Pope Leo XIV delivers Christmas message calling for peace in Middle East and Ukraine, urging world leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV greeted the soggy faithful in St. Peter’s Square in both English and Italian and apologized that there wasn’t enough room in the basilica for them all.

From Chicago's Pope to hot dog giveaways, here's a look back at some of the moments in 2025 that could only happen in Chicago.

King Charles has called for unity in diversity and praised ‘spontaneous bravery’ shown in the past year in his Christmas address, as the pontiff made an unusually direct appeal for peace around the world in his sermon overnight.

Pope 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 Media

Seven months into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots have helped frame both his spirituality and priorities.

Pope Leo XIV revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages on Thursday and urged the faithful to shed indifference in the face of those who have lost everything.

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 a homily centered on the vulnerability of the Word made flesh.