Vatican Appointments: Pope Leo XIV named Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, a historic first for a laywoman (and the youngest in the role), succeeding Paolo Ruffini and taking effect Nov. 1. Spain Visit & Migration: Pope Leo begins a June 6–12 trip to Spain, including a first-ever address to the Spanish parliament and a late-stage meeting with migrants in the Canary Islands, framing the visit as “shoulder to shoulder” solidarity. AI, Governance & Ethics: The pope’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” continues to dominate Vatican political talk—especially his call to regulate AI and “disarm” it to protect human dignity. Slavery Apology: Leo’s encyclical also includes a landmark Vatican apology for the Church’s role in legitimizing slavery, renewing global reparations debate. Church-State & Law: In France, lawmakers moved to repeal the Code Noir, while in Canada a bill amendment would criminalize “residential school denialism,” raising new questions about speech and religious protections. Abuse & Accountability: Portugal’s independent clerical abuse work helped drive new convictions, and in the U.S. a Texas priest, Anthony Odiong, received life in prison for sexual assault. Interfaith Spotlight: A Chicago rabbi thanked Pope Leo for his Gaza remarks, highlighting his approach of holding “humanity” for Israelis and Palestinians together.