170K views · 18K reactions | Seven apostolic journeys, 11 nations visited on 4 continents, and more than 500 homilies, speeches, and addresses. Here is a look at some of the most powerful images from Pope Francis' eventful 2019. | Vatican News | Facebook

9K views · 1.9K reactions | Vatican News continues with its inside look at the history, objectives and “mission budgets” of the various Vatican offices assisting the Pope in his pastoral ministry. We feature here the Vatican Secretariat of State with an interview with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. | Vatican News | Facebook

On Sunday morning, Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican Grottoes to celebrate a private Mass near the tomb of Saint Peter. Following the Mass, the Pope spent time in silent prayer at the tombs of his predecessors. In his homily, the Pope—speaking first in English, then in Italian—reflected on the story of the Good Shepherd in the day's Gospel. Pope Leo also spoke of the universal call to proclaim the Gospel, urging the faithful: “Take heart! Don’t be afraid!” Acknowledging that the mission sometimes