Ivan Yaroshko
The film world is holding its breath for a unique premiere – the documentary film “Aldeas — A New Story.” Announced shortly after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, this project is not just a film, but a poignant spiritual testament born from the collaboration between the Pontiff and legendary director Martin Scorsese.
Pope Leo XIV’s Legacy of Listening, Remembered by His Augustinian Brothers
Genesis Labana, OSA
Among the sea of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on the afternoon of May 8, 2025, waiting patiently and prayerfully for the white smoke, stood a small but tightly knit group: the Augustinian friars from the General Curia and the Collegio Internazionale Santa Monica. When Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti finally appeared and declared, “Habemus Papam!”, the Augustinians needed no further introduction.
They instantly recognized the new pope: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.—their confrere, brother, and friend.
Jony Sagayaraj Rajamanickam
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on the evening of March 13, 2013, after being elected as Pope Francis, the world witnessed something different. After greeting the crowd with a simple “Buonasera”, the newly elected pope bowed his head and said, “Pray for me.” That moment was both spontaneous and deeply symbolic and it became a recurring refrain throughout his papacy: “Non dimenticatevi di pregare per me.” (Do not forget to pray for me).
Caritas Goa Makes a Mark in Its “Project HOPE”
Alfi Alex D Cruz
In this Jubilee year, the winner of the 2025 IVth Edition of the international award “Francis of Assisi and Carlo Acutis for an Economy of Fraternity,” was India, with an initiative entitled “Project HOPE” (Healing, Opportunities, Protection and Empowerment). The award was instituted by the Diocese of Assisi, responds to Pope Francis’s call for an “Economy of Fraternity.”
The €50,000 award was conferred to the Diocese of Goa and Daman, which serves approximately 642,561 Catholics with 365 diocesan and 351 religious priests across 174 pastoral centres and 39 missions.
Jony Sagayaraj Rajamanickam
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost O.S.A. of Chicago was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election marked a historic moment as he became the first American to ascend to the papacy. In his inaugural address from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new Pope greeted the world with the words, “Peace be with you,” echoing the risen Christ’s greeting to his disciples.
Emphasizing a message of unity and compassion, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of building bridges through dialogue and encounter. He called upon the faithful to work together towards peace and justice, stating, “We are followers of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love.” Continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and outreach to the marginalized. He pledged to lead a synodal Church – one that is inclusive, missionary, and open to all.
Charlie Carpio Bardaje
470, 000 devotees and pilgrims of Our Lady of Fatima consecrated Pope Leo XIV on May 13, 2025, days after his election as the new pope. The celebration of the 108th anniversary of the first apparition of our Lady of Fatima has been an occasion to remember the late Pope Francis and to consecrate Pope Leo XIV as the next successor of St. Peter. Now, the Portuguese Marian pilgrim site awaits the visit of Pope Leo XIV in the future.
Genesis Labana
Two days after his election, Pope Leo XIV gathered the College of Cardinals at the Vatican for his first formal address. In this meeting, he laid out the focus of his papacy and explained his choice of the name “Leo XIV.”
Shijin Anthonipilla
Over the last few years, the trend has shown that most women in Kerala do not want to commit to marriage, which has led to either the delay or rejection of marriage. Often, the reason seems to be that marriage curtails the freedom and personal aspirations of young women. Is marriage a necessary part of life?
Shijin Anthonipilla
It is unfortunate, but there is a certain degree of tension that has been observed between India and Pakistan in recent years following the division of India into two separate nations. It is important to acknowledge the history between the two nations, which has included three full-scale wars (1947, 1965, and 1971) and a major standoff in Kargil (1999).
It has been brought to our attention that there appears to be a certain degree of discord between India and Pakistan in recent days. The immediate reason was the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives in an attack on tourists. The accusation pertaining to the attack was attributed to Pakistan, on grounds that the attack was carried out in accordance with terrorist methodology.
Paul Juma Makhandia
From the moment the Vatican’s bells tolled as an indication that Pope Francis had died, to the swirl of white smoke that announced Pope Leo XIV as his successor, the world witnessed an impressive orderly transition of power. No bribes, no leaked tally sheets, no tribal caucuses forming inside the frescoed chapel—only an institution, confident in its rules, moving from grief to governance with metronomic discipline. This contrasts with many countries where democracy and elections are often anarchic, bruising, and stained by innocent blood. The world is called to draw a sober mirror from that Roman fortnight.
Acta Diurna 