Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity as Bishops Push Climate Action and Abortion Rights
Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of fraternity within the church, while bishops worldwide have spoken out on climate action and abortion rights. Meanwhile, the U.S. has passed significant legislation, and a Mexican priest has been shot while on his way to minister to a sick person.
The Pope, during Mass on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, emphasized the need for unity and fraternity among church members. In Congo, church leaders cautiously welcomed a U.S.-brokered peace deal aimed at ending the conflict in the country's east.
The Vatican has appointed judges to oversee the canonical trial of Father Marko Rupnik, accused of abusing women spiritually, sexually, and psychologically. Bishops from various regions have urged bold climate action ahead of the November COP30 summit, rejecting false solutions like green capitalism and carbon offsets.
The U.S. House recently approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes key provisions of President Donald Trump's legislative agenda on taxes and immigration. The bill will soon reach the president's desk for his signature. Wisconsin's Catholic bishops criticized the state's top court for striking down a ban on abortion that had been in place since 1849. An Idaho pastor led his parish in prayer and Eucharistic adoration following a sniper attack on first responders on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Catholic priests will now be able to celebrate Mass 'for the care of creation' after the Vatican announced a new formulary of prayers and Scripture readings.
The Pope's emphasis on fraternity and bishops' calls for climate action and abortion rights highlight the church's ongoing engagement with social issues. The U.S. House's approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act marks a significant step in President Trump's legislative agenda, while the Vatican's new formulary for Mass allows priests to focus on environmental concerns.
