A group of 48 transgender women attended a major Vatican event on Sunday with Pope Leo XIV, continuing a tradition that began under Pope Francis.

Diehard New York Knicks fan Spike Lee gifted Pope Leo XIV a custom Knicks jersey when the director visited him.

On Wednesday night, in a quiet corner of Antoine's in the heart of New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, two branches of Pope Leo's family that lost touch two generations before he was born were reunited over oysters Rockefeller and French 75s.

Pope Leo XIV has included Nigeria among countries where Christians face persecution. The others include Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, etc. The pontiff posted the list on his official X account on Sunday.

But left unspoken at a Vatican meeting with film stars were the deep divisions over issues like abortion and homosexuality.

Pope Leo XIV championed cinema and the theatrical experience in remarks at the Vatican to representatives of the world of cinema.

Spike Lee couldn't let his visit to the Vatican pass without presenting noted sports fan Pope Leo XIV with a New York Knicks jersey.

Poverty challenges Christians, but it also challenges all those who have positions of responsibility in society.”