As a year of two popes ends, Catholics and the world watch as Leo takes charge
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In 2025, the Catholic Church and the Vatican witnessed the death of Pope Francis and the election of the first pope born in the United States, Leo XIV. While the year was marked by profound change, the new pope emphasized his intention to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in a spirit of continuity with his...







