecilia at the church dedicated to her in Rome, Italy. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAThere are several widely-told legends about St. Cecilia and her husband. One of the oft-repeated beliefs, dating to the fifth century, is that she sang to God “in her heart” as musicians played at her wedding feast.A statue in the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere in Rome, Italy. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAThis story about the saint comes from a Latin antiphon, but there is a competing interpretation, however.“Cantantibus organis, Caecilia virgo in corde suo soli Domino decantabat dicens: fiat Domine cor meum et corpus meum immaculatum ut non confundar,” the Latin antiphon says. In English it means: “While the instruments played, the virgin Cecilia sang in her heart to the Lord alone, saying, ‘Let my heart and my body be made pure, that I may not be confounded.’”An altar at the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Rome, Italy. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAAnother version of the antiphon gives a slightly different opening word, “candentibus,” instead of “cantantibus,” which would change the translation from musical instruments playing to “glowing” instruments of torture.An icon of St. Cecilia in the church dedicated to her in Trastevere in Rome Italy. According to the cultural custom of the time, Cecilia’s family betrothed her to a pagan nobleman named Valerian despite St. Cecilia’s consecration to God. On their wedding night, Cecilia told Valerian that she had sworn to remain a virgin before God and that an angel guarded her body, protecting her virginity from violation. She told Valerian that he would be able to see this angel if he went to the third milestone along the Via Appia and was baptized by Pope Urban I. Valerian went to the milestone as Cecilia had instructed and was baptized. She later converted his brother as well. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNAScholars continue to disagree about which Latin version is the correct one and which may be a copy error. What is without dispute, however, is St. Cecilia’s selfless example of faithfulness to God, even to the point of the sacrifice of her own life. St. Cecilia’s feast day in the Church is celebrated Nov. 22.This story was first published on Nov. 22, 2024, and has been updated. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PHOTOS:, St., Cecilia, martyr, and, patron, saint, music, rests, Roman, basilica, named, for, her</media:keywords>
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<title>Caritas at COP30: Hope is a choice</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/caritas-at-cop30-hope-is-a-choice</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/caritas-at-cop30-hope-is-a-choice</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Caritas representatives from over forty countries are in Brazil for COP30, urging world leaders to place human lives above political interests as the climate crisis deepens from the Philippines to the Sahel.
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Caritas, COP30:, Hope, choice</media:keywords>
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<title>Caritas Lebanon: Pope’s visit will give voice to those who are suffering</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/caritas-lebanon-popes-visit-will-give-voice-to-those-who-are-suffering</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/caritas-lebanon-popes-visit-will-give-voice-to-those-who-are-suffering</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Father Michel Abboud, President of Caritas Lebanon, speaks to Vatican News about how Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to the country will encourage them in their work and and give renewed confidence to all the Lebanese people. 
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Caritas, Lebanon:, Pope’s, visit, will, give, voice, those, who, are, suffering</media:keywords>
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<title>News from the Orient &#45; Nov. 20, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-nov-20-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/news-from-the-orient-nov-20-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L&#039;Œuvre d&#039;Orient: The new Romanian Greek Catholic Major Archbishop is installed, a report looks at church funding in Lebanon, and the world marks RedWeek2025.

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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, from, the, Orient, Nov., 20, 2025</media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Pope Leo XIV visits Augustinian Monastery in Montefalco</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-visits-augustinian-monastery-in-montefalco</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-leo-xiv-visits-augustinian-monastery-in-montefalco</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Highlighting Pope Leo XIV’s strong ties with the Augustinian community and with the legacy of Saint Clare, the Pope visits the Augustinian monastery of Santa Chiara in Montefalco, in central Italy, to celebrate Mass, pray and share a meal with the cloistered nuns there. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, XIV, visits, Augustinian, Monastery, Montefalco</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Parolin: Outrage against God to leave Ukrainians in the cold</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-outrage-against-god-to-leave-ukrainians-in-the-cold</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-parolin-outrage-against-god-to-leave-ukrainians-in-the-cold</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin celebrated a Mass in Rome to commemorate the victims of the  1932-1933 Holodomor and emphasized the suffering of the Ukrainian population today living under war. 

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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2025/11/20/2025-11-20-santa-messa-per-la-pace-in-ucraina/1763664136986.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Parolin:, Outrage, against, God, leave, Ukrainians, the, cold</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cardinal Pizzaballa: To achieve peace, we must listen to others&amp;apos; pain</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-to-achieve-peace-we-must-listen-to-others-pain</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cardinal-pizzaballa-to-achieve-peace-we-must-listen-to-others-pain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking to Vatican News, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses hope that the U.S. plan will lead to solutions offering “clearer prospects” and relief for the Palestinian population of Gaza. 
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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cardinal, Pizzaballa:, achieve, peace, must, listen, others, pain</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daily Catholic Reflection – November 19, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-reflection-november-19-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-reflection-november-19-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Today’s Catholic Reflection In 2 Maccabees 7, seven brothers and their mother endure severe torture from the king for refusing to eat pork, which contradicts their faith. The mother shows incredible strength as she watches her sons face execution. She encourages them to stay true to their beliefs, reminding them that their lives are a […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daily, Catholic, Reflection, –, November, 19, 2025</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daily Catholic Reflection – November 18, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-reflection-november-18-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-reflection-november-18-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Today’s Catholic Reflection In 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, we meet Eleazar, an elderly scribe who stands firm in his faith. He faces pressure to eat pork, which he cannot do. Rather than compromise his beliefs, he chooses death over defilement. Even when given a chance to escape by pretending to eat lawful food, he remains resolute. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://catholicmasses.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CMASSAD.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daily, Catholic, Reflection, –, November, 18, 2025</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daily Catholic News – November 19, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-news-november-19-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-news-november-19-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Spiritual Insights for Today: Pope Leo XIV recently addressed members of the diplomatic service at the papal mission, emphasizing the role of missionaries in the Church. He stated that missionaries serve as a ubiquitous representation of the Church, spreading its teachings and values worldwide. This statement underscores the Pope’s recognition of the significant role that […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daily, Catholic, News, –, November, 19, 2025</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daily Catholic News – November 18, 2025</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-news-november-18-2025</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/daily-catholic-news-november-18-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Spiritual Insights for Today: Pope Leo XIV recently addressed diocesan liturgy officials, urging parishes to adopt a liturgy that is ‘sober in its solemnity’. The Pope’s call, made during an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, also emphasized the need to respect popular piety. The Pope’s message is seen as an encouragement for […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daily, Catholic, News, –, November, 18, 2025</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.N. Security Council to vote on Trump’s Gaza peace plan</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-security-council-to-vote-on-trumps-gaza-peace-plan</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/un-security-council-to-vote-on-trumps-gaza-peace-plan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on a U.S. draft resolution backing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

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                      ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.N., Security, Council, vote, Trump’s, Gaza, peace, plan</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dozens of people die in DRC mine accident</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/dozens-of-people-die-in-drc-mine-accident</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/dozens-of-people-die-in-drc-mine-accident</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At least 32 people have been killed in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo when a bridge at a copper and cobalt mine collapsed due to overcrowding. Enormous financial interests in the mineral-rich region have long fuelled strife and conflict, resulting in corruption, displacement and an acute humanitarian crisis.

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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/reuters/2025/11/13/18/1763053300278.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dozens, people, die, DRC, mine, accident</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>CAFOD at COP30: Catholic actors push for justice and climate finance</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/cafod-at-cop30-catholic-actors-push-for-justice-and-climate-finance</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/cafod-at-cop30-catholic-actors-push-for-justice-and-climate-finance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Catholic actors at COP30 are amplifying the “cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor” while urging negotiators to pursue justice-based climate finance. CAFOD brings the experience of its partners across the globe who work with communities facing life-threatening climate impacts.
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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/afp/2025/11/17/15/1763389006871.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>CAFOD, COP30:, Catholic, actors, push, for, justice, and, climate, finance</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to nunciature staff: Bring hope where the world lacks peace</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-nunciature-staff-bring-hope-where-the-world-lacks-peace</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-nunciature-staff-bring-hope-where-the-world-lacks-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Rome, Pope Leo meets with Vatican diplomatic staff serving worldwide, urging them to be &quot;pilgrims of hope, especially where people lack justice and peace.&quot;
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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2025/11/17/2025-11-17-collaboratori-di-ruolo-diplomatico-nelle-nunziature-a/1763393210793.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, nunciature, staff:, Bring, hope, where, the, world, lacks, peace</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope to bishops at COP30: We are guardians of creation, not rivals for its spoils</title>
<link>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-bishops-at-cop30-we-are-guardians-of-creation-not-rivals-for-its-spoils</link>
<guid>https://lafiestaespana.com/pope-to-bishops-at-cop30-we-are-guardians-of-creation-not-rivals-for-its-spoils</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pope Leo XIV sends a videomessage to the bishops and cardinals of the Global South participating in COP30 in Brazil, urging cooperation and stressing that it is not too late if we choose deeds over words. 
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                      ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2025/novembre/17/WhatsApp-Video-2025-11-17-at-10.23.58.00_02_43_00.Immagine003.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, bishops, COP30:, are, guardians, creation, not, rivals, for, its, spoils</media:keywords>
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