The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, announced today the appointment of Fr. Richard Anthony D'Souza, S.J., as the new Director of the Vatican Observatory. He succeeds Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J, whose mandate of 10 years will expire on September 19, 2025. With this appointment, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed the succession process that had been underway before the death of Pope Francis.

Unceasing prayer for the Pope

At the heart of the Church, immersed in unceasing prayer for the Successor of Peter, following the way of life traced by Saint Clare of Assisi. This is the mission of the Poor Clares of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Albano, a cenobitic community located in the splendid setting of the Papal Villas. On July 15, the community had the joy of welcoming Pope Leo XIV, who visited the monastery. In this interview for the website www.vaticanstate.va, Abbess Sr. Maria Donata Reboldi speaks to us about this encounter.

By vocation and statute, at the service of the Pope

A team effort led primarily by the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas and involving all the Departments of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, everyone gave their utmost to offer Pope Leo XIV a peaceful period of rest at Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo. Dr. Andrea Tamburelli, Director of the Pontifical Villas, speaks about this in an interview for the Governorate’s website news: www.vaticanstate.va

56 Years Ago - Gazing at the Moon in Remembrance of the First Moon Landing

Around the world millions of viewers were glued to their televisions to watch the live broadcast of the moon landing of the Eagle lunar module from the Apollo 11 mission. About six hours later, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. He was the first man to do so. Buzz Aldrin followed him 19 minutes later. It was July 20, 1969—a date that marked a major milestone in the history of humanity.