Vatican Dispatch

Reporting from Rome — the Pope, the curia, and what's actually happening behind the colonnade.

Leo XIV’s Spanish voyage exceeds expectations

From vast Corpus Christi crowds in Madrid to meetings with migrants in the Canary Islands, Leo XIV used his visit to Spain to articulate a vision of faith, society and human dignity

Bishop Schneider: SSPX dispute centres on truth, not liturgy

The cleric argues that the Society of St Pius X’s concerns focus on unresolved doctrinal questions surrounding Vatican II rather than solely on the traditional Mass

Leo heads to Spain as Vatican communications enters a new era

As Pope Leo XIV begins a week-long visit to Spain, debate continues over pastoral priorities, while a significant appointment signals a new direction for Vatican communications

EWTN’s president Alvarado appointed to head Vatican communications

Pope Leo XIV has appointed EWTN president Maria Montserrat Alvarado as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, marking a significant shift in the Vatican’s public-facing leadership

The Copts, the SSPX, and what everyone missed about Leo this week

While attention has focused on Leo XIV’s first encyclical, a series of significant developments have offered further clues about the direction of his pontificate

The real message of Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical is framed by artificial intelligence, but its deeper concern is the spiritual condition of modern society

Pope Leo turns to AI while synodality returns to centre stage

As anticipation builds around Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical on artificial intelligence, the Vatican also presses ahead with a renewed synodal process and prepares for the Pontiff’s first visit to France

Cardinal Eijk condemns Synod study group report on homosexuality

The Dutch cardinal argued that ambiguity in the synod study group’s treatment of homosexuality weakens the Church’s proclamation of moral truth

SSPX tensions, synod fallout and Leo XIV’s delicate balancing act

Rome has warned the SSPX that proceeding with planned episcopal consecrations would constitute a schismatic act, while simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to dialogue with the Coptic Orthodox Church

Bishop Schneider leads mounting criticism of Synod’s report on homosexuality

A controversial Synod study group document has reignited concerns among critics who argue the synodal process has marginalised orthodox Catholic voices

Leo XIV shifts the narrative with anniversary visit to Pompeii

The Pope’s Marian pilgrimage to Pompeii coincided with heightened scrutiny of Vatican-American relations and fresh controversy over Synod study group proposals

New report suggests the Synod still cannot speak clearly on homosexuality

The report attempts to balance pastoral outreach and doctrinal fidelity on homosexuality, but ultimately exposes the contradictions critics say have marked the wider process

Leo’s diplomatic approach tested by Mullally’s reception

The Vatican’s welcome for Sarah Mullally has sparked fresh questions about the balance between ecumenical outreach and doctrinal clarity

Vatican hits back at ‘population threat’ narrative

The Holy See’s latest text pushes back on claims that births harm the planet, linking ecology with a robust defence of the unborn

Africa visit signals shift in tone and emphasis for Leo

Pope Leo XIV’s African journey highlights his pastoral energy, political candour and evolving approach to continuity with his predecessor

Renewing Benedict XVI’s theological inheritance

Academics and clergy in Rome have established a society dedicated to deepening engagement with Benedict XVI’s thought and legacy

Misreading Leo XIV: Africa, not America, is the focus

The Pope’s African itinerary reveals a broader mission than the US-centred debate suggests

Synodality or evangelisation: where will Leo lead the Church?

Leo XIV’s early signals point to a recalibration of priorities within the Church, with evangelisation taking precedence

From Holy Week to world stage: Leo XIV’s call for peace

The Pope’s Easter addresses and later remarks reveal a cautious but clear engagement with conflict and diplomacy on the world stage

What Pope Leo’s Easter decisions reveal about his priorities

Liturgical decisions and curial appointments during Holy Week suggest that Leo is moving quietly but deliberately to mark a clear departure from recent Vatican patterns

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