Papal Culture & Community: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to gather for Sunday Mass in person, calling Sunday “the foundation and kernel” of the liturgical year and asking workplaces to make attendance possible. Vatican Arts & AI: The Holy See announced a new global art triennial, “Exercises in Empathy,” tied to Leo XIV’s AI-focused teaching on human creativity and moral limits. Sports as Soft Power: In Chicago, the White Sox held a Pope Leo-themed night with custom “pope hats” for 38,000 fans, a first pitch by a Dominican nun, and a “sign of peace” moment. Vatican Finance Watch: A report on how the Holy See regulates foreign funding highlights Vatican City State transparency and anti-money-laundering rules amid India’s FCRA debate. Abuse Accountability: The Holy See said it was informed about a Vilnius pedophilia case involving a priest accused of multiple crimes against minors, stressing no tolerance for abuse. Church vs. Politics: A Catholic group demanded excommunication of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey over a law expanding late-term abortion access. Liturgy Tensions in Germany: Bishop Peter Kohlgraf said he won’t impose sanctions on laypeople who deliver homilies despite Rome’s ban, arguing Vatican reasoning is “not entirely consistent.” Faith, Identity & Media: Pope Leo XIV acknowledged his mixed family history involving both enslaved people and slaveholders, reopening public debate over race and belonging.