Pope Leo XIV has carried a wooden cross at the Colosseum to mark his first Good Friday as pontiff. This is the first time in decades a pope has carried the cross to every station of the Way of the Cross. Speaking earlier, Leo emphasized the importance of spiritual leadership and carrying the world's suffering in prayer. Thousands gathered to follow the stations recited over loudspeakers. The meditation, prepared for Leo's first Good Friday, highlighted the responsibility of those in power.
Pope Leo XIV holds a cross as he presides over the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession during Good Friday celebrations at the Colosseum i…
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hosted a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon, the first since the Iran war began. He quoted warlike Scripture and prayed in Jesus' name. He read a prayer he said was shared with troops who captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It asked for "overwhelming violence" against enemies. Government leaders often use broad religious language, but critics say Hegseth's specific evangelical framing feels new for his role. On Monday, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued to obtain records about the Pentagon Christian services. Hegseth also announced chaplain reforms and cuts to the military's recognized religious affiliations.
Smoke rises following an explosion during a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran.
Palestinian Authority officials say Israeli settlers have attacked a West Bank mosque. They set a small fire and spray-painted anti-Islamic insults. Worshippers in the town of Tell near Nablus found smoke damage, broken glass and graffiti at the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque on Monday. A resident says security video shows two people arriving with gasoline and spray paint and running away. The graffiti includes the words "revenge" and "price tag." It's a term tied to settler retaliation attacks. Israeli police and the military say they are searching for the suspects.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Prophet's Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan in Madina, Saudi Arabia, Friday.
Pope Leo XIV has opened the church's penitential Lenten season by presiding over Ash Wednesday. He is lamenting the "ashes of international law and justice" that have been left by today's wars and conflicts.Leo revived the traditional prayer and procession that Pope Francis largely had to delegate to others in his final years. The American pope led dozens of monks, priests, bishops and cardinals from one Roman church to another and then sprinkled ashes on the heads of cardinals. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and reflection. It starts a season of self-denial and repentance from sin known as Lent. It leads up to observances of Jesus' death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis sprinkles ashes on the forehead of Pope Leo during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome Wednesday.
Palestinians gather near the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensive in Gaza City Wednesday.
Jean Ahillen Kilbridge, MD, of Burlingame, California, died peacefully on February 9, 2026 after a long illness. A devoted mother and a commit…
