For three decades, Father Gregg M. Caggianelli had served in the military as a chaplain and active reservist, earning the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
On May 9 he became the first U.S. bishop ordained after the May 8 election of Pope Leo XIV.
How striking it was to hear the first words of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. They surprised, in no small part of course, because the world had never heard before from a pontiff born in the United States. But even more significantly, the first words he spoke as pope were not his own.
This is the full text of the homily delivered by Pope Leo XIV on May 20, 2025, the day the Holy Father visited the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and prayed before the tomb of St. Paul.
Get to know Pope Leo through this list of 10 things he’s actually said in the first days of his pontificate.
Catholic opponents of the death penalty said they are eager for Pope Leo XIV to build on his predecessor’s legacy of opposition to capital punishment.
As tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and throughout Vatican City, watch parties popped up on the campuses of Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary.
Local woman, nephew and friends are inspired after Pope Francis’ death altered their travel plans.
Known for his pastoral leadership and commitment to unity, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the Church’s mission of evangelization and global engagement.
