ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SLATERSVILLE RI

The plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo was the setting for the celebration. / Credit: Diego López Marina/EWTN News

ACI Prensa Staff, May 11, 2025 / 18:23 pm (CNA).

In a jubilant atmosphere, more than 10,000 faithful gathered in front of the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo (Peru) to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass for the election of Pope Leo XIV, who was bishop of the diocese for more than 8 years.

The celebration vibrated with joy following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez—both a U.S. and Peruvian citizen—as successor to Peter on May 8.

Dozens of local priests joined Chiclayo Bishop Edinson Farfán at the Saturday evening celebration. The plaza in front of the cathedral was outfitted with an outdoor platform and altar for the occasion, surrounded by musical bands and giant banners with the image of the Pontiff and phrases from his first papal greeting from St. Peter's Square.

Leo XIV's love for Peru and an invitation to an apostolic visit

In his homily, Bishop Farfán spoke of the profound love the new Pontiff has for Peru—a country he first visited in 1985—and, in a special way, for the Diocese of Chiclayo, which he pastored from 2014 to 2023.

The Bishop of Chiclayo noted the deep spiritual connection then-Bishop Robert Prevost had with the expressions of faith of the Peruvian people: from his devotion to the Señor Cautivo of Ayabaca and the Señor de los Milagros to his love for the Peruvian saints: Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Francis Solano, Saint John Macias, and Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.

“He drew on the popular religiosity of the Feast of the Most Holy Cross of Chalpón de Motupe, of the Eucharistic City of Eten with the Eucharistic Miracle of the Divine Child, and of the Feast of the Captive Nazarene of Monsefú, on his very birthday,” Bishop Farfán recalled.

"His beloved Diocese of Chiclayo, as he called it in his first address, was for him a school of faith, of closeness, of humanity," he affirmed, adding that this city in northern Peru "is a simple town that he loved deeply and that he continues to carry in his heart."

Bishop Farfán also announced that the diocese will extend an "invitation for him to visit us," and said that "without a doubt, Chiclayo will be in his heart."

The prelate further emphasized the pastoral profile of Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “a shepherd with the smell of sheep,” deeply human, sensitive to the suffering of the most vulnerable, and close to the needs of the people.

“He taught us to live the Gospel from closeness, with the poor, with the most vulnerable, with those who suffer, migrants, and refugees,” Farfán said, emphasizing that his choice of the papal name is a nod to Pope Leo XIII, “the precursor of the Church's social doctrine.”

"He is a man deeply sensitive to social justice... he bears the name of Leo XIV in appreciation and fidelity to Leo XIII and his great encyclical Rerum Novarum, which speaks of the dignity of work and of the worker, of social justice and the common good."

The homily also referenced the role the new Pope played during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he pastored the Diocese of Chiclayo.

"You are witnesses of all that this pastor did in this difficult time. He, like Jesus, made signs of the Kingdom of God with his life... he fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed all," he recalled.

Bishop Farfán asked the faithful to imitate these “signs of the Kingdom of God” and live with the same sentiments as Christ: closeness, mercy, justice, and communion.

Like a good Augustinian, the bishop emphasized, Leo XIV possesses a spirituality rooted in interiority and dialogue.

“He is a pastor who listens and engages in dialogue, willing to discern with wisdom the path God desires for his Church. He knows very well that without Christ we can do nothing… With Christ, everything! Without Christ, nothing!” he said.

The Eucharistic celebration concluded with cheers and applause, with a message of hope and prayer for the pontificate of the new Successor of Peter.

"I'm sure he will also tell us: courage, brothers, let us not allow our hope to be stolen. May the Holy Spirit accompany and strengthen him, and may Mary, the Mother of Good Counsel... protect and inspire him always," concluded Bishop Farfán.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with Catholic songs, fireworks and typical folk dances from the region.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

null / Credit: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock

CNA Staff, May 11, 2025 / 14:20 pm (CNA).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released a new 10th anniversary preface to a major document on the Church’s response to pornography, offering fresh recommendations for parents, clergy, educators, and civil leaders on combatting porn’s influence in an age of increased social isolation and the rise of artificial intelligence.

“Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography” calls for a renewed commitment to chastity and offers a message of hope and healing through Christ and the Church’s ministry, positioning the Church as a “field hospital” for those wounded by pornography.

The 50-page document includes a new introduction penned by the bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, providing an update to a document the bishops first released in 2015 — years before the social upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the founding of new “user generated” porn platforms such as OnlyFans, and the rise of sophisticated AI-generated “deepfakes” that proliferate fake pornographic imagery, often utilizing celebrities’ images without their consent.

Pornography, the bishops write, “gravely contradicts” the virtue of chastity to which all people — no matter their state in life — are called, offering a “deceptive substitute for real relationship” and posing a “serious threat to love in the life of the individual and the community.”

Jesus himself condemns the pornographic attitude in clear terms: “Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Mt 5:28), they note.

The bishops say the “loneliness epidemic,” which for years has exacerbated society’s appetite for porn, has only grown more acute since the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“Social isolation was already a danger in an individualistic society like ours, but it has worsened due to the continued spread of social media and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have confirmed that isolation and increased exposure to mobile devices have severely damaged the mental health of consumers, especially young people,” the document reads.

“This isolation threatens one of the deepest desires of the human heart. The desire for genuine relationship is intrinsic to human nature and its goodness is revealed by God: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’ (Gn 2:18).”

In recent years, the document continues, reports have emerged of the multibillion-dollar pornography industry’s use of deceptive tactics to draw in and addict users, including children.

“Often, those users don’t seek out illicit material; it seeks them. The pervasiveness of video-based social media platforms leaves little chance for people to ‘opt out,’” the bishops note.

“Some platforms also entice users, through peer pressure and false promises of ‘easy money,’ into sharing self-made pornographic material. The business models of major pornography sites depend on getting young people addicted, which is why some have chosen to shut down operations altogether rather than verify the age of users where legally required.”

In recent years, the porn industry has turned to increasingly sophisticated generative AI for the creation of new imagery that “exaggerates consumers’ expectations and gratifies their every whim,” instilling habits in the consumer that “make actual love even more difficult to realize,” the bishops write.

In addition, a major problem today is pornographers’ use of “existing people as the basis for ‘deepfake’ imagery without even the minimal consent that is already legally required.”

The document includes various recommendations for combatting porn.

Speaking to individuals, the bishops encourage those struggling with pornography to seek forgiveness and healing through the sacrament of penance, the cultivation of the virtue of chastity, seeking support through counseling and groups, utilizing filtering software, and persevering in the struggle. They encourage all people of goodwill to work together for laws and a culture that resists and rejects pornography and honors human dignity.

For parents, the bishops encourage discussing chastity and sexuality with children in age-appropriate ways, encourage critical thinking about media, setting positive examples with technology use, cultivating nondigital activities, and utilizing parental controls and filters. They also urge parents to consider delaying smartphone use among their children.

Clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to “articulate the transforming power of the Gospel,” provide pastoral support, make confession readily available, preach on chastity, educate themselves on resources, and refer individuals to trustworthy counselors and support groups.

Educators, the bishops said, should prohibit all nonemergency use of mobile devices during school hours; teach about the harms of porn beginning in middle school; be mindful and pastoral with students, parents, staff, and volunteers exhibiting signs of loneliness, isolation, or other symptoms of unhealthy private behavior; and teach the “importance and life-giving benefits of chastity and responsible living, using resources such as a theology of the body curriculum adapted for appropriate ages.”

Furthermore, the bishops exhort civil leaders to promote age-verification requirements on porn sites, call on them to address the production of AI porn, hold social media platforms accountable, and “[r]espect the family as the central social institution of society and support the authority of parents to protect their children online by ensuring that they have the tools necessary to monitor their children’s online activity.”

Noting a further update since the original publication of the document, the bishops concluded that “there is still a need for accountability for those who allow minors and other vulnerable people to be sexually exploited, either in secular society or in the Church.”

“Only when there is genuine transparency and authentic repentance can healing take place. Until then, perpetrators who need God’s mercy will remain with hardened hearts, unwilling to receive Christ’s words: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, from now on do not sin any more’ (Jn 8:11).”

“Have no fear! Trust in the Lord” Pope Leo XIV waves at a massive, jubilant crowd gathered on St. Peter’ s Square for the Regina Coeli on Sunday, May 11, 2025 / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Rome Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am (CNA).

“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” declared Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli address, as an extraordinary crowd of jubilant pilgrims packed St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The spontaneous call to young people from the first U.S.-born pope echoed the famous words of St. John Paul II in 1978.

On Sunday, Leo’s call — to an estimated crowd of 100,000 people — came during an address that coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday, which the new pontiff called “a gift from God” for his inaugural Sunday as Bishop of Rome.

The sound of marching bands and cheerful pilgrims resonated throughout the Vatican as an exuberant, celebratory atmosphere filled the piazza and the surrounding streets. Participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, specially welcomed by the pope, provided melodious moments throughout the gathering. Huge crowds poured into the square on a warm Roman spring day, with spontaneous cheers of “Viva il Papa” erupting repeatedly.

“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter,” Pope Leo said, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.

“In this Sunday always is proclaimed in the Mass the Gospel of John, chapter ten, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and for them gives his life.”

The pope noted that this Sunday also marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day focused on praying for those called to religious life and priesthood.

“Today, brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and religious life. The Church has such a great need for them!” the pope said.

Leo XIV emphasized the importance of young people finding “acceptance, listening, and encouragement in their vocational journey” within Catholic communities and having “credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.”

The pope specifically acknowledged the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment being hosted in Rome on Sunday. “I greet with affection all these pilgrims and thank them because, with their music and their performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said, as musical groups in the square responded with brief, spirited performances.

Referencing Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Leo encouraged Catholics to welcome and accompany young people discerning their calling.

“Let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” he said.

In a particularly animated moment, the pope addressed young people directly: “To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” The crowd responded with sustained applause.

The Regina Caeli prayer replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. Pope Leo invoked the Virgin Mary, “whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call,” to accompany all in following Jesus. He masterfully sang the Regina Caeli in mellifluous Latin before imparting his blessing. The crowd erupted in shouts of “Viva il Papa!”

The pontiff then spoke solemnly about the tragedy of the Second World War, which ended on May 8, 1945. “We are now confronting a third world war piecemeal as Pope Francis reminded us,” he said. “As Pope Paul VI said: War no more!”

“I hold close to my heart the suffering of the poor people in Ukraine, that they might find a true and lasting peace,” he continued. He also called for an end to the violence in Gaza and prayed for all those taken hostage to be released. “And I rejoice at the recent peace made between India and Pakistan.” He said he hoped for a lasting accord.

Pope Leo greeted “with affection all of you, those from Rome and the pilgrims from various countries,” mentioning countries and groups by name to cheers and applause from the square.

Leo also acknowledged that Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries. “I send a special greeting to all mothers for all they give to us,” he said, prompting warm applause.

The pope thanked everyone and wished everyone a “Buona Domenica” and a Happy Sunday. He spent a few moments gratefully smiling and acknowledging the ecstatic, warm reception before departing.

Following the Regina Caeli, the pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel and greet journalists who covered the conclave on Monday.

Morning Mass near the tomb of St. Peter

Earlier Sunday morning, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, at the altar near the tomb of St. Peter. He concelebrated with the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton. After Mass, the Holy Father paused to pray at the tombs of his predecessors and visited the niche of the Pallia. These woolen stoles symbolize the unity between the pope and metropolitan archbishops worldwide.

Last updated on May 11 with further images and details.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris, France is the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Catherine Labouré. / Credit: Lawrence OP/Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

May is a month to honor mothers. Mother’s Day falls on May 11 this year in the United States and Canada as the Catholic tradition continues of honoring, throughout the entire month, Mary, the mother of God.

To recognize the work and sacrifices of mothers, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, offered a prayer to be said today and throughout the month in thanksgiving for the love and support mothers provide. 

A Prayer for All Mothers

Good and gracious God,

We thank you for all mothers — the women you have called to bring forth new life and women who provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those entrusted to their care.

Give them the courage to raise godly children through happy and difficult times and wisdom to guide their children on the path to eternal life.

Fortify them through your word and sacraments to endure the challenges and trials of motherhood.

Instill in them joy and delight as they accompany their children through the years.

Shower them with care and support from their family and friends.

Comfort those mothers who have lost their children and those children who have lost their mothers.

In your charity, entrust all mothers to the tenderness of your own mother, Mary.

We love our mothers, Lord.

We ask for your blessing upon them this day and always.

Amen.

While Mother’s Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be challenging for others — for those who have lost their mothers, for mothers who have lost their children, for those struggling to become mothers, and for those whose relationship with their mothers may be painful.

To find healing on this Mother’s Day, we ask the Holy Spirit for comfort and aid, and ask Mary for her intercession and motherly love. 

Prayer for Healing to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, 

You have asked us to pray with confidence and we will receive great graces. We know your compassion, because you saw your Son suffer and die for us. In your union with his suffering you became the mother of us all. 

Mary, my mother, teach me to understand my suffering as you do and to endure it in union with the suffering of Jesus. In your motherly love, calm my fears and increase my trust in God’s loving care. 

According to God’s plan, obtain for me the healing I need. Intercede with your Son that I may have the strength I need to work for God’s glory and the salvation of the world. 

Amen.

Pope Leo XIV prays at the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, Saturday, May 10, 2025 / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Deutsch, May 10, 2025 / 13:42 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited and prayed at a Marian shrine outside of Rome, greeting the community there and urging them to "be faithful to the Mother."

The Holy Father visited the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano on Saturday afternoon. The sanctuary, located about an hour east of Rome, is run by the religious of the Order of St. Augustine and "houses an ancient image of the Virgin, dear to the Order and to the memory of Leo XIII," according to the Vatican.

The pope greeted the religious at the shrine before praying at both the altar and the Marian image there, according to the Vatican. The Holy Father also prayed St. John Paul II's prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel with the assembly.

"I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new ministry that the Church has entrusted to me, to carry out this mission as the Successor of Peter," Leo told those present.

The pope told the community that the shrine was "such a great gift" to them.

"As the Mother never abandons her children, you must also be faithful to the Mother," he said. The Holy Father also offered a blessing to those present.

Leo on Saturday also visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed in front of the tomb of Pope Francis, his immediate predecessor.

Francis is one of eight popes buried in the papal basilica.

An activist protests on Capitol Hill July 22, 2015 in Washington, DC. Members of the San Carlos Apache Nation and other activists gathered to protest the a section of the National Defense Authorization Act that would turn over parts of Oak Flat that are sacred to the Apache to a foreign copper mining company. / Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

CNA Newsroom, May 10, 2025 / 11:45 am (CNA).

An effort backed by the U.S. bishops to protect a centuries-old Native American religious site from destruction scored a win in federal court on Friday when a district judge blocked the sale of the location while the matter is considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. District Judge Steven Logan said in the Friday order that the federal government would be prohibited from selling the Oak Flat site in Arizona while the coalition group Apache Stronghold waits for the Supreme Court to potentially consider its case.

The federal government several years ago moved to transfer Oak Flat to the mining company Resolution Copper after having protected the site for decades. The group’s proposed mining operations would largely obliterate the site, which has been viewed as a sacred site by Apaches and other Native American groups for hundreds of years and has been used extensively for religious rituals. 

Apache Stronghold filed a challenge to the transfer, arguing that it violates both the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and an 1852 treaty protecting Apache territory. The religious liberty law group Becket is representing the group in the case. Several lower courts have already ruled against the Native American group.

Logan in his Friday ruling said he was persuaded by "the fundamental freedoms at stake in this case."

"It is undisputed that if the transfer goes forward and Resolution Copper’s mining plans are effectuated, [the Native American groups] will suffer irreparable harm in the long term," he wrote. The injunction, meanwhile, would “not stop Resolution from mining a single ounce of copper should the transfer ultimately be upheld.”

The "balance of equities" in the dispute is in favor of Apache Stronghold, Logan said, insofar as they have "established a likelihood of irreparable harm should the transfer proceed" and have raised "serious questions" about the merits of the case.

The injunction will hold until the Supreme Court either refuses to hear the case or else issues a decision should it take the case up, Logan ordered.

U.S. bishops say transfer 'jeopardizes religious liberty'

Last year the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined an amicus brief with the Christian Legal Society and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, arguing that the lower court decisions allowing the sale represent “a grave misunderstanding of RFRA that fails to apply its protections in evaluating that destruction.”

The transfer of the land “jeopardizes Native American religious practice and religious liberty more broadly,” the groups argued.

The Knights of Columbus similarly filed a brief in support of the Apaches, arguing that the decision to allow the property to be mined “reads into RFRA an atextual constraint with no grounding in the statute itself.”

The decision is devastating not just to the Apaches but to “the myriad religious adherents of all faiths and backgrounds who use federal lands every day for their religious exercise,” they said. 

Religious liberty scholars from the Notre Dame Law School, Seton Hall University, and the University of St. Thomas School of Law also filed a brief backing the Native Americans. Numerous other religious groups also filed amicus briefs.

A cropped version of the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV, published by the Vatican on May 10, 2025. / Vatican Media

Rome Newsroom, May 10, 2025 / 10:30 am (CNA).

The Vatican unveiled Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait and signature Saturday, revealing the American pontiff’s embrace of traditional papal elements just two days after his historic election.

The formal portrait shows the 69-year-old pope wearing the red mozzetta (short cape), embroidered stole, white rochet, and golden pectoral cross — traditional papal vesture that present a visual contrast to the simpler style preferred by his predecessor.

Vatican Media published the portrait alongside the pope’s personal signature, which includes the notation “P.P.” — an abbreviation traditionally used in papal signatures that stands for “Pastor Pastorum” (“Shepherd of Shepherds”). Pope Francis had departed from this convention, signing simply as “Franciscus.”

This return to traditional elements accompanies Leo’s papal coat of arms.

The heraldic design features a fleur-de-lis on a blue background, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, while the right side displays a heart pieced by an arrow, resting on a book against a cream background. This is based on the traditional symbol of the Augustinian Order.

The fleur-de-lis has particular significance in Catholic iconography as a symbol of purity and the Virgin Mary.

The three-petaled lily design has also been connected to the Holy Trinity. It is prominently featured in French heraldry, which may hold personal meaning for the pope, who has French ancestry through his father’s lineage.

Beneath the shield runs a scroll displaying the pope’s episcopal motto: “In illo uno unum” (“In the one Christ we are one”), a phrase taken from St. Augustine’s commentary on Psalm 127. The motto reflects Leo’s roots in the Augustinian order and his commitment to unity in the Church.

These profound presentations of papal symbols — the portrait, signature, and coat of arms — traditionally occur in the early days of a new pontificate and provide insights into the theological priorities and pastoral style the new pope intends to emphasize.

Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, made history on May 8, becoming the first U.S.-born pope.

Correction, May 12, 2025: An earlier version of this article described the heart in the coat of arms as a rendering of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Cardinal Fernando Filoni speaks to EWTN News in Rome, Friday, May 9, 2025 / Credit: EWTN News

CNA Newsroom, May 10, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV's pontifical name is a reflection of his intent to lead the Catholic Church with a "clear vision" amid a turbulent world, Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni said Friday.

The Italian prelate, who was one of the voting members of the conclave that elected Leo to the papacy this week, told EWTN News Vice President and Editorial Director Matthew Bunson in Rome that the cardinals were "surprised by the name" chosen by the new pope, born Robert Prevost.

But "it [was] a wonderful surprise," the cardinal said.

"I asked him why he took this name," Filoni said. "He's an Augustinian. ... He told me, 'In this moment, we need a man with a clear vision of the Church.'"

Filoni pointed to what was until this week the most recent Leonine pope, Pope Leo XIII, who lead the Church from 1878 to 1903, during a time of great global upheaval and change.

"[It was] a moment when society was reorganizing itself, especially the social [aspects] and the work, the organization," Filoni said.

Leo XIII worked to articulate the social positions of the Catholic Church in the midst of those transformations, including with the encyclical "Rerum novarum," which in part addressed deplorable working conditions and asserted the rights of workers.

Leo XIII has been hailed for decades as the "Social Pope" for those efforts. Filoni also pointed out that Pope Leo I — who served in the 5th century — is remembered as "Leone Magno," or "Leo the Great," and who among his accomplishments worked to clarify doctrines related to Christ’s human and divine natures.

"I think [Leo XIV] had a lot of these aspects in his heart" in picking his name, Filoni said. "And we will see it."

The cardinal further noted the new pope's first address to the world, which he opened with: “Peace be with you all.”

Filoni — the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre — said the significance of this blessing cannot be missed, particularly in the context of ongoing unrest in the Holy Land.

"I am sure it will remain an essential part of his pontificate, but not in the sense of a sociological aspect or political aspect," he said.

"If there is no peace of the Lord, men never will make peace," he said. "They will make an agreement [and] after a while it will be completely abandoned. So he put at the center of peace the person of Jesus, the risen Lord."

Seven members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Nigeria’s Enugu state died May 3, 2025, a result of a car accident. Six others sustained injuries and are being treated. / Credit: ACI Africa

ACI Africa, May 10, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) in Nigeria are appealing for prayers following a car accident that claimed the lives of seven of their brothers and left several others injured.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on May 5, the order’s leadership in Nigeria provided details of the accident that occurred on May 3 in the Ridgeway Community in Nigeria’s Enugu state.

“With deep sorrow but in the hope of the Resurrection, the Capuchin Friars of Nigerian Custody announce the death of some of our brothers in a tragic incident that took place on the evening of May 3, 2025,” said the statement, signed by Brother John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap, custos of the order.

The statement continued: “Thirteen of our brothers departed the Ridgeway Community, Enugu state, for Obudu, Cross Rivers state, Nigeria, but unfortunately had a fatal accident. Seven of the brothers died as a result of the accident, while six of them sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured brothers have been transferred to Enugu for proper treatment.” 

In the statement, Anyanwu entrusted the souls of his deceased confreres to the “merciful love of God” and invited the people of God to “join us in praying for the happy repose of their souls.” He said funeral arrangements will be “communicated in due course.”

The deceased Capuchin friars have been identified as:

Brother Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, OFM Cap

Brother Chinedu Nwachukwu, OFM Cap

Brother Marcel Ezenwafor, OFM Cap

Brother Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap

Brother Kingsley Nwosu, OFM Cap

Brother Wilfred Aleke, OFM Cap

Brother Chukwudi Obueze, OFM Cap

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen,” the statement concluded. 

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the College of Cardinals at the Vatican on May 10, 2025. The newly elected pontiff outlined his vision for his papacy in his first official meeting. / Credit: Vatican Media

Rome Newsroom, May 10, 2025 / 08:15 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV met with the College of Cardinals Saturday morning for his first official address since his election, outlining key priorities for his pontificate in the age of artificial intelligence, while emphasizing continuity with his predecessors and commitment to the Church’s social teaching.

The U.S.-born pontiff, speaking in Italian, explained his choice of papal name, noting that Pope Leo XIII “addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution” with his encyclical Rerum Novarum.

“In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor,” Pope Leo said.

The 69-year-old pope began the meeting with a prayer, expressing his gratitude to the cardinals while acknowledging his own limitations in assuming the papacy.

“You, dear cardinals, are the closest collaborators of the pope. This has proved a great comfort to me in accepting a yoke clearly far beyond my own limited powers, as it would be for any of us,” he said.

The pope specifically thanked Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, for their service during the sede vacante period.

In his address, Pope Leo emphasized his commitment to continuing the Church’s path following the Second Vatican Council, specifically highlighting Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” as providing “masterful and concrete” direction.

The pope identified several fundamental principles to guide his pontificate, “the return to the primacy of Christ in proclamation; the missionary conversion of the entire Christian community; growth in collegiality and synodality; attention to the sensus fidei, especially in its most authentic and inclusive forms, such as popular piety; loving care for the least and the rejected; courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world.”

After his prepared remarks, the Holy Father engaged in a dialogue session with the cardinals, discussing “advice, suggestions, proposals, concrete things” raised during the pre-conclave meetings.

Pope Leo concluded by quoting St. Paul VI’s hope expressed at the beginning of his pontificate in 1963, praying that the Church would “pass over the whole world like a great flame of faith and love kindled in all men and women of good will.”