Speaking to reporters in Castel Gandolfo just days before Thanksgiving, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, encouraged people across the world—not only Americans—to take time to express gratitude.

Pope Leo XIV Encourages the World to “Say Thank You” Ahead of Thanksgiving

The Holy Father emphasized that each person has received countless gifts:

• the gift of life,
• the gift of faith,
• the gift of unity,

and that giving thanks to God for these blessings strengthens both personal spirituality and communal bonds.

New Vatican Document Defends Monogamous Marriage Amid Rise of Polyamory

The Vatican has released a new doctrinal note titled “One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy”, reaffirming the Church’s teaching that marriage is a monogamous union between one man and one woman.

Published on November 25 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the document argues that only two spouses can give themselves “fully and completely” to one another. When more than two parties attempt this, the note explains, the gift of self becomes partial and ultimately undermines human dignity.

The document also offers pastoral guidance for situations in which individuals from polygamous relationships convert to Catholicism. It highlights the beauty of conjugal unity, which—through grace—mirrors the union of Christ and His Church.

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against “False Mercy” in Marriage Annulment Proceedings

During an audience with participants of a juridical-pastoral training course of the Roman Rota, the Vatican’s court of appeals, Pope Leo XIV stressed that compassion must not override truth.

He reminded Church leaders and tribunal personnel that:

• juridical processes must uphold truth, justice, and mercy together,
• annulment cases are not merely “technical procedures” to restore a person’s free status,
• but rather an ecclesial service rooted in genuine pastoral care for families.

Holy Father Updates Financial Oversight of Major Basilicas

In an effort to refine and improve ongoing Vatican economic reforms, Pope Leo XIV issued a new decree revising the financial and administrative structures governing the Basilica of St. Peter and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

These institutions will now fall under the ordinary oversight of the Vatican’s Council for the Economy, marking a continuation of reforms initiated by Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV noted that such reforms require periodic evaluation and updating to ensure transparency and effective governance.

New Apostolic Letter Calls Christians to Renewed Unity

On November 23, the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Leo XIV released an apostolic letter titled “In Unitate: In the Unity of Faith.”

The Holy Father urges Christians to move beyond old theological disputes that no longer serve the cause of unity. He invites all believers to rediscover the shared faith proclaimed at the Council of Nicaea 1,700 years ago.

Key points include:

• The Nicene Creed as a shared foundation for renewed ecumenical dialogue
• A link between the Council anniversary and the Holy Year 2025
• The Pope’s upcoming apostolic journey to Turkey, where he will commemorate the Council
• Participation in an ecumenical event with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on November 30
• Continued travel to Lebanon as part of the mission for Christian unity

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