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Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest church within Christianity.

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Pope Leo waves at participants of the Catholic Chruch's Jubilee youth mass from atop a white vehicle

Pope Leo waves at participants of the Catholic Chruch's Jubilee youth mass from atop a white vehicle

Rome: Over 1 million gather at Pope Leo's youth mass

At Sunday's Jubilee mass, Pope Leo XIV urged young Catholics not to lose hope amid wars like those in Ukraine and Gaza.

Father Jebrail Romanelli of the Holy Family Church is being treated for injuries

Father Jebrail Romanelli of the Holy Family Church is being treated for injuries

Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza's Holy Family Catholic church

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized Israel for an apparent attack on Gaza's sole Catholic church.

The graveyard of the Mariawald abbey in the Eifel region, which belongs to a Cistercian order in North Rhine-Westphalia, pictured in 2016

The graveyard of the Mariawald abbey in the Eifel region, which belongs to a Cistercian order in North Rhine-Westphalia, pictured in 2016

Germany's monasteries and convents dying out

The number of people in monastic orders in Germany is sinking, with many convents and monasteries facing dissolution.

A nun in a gray habit stands smiling in a gym with a large yellow ball in her hand.

A nun in a gray habit stands smiling in a gym with a large yellow ball in her hand.

Life in a convent — dream or nightmare?

No money, no partner and no flexibility in the daily routine: many people couldn't imagine living in a convent.

Devotees of the small farming village of Bibiclat celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist while covered in banana leaves and mud on June 24.

Devotees of the small farming village of Bibiclat celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist while covered in banana leaves and mud on June 24.

In Philippines, Catholics get down and dirty for Taong Putik

The annual religious festival takes place on June 24 in the Bibiclat district of the northern village of Aliaga.

Beatrix von Storch (l) taking a selfie of herself with Alexander Gauland (m) and Alice Weidel (r)

Beatrix von Storch (l) taking a selfie of herself with Alexander Gauland (m) and Alice Weidel (r)

AfD and radical Christians: An alliance of convenience?

The radical right portrays itself as the defender of the Christian West against Islam. That is misleading.

Two men and two women sit in a TV studio; another man appears on a screen in the background

Two men and two women sit in a TV studio; another man appears on a screen in the background

Trump and Pope Leo XIV: Two Americans for peace?

Are Trump and Pope Leo XIV working together in their efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine?

Pope waves after Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate, St Peter's Square

Pope waves after Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate, St Peter's Square

'Rooted in tradition': The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

The inauguration of a new pope used to resemble a coronation, but these days, the ceremony is much simpler.

Pope Leo XIV. greeting members of the press

Pope Leo XIV. greeting members of the press

Crowds gather at Vatican for inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV

Leo XIV has assumed his duties as head of the Catholic Church. Will he continue on the path of the late Pope Francis?

A tall man in a suit (professional tennis player Jannik Sinner) laughs with a short man dressed in white (Pope Leo XIV) as both hold tennis rackets, people and a painting can be seen in the background

A tall man in a suit (professional tennis player Jannik Sinner) laughs with a short man dressed in white (Pope Leo XIV) as both hold tennis rackets, people and a painting can be seen in the background

Pope welcomes tennis star Sinner to Vatican

Pope Leo XIV was gifted a tennis racket by world number one player Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.

Pope Leo XIV appears on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on May 11, 2025

Pope Leo XIV appears on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on May 11, 2025

Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in first Sunday address

The new pontiff spoke about the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Pakistan and India in his first Sunday blessing.

Pope Leo addresses the crowd for the first time, his hands held to his mouth in prayer

Pope Leo addresses the crowd for the first time, his hands held to his mouth in prayer

What challenges await Pope Leo?

The new pope looks set to focus on peace, the climate and technology. But abuse scandals will remain a hot-button issue.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, his hands above his hands, greeting the crowd

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, his hands above his hands, greeting the crowd

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

The newly anointed pope, Leo XIV, left a lasting impression in one South American country. A closer look at his career.

Cardinal Robert Prevost of the US appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, May 8, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost of the US appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, May 8, 2025

Habemus Papam: US-born Robert Prevost is Pope Leo XIV

Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first pope from the US but he also holds Peruvian citizenship.

In St. Peter's Square, a group of priests react to the white smoke indicating that a new pope has been elected

In St. Peter's Square, a group of priests react to the white smoke indicating that a new pope has been elected

Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes first pope from US

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected on the second day of the conclave held in Rome.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, holding his palms together

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, holding his palms together

US Americans express joy and worries at election of Leo XIV

The election of the first US-born pope is a big deal for most Americans, reports DW's Janelle Dumalaon.

White smoke comes out of Vatican's chimney.

White smoke comes out of Vatican's chimney.

Pope signal: How does the Vatican chimney smoke ritual work?

As Catholic cardinals meet behind closed doors, here's a look inside the secretive ritual of papal smoke signals.

A man pulls his belongings in a trolley behind him, walking along a dark street

A man pulls his belongings in a trolley behind him, walking along a dark street

Pope Francis' legacy: Sheltering the unhoused in the Vatican

Pope Francis championed the poor and made space for them in the Vatican. What will become of them now that he's gone?

Pope Francis and cardinals on the balcony in the Vatican

Pope Francis and cardinals on the balcony in the Vatican

How does a pope get his name?

The name a new pope adopts says a lot about what he stands for.

Cardinals on the Balcony the St Peters Cathedral Society.

Cardinals on the Balcony the St Peters Cathedral Society.

The making of a pope: What to expect from the conclave

Catholic cardinals will begin the centuries-old conclave behind closed doors on Wednesday. Here's how it works.

Pope Francis (2nd R) waves at Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (L) during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 4, 2024

Pope Francis (2nd R) waves at Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (L) during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 4, 2024

Will the new pope come from Asia?

Cardinals from Asia make up the second largest voting bloc this time around, next only to those from Europe.

A woman in red sweater and yellow scarf smiles for the camera as she stands in a square near a church

A woman in red sweater and yellow scarf smiles for the camera as she stands in a square near a church

Women at the pulpit

Catholic women expect the next Pope to make a clear commitment to gender equality.

Gay Catholic JD Yap speaks with DW inside a church

Gay Catholic JD Yap speaks with DW inside a church

Filipino LGBTQ+ community backs local papal hopeful Tagle

Like Francis, Cardinal Tagle of Asia's largest Catholic nation, the Philippines, has embraced marginalized communities.

Fridolin Ambongo walks in a crowded stadium during his inauguration in Kinshasa on November 25, 2018.

Fridolin Ambongo walks in a crowded stadium during his inauguration in Kinshasa on November 25, 2018.

Eyes on DR Congo ahead of papal conclave

As the conclave begins in Rome, hope stirs in the heart of Africa. Could the next pope come from DR Congo?

Firefighters work on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to set a chimney, ahead of the conclave

Firefighters work on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to set a chimney, ahead of the conclave

Cardinals gather in Rome to elect new pope

Their presence has got the whole city buzzing about who will succeed the late Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, a man in white clothes and a big black cross is waving from a balcony, several cardinals in red clothes and hat standing by his side.

Pope Francis, a man in white clothes and a big black cross is waving from a balcony, several cardinals in red clothes and hat standing by his side.

Are Catholic institutions ready to abandon fossil fuels?

Under Pope Francis, the Vatican called upon Catholic institutions to divest from fossil fuels. How far did they get?

Cardinals dressed in red

Cardinals dressed in red

Vatican: Why conclave's new pope pick is hard to predict

The 2025 conclave is less predictable than ever after Francis shook up the Catholic Church during his years as pope.

Still image of the video showing the presenter of the show in front of an image of a Catholic church in Africa

Still image of the video showing the presenter of the show in front of an image of a Catholic church in Africa

Why the Catholic Church is more than religion in Africa

Did you know the Catholic Church in African nations plays a critical role in healthcare and education?

Cardinals dressed in white and red pay their respects to Pope Francis

Cardinals dressed in white and red pay their respects to Pope Francis

Trans people ask what's next for the Catholic Church

Will helping the vulnerable remain a priority for the next pope?

The Popemobile with the coffin in the crowded streets of Rome

The Popemobile with the coffin in the crowded streets of Rome

'Grazie, Francesco': Pope buried in Rome

Some 250,000 attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome on Saturday, including world leaders and ordinary people.

A picture of the late pope and many candles

A picture of the late pope and many candles

Argentina bids farewell to their 'hometown' Pope Francis

How do the people of his hometown, Buenos Aires, view Francis’ time as Pope?

Three people stand on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and look up at St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis lies in state

Three people stand on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and look up at St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis lies in state

Thousands from around the world pay respects to Pope Francis

Mourners from around the world are streaming through Saint Peter's Basilica for a third and final day.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Remembering Pope Francis and his legacy in Africa

Ahead of Francis' funeral on April 26, DW speaks to Father Mushunje, a priest and long-time admirer of the late pope.

A long line of people waiting in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis

A long line of people waiting in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis

Mourners line up to pay their last respects to Pope Francis

Mourners have gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

What happens after a pope dies?

Few things are as carefully choreographed in the Catholic Church as the period between two popes.

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson looks at the camera.

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson looks at the camera.

AfricaLink News April 22, 2025

Next pope could be from Africa +++ Hundreds dead as Angola fights cholera outbreak +++ Putin discusses Ukraine with South African President Ramaphosa

A church service in Gaza remembers the late Pope Francis

A church service in Gaza remembers the late Pope Francis

Christians in Gaza pay tribute to Pope Francis

Christians in Gaza feel an emotional bond with Pope Francis, who communicated with a local parish on a daily basis.

During a church service in Buenos Aires, a mourner holds an image of Pope Francis into the camera

During a church service in Buenos Aires, a mourner holds an image of Pope Francis into the camera

Catholics worldwide mourn death of Pope Francis

The news of the pope's death has triggered mourning around the globe, with people sharing memories of his ministry.

A Nigerian man speaks into a DW microphone

A Nigerian man speaks into a DW microphone

Pope Francis' teachings 'were for humanity'

DW reporters have been out on the streets to hear how people in Nigeria and Kenya will remember Pope Francis.

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

How and where will Pope Francis be buried?

Pope Francis rewrote papal funeral rites in the last two years of his life, breaking with years of tradition.

Pope Francis holds a baby as he arrives to lead a special audience with Vatican workers in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 22, 2016.

Pope Francis holds a baby as he arrives to lead a special audience with Vatican workers in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 22, 2016.

Pope Francis: What legacy does he leave the Catholic Church?

Francis reshaped the tone of the Catholic Church as its first Latin American pontiff. What will remain of his papacy?

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Who will be the next pope after Francis?

Speculation is rife about the most likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis as the next pontiff.

Christians light candles, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City

Christians light candles, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City

Vatican prepares to choose next pope

The death of Pope Francis sets in motion a series of rituals, as the Catholic Church moves from one papacy to the next.

A black-and-white image of the late Pope Francis lifting his cap and nodding his head

A black-and-white image of the late Pope Francis lifting his cap and nodding his head

In pictures: Life and work of Pope Francis

During his papacy, Pope Francis called for peace, inclusion, environmental stewardship and economic justice.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis: World, religious leaders pay their respects

Leaders from Asia to the Americas have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88.

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis' life and legacy

After becoming leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis set out to reform the Vatican and promote climate action.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Francis, a pope both conservative and unconventional

Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, brought change but he did not fulfill hopes for reform.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis sits out Easter Mass, but greets crowd

The 88-year-old pope is recovering from double pneumonia, which left him fighting for his life in the hospital.

Three women standing next to one another raise their left arms, with pink ribbons attached to their wrists

Three women standing next to one another raise their left arms, with pink ribbons attached to their wrists

Italy's right-wing government against rainbow families

Italy's right-wing government is legislating against rainbow families.

Pope Frances waves

Pope Frances waves

Pope Francis out of hospital after life-threatening illness

Before being discharged, the pontiff greeted crowds from a balcony at Rome's Gemelli hospital.