A year into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is still enjoying popularity and rockstar-like fame, especially in Chicago, his hometown. Beyond the pop-culture interest, some of the faithful told OSV News his message of peace, dedication to the faith and outreach to young people have stood out.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on April 15, delivering a forceful appeal for peace to a nation scarred by years of separatist violence, telling the country’s leaders that “there is such a hunger and thirst for justice” as thousands lined the streets of the capital to welcome him.

Shortly after Vice President JD Vance appeared to warn Pope Leo XIV to “be careful” when speaking about theology and taking issue with his description of the U.S. conflict in Iran as unjust, the U.S. bishops’ point-man on doctrine issued a forceful statement on the Church’s teaching about just war theory.

A number of Catholic organizations are speaking out in defense of Pope Leo XIV, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his harsh criticism of Pope Leo XIV — with Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, also claiming the pope should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology” in criticizing the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran.

Across the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Catholics are finding creative ways to care for God’s creation, transforming parish grounds, churchyards and personal backyards into vibrant, life-giving spaces.