The American pontiff said debates over sexuality should not define the church, while making clear he would not move beyond Francis’s position on same-sex blessings.

Pope Leo reiterated the Catholic Church's teaching that the death penalty is "inadmissible," in a video message released hours after the Justice Department said it would allow firing squads for federal executions.

Rumors about Leo swirled online amid tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican over the Iran war and U.S. foreign policy.

Pope Leo XIV is a frequent critic of the war in Iran and has criticized leaders for using religion to justify the conflict.

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday denounced the Iranian regime’s killing of protesters but stressed that, “as a pastor,” he cannot support the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Homan addressed the pope's criticism of President Donald Trump and his anti-migrant stance during a TurningPoint USA event in Texas.

Pope Leo said “the unity or division of the church should not revolve around sexual matters,” and that we must not treat migrants “worse than animals, as often happens.”

On his recent trip abroad, Leo XIV made some of his most forthright comments since becoming pope last year, but grew uncomfortable at how that criticism was interpreted.

Pope Leo XIV departed Africa and returned to Rome on April 23, concluding an 11-day visit to several countries that marked his first visit as pope to the continent. The Holy Father departed Equatorial Guinea after saying Mass at the coastal nationʼs Malabo Stadium. He had earlier visited Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola throughout mid-April.

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo expressed frustration Thursday that U.S. and Iranian leaders have not been able to get the diplomatic efforts to end the war back on track.“One day Iran says 'yes,' the United States says 'no,

Light up the room, Leo – today’s your cue to shine and shake off what’s been weighing you down.Your confidence is bouncing back today, and it’s not just in your head – others are noticing too. Whether you’re taking the lead at work,