Crux Now Taking the Catholic Pulse
- Leo XIV’s forward-looking Independence Day remarks channel Cardinal Gibbons
by Christopher R. Altieri on July 6, 2026 at 5:55 pmIt has been said that the pope and the Vatican just don’t understand the United States, but that card is unavailable with Leo XIV on the See of Peter.
- Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert
by Samy Magdy on July 6, 2026 at 4:21 pmA well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.
- Pope begins his summer break after decisive flexing of muscle on international and church stage
by Nicole Winfield on July 6, 2026 at 8:13 amPope Leo XIV began a summer vacation on Sunday, capping a whirlwind finale to the first half of 2026.
- Pastor freed from prison in China weeks after Trump requested his release; Catholic still in prison
by Didi Tang on July 6, 2026 at 8:06 amA pastor of a prominent underground church who was detained in China in October has been released, less than two months after U.S. President Donald Trump brought up his case when meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing,
- July 4 weekend highlighted Leo’s complex relationship with his homeland(s)
by Charles Collins on July 5, 2026 at 1:09 pmAs the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV visited the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome. The first American pope has had a complicated relationship with his homeland.