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A mass led by Bishop Anthony Randazzo at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church East Gosford.

Pope picks Australian bishop for powerful Vatican position

Anthony Randazzo will be the first Australian to lead a Vatican office since the late cardinal George Pell.

  • Emily Kaine and Julie Power

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Pope Leo XIV waves after delivering the Urbi et Orbi (‘to the city and to the world’ ) Christmas’ day blessing from the main balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

‘Think of the tents in Gaza’: In first Christmas sermon, Pope decries conditions for Palestinians

Pope Leo made the unusually direct appeal during what is normally a solemn, spiritual service on the day Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus.

  • Joshua McElwee
Even Santa needs a break in front of the box sometimes.

Need something to watch? Here’s your armchair survival guide to Christmas TV

We’re making a list, and checking it twice: from the Papal mass to a Christmas murder mystery, the comprehensive guide to navigating the festive minefield of movies, repeats and specials.

  • Michael Idato
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‘They’re weak’: Trump slams Europe on migration, tightens screws on Ukraine

Describing Europe’s immigration policy as a “disaster”, the US president also suggested Russia would win its war in Ukraine as he blasted European leaders for talking too much without producing results.

  • David Crowe
Actress Cate Blanchett leaves the Vatican after an audience with Pope Leo.

Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett shower Pope Leo with gifts on Vatican visit

Pope Leo was presented with a bracelet from Cate Blanchett and a personalised New York Knicks basketball jersey by Spike Lee as dozens of prominent figures from film visited the Vatican.

  • Sophia Yan
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in the St. Damasus Courtyard at the Vatican for a state visit, where they will meet with Pope Leo XIV and pray with him in the Sistine Chapel, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Charles shakes off 500 years of history with simple act in Sistine Chapel

Anglican leaders hailed the moment as a ‘healing of history’ that began with Henry VIII’s violent split from the Catholic Church over his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

  • Joshua McElwee
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Pilgrims attending the canonisation mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St Peter’s Square.

‘God’s influencer’: How a Nike-wearing teenager became a saint

Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006, was particularly interested in computer science and devoured college-level books on programming even as a youngster.

  • Nicole Winfield
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin arrive for a press conference after their meeting in Alaska on August 18.

Let’s be blunt: Putin has called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine

As alarm grew over Ukraine’s rising death toll from Russian attacks, the Pope took to social media at the weekend to plead for a ceasefire. Trump, meanwhile, played golf.

  • David Crowe
Pope Leo XIV visited Australia four times before his election as head of the Catholic Church.

Royal Randwick lined up for Pope visit on a bumper weekend

Anthony Albanese invited Pope Leo XIV to a major Catholic gathering in Sydney in 2028 and planning is under way for a papal Mass if he takes up the offer.

  • Chris Barrett
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Israeli shell hits Gaza church that late pope called every day

Three people were killed and 10 were wounded, including the parish priest who regularly spoke to Pope Francis. Israel expressed regret over what it described as an accident.

  • Wafaa Shurafa and Melanie Lidman