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National Catholic Register

How Have the Popes Treated the SSPX?

Marco Iacobucci Epp
The façade and central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica stand above St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

COMMENTARY: As the Society of St. Pius X is again on the brink of schism, perhaps a more traditional approach from the Holy See would serve the universal Church — and the adherents of the SSPX — better.

Retiring New York Cardinal Dolan Says He’s a ‘Spiritual Granddad’ Now

EWTN News In Depth
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who recently retired from his role as archbishop of New York, says he is still a “spiritual grandad” to the people of New York.

Cardinal Dolan said he sees a ray of hope in the growth of Catholic influence in the U.S. since the nation’s founding.

Bishop Varden: Don't Use the Gospel As a Weapon

Vatican Media
Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, preaches to Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia during Lenten spiritual exercises at the Vatican on Feb. 22, 2026.

Opening the Vatican’s Lenten spiritual exercises, the Norwegian Cistercian bishop warned against weaponizing the Gospel in culture wars.

Pope Leo XIV: Freedom Is Fulfilled by Saying Yes to God

Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rome on Feb. 22, 2026.

During a Lenten pastoral stop near Rome’s Termini station, the Pope joked that he once considered joining the Salesians: 'They came in second place, sorry!'

Pope Says Switch Off Smartphones to Make ‘Space for Silence’ in Lent

Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Feb. 22, 2026.

At the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV also urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth year, insisting peace ‘cannot be postponed.’

Leo’s Lenten Retreat Provides Further Insight Into His Pontificate

Sailko
The Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, viewed from the entrance toward the altar. Adorned with Michelangelo’s frescoes of the Conversion of St. Paul and the Crucifixion of St. Peter, the chapel is the site of this year’s Lenten retreat for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia.

COMMENTARY: The Holy Father’s bold choice of Bishop Erik Varden as retreat leader speaks volumes.