Pope Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church — shared a simple Thanksgiving message ahead of the holiday: focus on gratitude and promote peace. Asked what he’s thankful for, the Pope said he’s grateful for “many things,” and encouraged Americans to use the holiday as a moment to say thank you to someone and recognize “the many gifts we’ve been given — the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of unity.” He called Thanksgiving “a beautiful feast that unites all people,” in

Roman Catholic Church Hierarchy | Overview, Structure & Roles