Silvia Stellacci, Author at Crux

Pope Leo XIV receives a box with butterflies as he arrives at the Basilica Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, central Italy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (Credit: Andrew Medichini/AP.)

Pope returns to sanctuary where he prayed after election and unveils a fresco depicting the event

by Silvia Stellacci and Nicole Winfield September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

Pope Leo XIV rides on his popemobile during his one-day pastoral visit in Acerra, Italy, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (Credit: Salvatore Laporta/AP.)

Church in Europe

Pope Leo meets families of youth lost to illegal toxic waste dumping in Italy’s ‘Land of Fires’

by Silvia Stellacci and Associated Press May 23, 2026May 23, 2026

This picture, taken Tuesday, April 14, 2026, shows the front pages of some Italian newspapers reporting on comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Pope Leo XIV, with headlines using words such as “outrage”, “shock attack”, “insult”, and Trump’s schism”. (Credit: Domenico Stinellis/AP.)

Vatican visitors slam Trump over attacks on the US-born pope’s message of peace

by Silvia Stellacci and Associated Press April 15, 2026

A painting inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome depicting a cherub, right, that bore a striking resemblance to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shows signs of alteration after the face was removed, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Credit: Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP.)

Church in Europe

An angel resembling Italy’s Meloni is painted over after an outcry from church and state

by Nicole Winfield and Trisha Thomas, Silvia Stellacci and Associated Press February 5, 2026

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