Actor Ralph Fiennes learns Pope Leo screened his thriller Conclave for real-life conclave tips, sparking the star’s questions about the pontiff’s movie night. Meanwhile, Leo honors Renaissance composer Palestrina with a choral gala and commemorative Vatican stamp, praising polyphony as a model of spiritual unity. And back in Dolton, Illinois, the auction of the future pope’s 1,050-sq-ft boyhood house is pushed to July 17 as the village scrambles to secure funds and landmark status for the modest, now-storied home.

The genealogical connection between Pope Leo and music star Madonna was uncovered through collaborative research by The New York Times, working alongside American Ancestors and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami.
The research traced both sides of Pope Leo's family tree, revealing that he and Madonna share a common Canadian ancestor named Louis Boucher de Grandpre, who was born in Trois Rivières, Quebec. This distant family connection places them among a remarkable group of Canadian descended relatives that includes notable figures like Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, Jack Kerouac, and both Pierre Trudeau and his son, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Madonna celebrated this newfound family connection in characteristic style, sharing a photograph with her father Silvio Ciccone. Her caption playfully referenced her iconic hit, writing, "Silvio! We're related to the Pope! Strike a pose!"This revelation comes at a particularly poignant time, as Madonna had previously attempted to reconcile with the Catholic Church. 

Three years ago, she reached out to Pope Francis, who passed away in April of this year. In a heartfelt message, Madonna wrote, "I'm a good Catholic. I swear! I mean I don't Swear! It's been a few decades since my last confession."She continued with a personal appeal, saying, "Would it be possible to meet up one day to discuss some important matters? I've been excommunicated three times. It doesn't seem fair." She concluded her message simply by signing, "Sincerely, Madonna."

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When Pope Leo first appeared on the central balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica following his election on May eighth, observers of Vatican fashion immediately noticed significant changes. The simple white cassock and silver cross that had characterized Pope Francis were replaced with more elaborate traditional vestments including a red satin shoulder cape called a mozzetta, a burgundy stole decorated with gold embroidery, and a golden cross suspended from a double strand of silken gold cord.
Throughout Pope Leo's initial weeks in office, Catholic observers who follow liturgical fashion continued to spot additional traditional elements returning to papal attire. These included details like cufflinks, white trousers, and decorative lace, all elements that had been largely absent during the previous papacy.

The shift in papal wardrobe has prompted speculation about whether Pope Leo's embrace of traditional vestments signals broader changes in Vatican policy and approach. After the revolutionary style of Pope Francis, Vatican watchers are questioning if this return to historical papal dress indicates a more comprehensive return to traditional practices.

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When U.S. bombs level three Iranian nuclear sites, Pope Leo’s call for dialogue suddenly looks prophetic. In a fiery Angelus the pontiff denounces “armed victories,” echoes the UN’s alarm, and urges world leaders to halt a spiral toward catastrophe. He then pivots to church-wide accountability, backing journalist Paola Ugaz’s abuse exposé, and reminds 68 nations that AI must serve people, not replace them. From nuclear brinkmanship to clerical reckoning and the ethics of algorithms, this episode charts a turbulent weekend where faith, geopolitics, and technology collide.

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Catholic women across the world are watching Pope Leo's early papacy with renewed hope for the possibility of becoming ordained deacons. After years of advocacy and prayer, these women see potential for historic change in a church tradition that has restricted the diaconate to men for centuries.

The optimism stems from recent Vatican documents that suggest openness to expanding diaconal ministry. A document approved under Pope Francis specifically states that no reason or impediment should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the church, adding that what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped. Most significantly, it acknowledges that the question of women's access to diaconal ministry remains open and requires continued discernment.


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Pope Leo has become an unexpected fashion influencer, and it all started with his love for baseball. The pontiff's well documented passion for the Chicago White Sox reached new heights last week when he was photographed at the Vatican wearing a White Sox baseball cap alongside his traditional white papal robes.



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A stunning genealogical discovery reveals Pope Leo’s family connections to some of the world’s biggest entertainers, including Madonna and Justin Bieber. Tracing their roots to a common Canadian ancestor, the Pope’s family tree includes icons from multiple fields. Join us as we explore the unexpected intersections of papal lineage and pop culture, and what this new revelation means for the modern papacy.To become a premium subscriber (no ads and no feed drops) visit caloroga.com/plus.
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In a powerful address to papal representatives, Pope Leo reiterates the Church's unwavering commitment to religious freedom and unity. With a focus on the universal mission of the Vatican, Pope Leo urges his diplomatic corps to serve as the "eyes of Peter" in promoting human dignity and building relationships across nations. A deep reflection on the intersection of faith and diplomacy, this address sets the tone for the Holy See’s global vision.To become a premium subscriber (no ads and no feed drops) visit caloroga.com/plus.

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The Pope noted how sport has played significant roles in the lives of many modern saints, both as personal discipline and means of evangelization. He mentioned Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, patron saint of athletes, who will be canonized this September seventh. Frassati's luminous life reminds us that just as no one is born a champion, no one is born a saint. Daily training in love brings us closer to final victory and enables us to help build a new world.



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Oscar winning actor Al Pacino had a historic meeting with Pope Leo on Monday at Vatican City. This marked the very first time that America's pontiff has held an official audience with a Hollywood celebrity.

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