Pope Leo XIV got into the Christmas spirit Monday by taking part in a very Roman papal tradition: praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps on the Dec. 8 feast day that kicks off the Christmas season.

The pope suggested he was uncomfortable with “the style of prayer in that time and place,” adding, “In fact, I prefer to pray in a Catholic Church in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.”

A waterfront Mass in the Lebanese capital capped the pope’s three-day visit to the Middle Eastern nation with the largest proportion of Christians.

Pope Leo XIV is insisting that Europe must have a role in any Ukraine peace deal. And he is criticizing what he says is the Trump administration’s effort to “break apart” the long-standing U.S.

Carson Daly and his wife, Siri, traveled to Rome for the Vatican's "Concert with the Poor," led by their friend Michael Bublé. Ten feet away was Pope Leo XIV.

On his first trip as pontiff, Leo XIV predictably called for peace and unity. But he also addressed technology’s promise and pitfalls.

The Cardinals will open the season against Nauset on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Charles Moore Arena (Orleans). Pope Francis will also look to end its two-game losing streak against the Warriors, as the puck is scheduled to drop at 5:10 p.m.

Pope Leo XIV spoke about Christ's promise of eternal life during his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on Dec. 10.