Pope Leo XIV proclaims a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Meanwhile, SCOTUS weighs transgender athlete cases that could impact women’s sports. And, Minnesota & Illinois sue the Trump admin over “federal invasion” by ICE.

Pope Leo continues the 45-year tradition of baptisms on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with Pope Leo at the Vatican. And, pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai’s sentencing hearings have begun.

Pope Leo XIV warned that human rights and freedoms are under threat. Millions in the Philippines joined the Black Nazarene procession in a powerful display of faith. And, more than 3,000 pilgrims gathered at the banks of the Jordan River to mark the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

President Donald Trump announces a new oil deal with Venezuela, while European leaders push back against renewed U.S. interest in Greenland. Plus, organizers reveal the theme and patron saint of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

Pope Leo XIV has opened his first extraordinary consistory in the Vatican. Meanwhile, U.S. military action in Venezuela spurs debate on Cuba’s future. And, one year after the devastating California fires, a local resident shares his story.

A Venezuelan family celebrates survival as a miracle after U.S. strikes in Caracas. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV closed out the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year. And, Istanbul’s Orthodox Christian community celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany by diving into the chilly waters of the city’s historic Golden Horn.

Lawmakers clash over the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro. Meanwhile, world and religious leaders continue to respond to the events in Venezuela. And, FOCUS brings young Catholics together at SEEK 2026.

Pope Leo XIV marks the New Year with a call for renewal. Meanwhile, FOCUS, known for its missionary work on college campuses, is expanding its reach into Catholic parishes. And, the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display at the Museum of the Bible in D.C.

As 2025 comes to a close, we review a historic year for the Church. We remember Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and the early months of his pontificate. And, we take a closer look at an ancient Christian hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the year’s blessings.

Syrians celebrate Christmas with cautious hope after Assad’s fall. Meanwhile, Naples’ Christmas Street preserves centuries-old nativity traditions. And, we learn about sustainable investing and how it can align with Catholic values.