Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass at Basilica of Saint John Lateran - Rome

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass at Rome's Cathedral for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) on November 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. the Pope recalled the important history of the Cathedral, built at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine after he granted Christians freedom of worship in 313 AD, and then dedicated by Pope Sylvester I a few years later. However, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this Basilica, the ‘Mother of all Churches,’ ‘is much more than a monument or a historical memorial’. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Signs His First Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Signs His First Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV signs his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te in the presence of Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, in the private library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on October 4, 2025. An apostolic exhortation is a magisterial document written by the pope. Signed on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the document is Pope Leo's first apostolic exhortation. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Signs His First Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Signs His First Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV signs his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te in the private library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on October 4, 2025. An apostolic exhortation is a magisterial document written by the pope. Signed on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the document is Pope Leo's first apostolic exhortation. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2009 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 18TH DISTRICT. FEAST OF GANESH (2023 EDITION). EVERY YEAR, AT THE END OF SUMMER, THE INDIAN COMMUNITY PAY HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS INDIAN GOD, WITH A COLORFUL PROCESSION. Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Ile de Ré

Illustration - Ile de Ré

FRANCE, CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) ISLAND OF RE, HAMLET OF LA NOUE, VILLAGE OF SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE, THE RELIGIOUS PROCESSION, IN HONOR OF THE DEAD OF THE SEA, DURING THE FEAST OF THE HAMLET OF LA NOUE, EVERY YEARS IN THE BEGINING OF AUGUST Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Ile de Ré

Illustration - Ile de Ré

FRANCE, CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) ISLAND OF RE, HAMLET OF LA NOUE, VILLAGE OF SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE, THE RELIGIOUS PROCESSION, IN HONOR OF THE DEAD OF THE SEA, DURING THE FEAST OF THE HAMLET OF LA NOUE, EVERY YEARS IN THE BEGINING OF AUGUST Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Ile de Ré

Illustration - Ile de Ré

FRANCE, CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) ISLAND OF RE, HAMLET OF LA NOUE, VILLAGE OF SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE, THE RELIGIOUS PROCESSION, IN HONOR OF THE DEAD OF THE SEA, DURING THE FEAST OF THE HAMLET OF LA NOUE, EVERY YEARS IN THE BEGINING OF AUGUST Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Ile de Ré

Illustration - Ile de Ré

FRANCE, CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) ISLAND OF RE, HAMLET OF LA NOUE, VILLAGE OF SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE, THE RELIGIOUS PROCESSION, IN HONOR OF THE DEAD OF THE SEA, DURING THE FEAST OF THE HAMLET OF LA NOUE, EVERY YEARS IN THE BEGINING OF AUGUST Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Clergy lead a liturgy during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A participant carries a cross during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers gather inside a church to mark the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers gather inside a church to mark the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Clergy wearing ceremonial robes attend the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers greet clergy after the Feast of the Cross service in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers gather inside a church to mark the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Women sit together inside a room of the church during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A crucifix is displayed inside a church during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A church hallway is seen during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers receive flowers and leaflets at the entrance of a church during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers gather inside a church to mark the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Candles burn at a church altar during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Clergy and parishioners gather after the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers greet clergy after the Feast of the Cross service in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A woman takes photos during the Feast of the Cross celebrations in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers gather inside a church to mark the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Clergy exit the church as worshippers gather outside during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Clergy lead a procession during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Two women light candles in front of an icon during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A worshipper lights candles during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A woman prays before an icon of the Virgin Mary and Child surrounded by candles during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Two women light candles in front of an icon during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

A woman receives flowers and leaflets at the entrance of a church during the Feast of the Cross in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Aleppo Christians Mark Feast of the Cross

Worshippers leave the church following the Feast of the Cross service in Aleppo, Syria on September 14, 2025. The sacred occasion brings together Christian communities to honor the cross as a symbol of light, peace, and renewed faith. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM