In a festive St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV led his first Regina Coeli, urging prayers for vocations, peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and honoring Mother’s Day with warm wishes to all mothers. Entrusting it all to Mary, Queen of Peace, he renewed the plea: “Never again war.”

Pope Leo XIV has urged journalists to be peacemakers, rejecting prejudice and anger in their reporting. On 12 May, he also called for the release of imprisoned journalists, reminding the world: “The suffering of these journalists challenges the conscience of nations… we must safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American and first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church. A naturalised Peruvian citizen and beloved Bishop, he’s known for walking through floods, launching lifesaving aid during COVID, and carrying Christ to the streets. His papacy is rooted in unity, mercy, and mission.

The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival is being celebrated as a powerful moment to encounter Jesus and nurture future leaders of the Church. At the recent plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Festival Director Teresa Rhynehart shared exciting insights into the vision and mission of the event.

During Good Shepherd Sunday Mass, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB reflected on the meaning of vocation and the courage it takes to say yes to God’s call. Speaking at St Mary’s Cathedral, he encouraged openness to vocations and highlighted the qualities of faith, love, and service, linking them to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, whose own journey began with a simple “yes” to God.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said he hopes Pope Leo XIV will “be a dear brother and collaborator … for the rapprochement of our churches, for the unity of the whole Christian family, and for the benefit of all of humankind.”

The Diocese of Geraldton has launched a significant conservation initiative in 2025, focusing on the restoration and preservation of two of its most cherished heritage sites.

Newly ordained Norbertine priest Fr John De Agnel Anthoni Samy O Praem will be a living sign of Christ among us as the one who gives everything for His peo-ple, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said.

The ancient Order will this month celebrate 40 years since its establishment in Australia, with a national conference in Perth, Western Australia.

Over the Mother’s Day weekend, Catholic Mission hosted its second annual Mother’s Day Afternoon Concert at St Columba’s Church, South Perth. Titled Mother of Hope, the moving program featured sacred instrumental and choral works spanning five centuries, performed by violinist Paul Wright, soprano Em-ma Spadaccini, a string quartet, and a six-voice ensemble.