The Holy See today released the pontiff's message for this "shared" time in preparation for Easter. In it he calls on the faithful to listen to the Word and recognise the voice of “those who are anguished and suffering”. This requires “disarming our language” in favour of “words of hope and peace”, as well as actions to “cultivate kindness”.
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.
By mandate of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, today met with Father Davide Pagliarani, superior of the Society of Saint Pius X. A path for theological dialogue on the points raised by traditionalists was proposed, but with the precondition of cancelling the consecrations scheduled for 1 July. The Lefebvrian Council will examine the proposal. For the Vatican, the Church should accompany this journey “with prayers”.
On the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Leo XIV paid homage to the Virgin at the Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, accompanied by a group of sick people. At the general audience, he invited Europe to look to Saints Cyril and Methodius to overcome “tensions, divisions, and religious and political antagonisms." During the catechesis, he reflected on the relationship between the Word of God and the life of the Church, noting that Scripture opens “the mission towards everyone.”
Leo XIV at the Angelus: “Strategies of economic and military power offer no future”. Solidarity with the victims of terrorism in Nigeria: “Work to protect life”. On the Day Against Trafficking: “Peace begins with dignity”. In his commentary on the Gospel: “In the broken bread, life is given, love that makes no noise”.
In a letter released on the opening day of the Winter Olympics, the pontiff, a sports enthusiast, offers his thoughts on the value of sports, citing the prolonged rally of tennis as an example of the ability to improve oneself through such activities. At the same time, he warns against undue competition that sidelines the culture of encounter, as well as doping and the use of technology that focuses solely on improving performance while losing sight of the individual.
The award was also given to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their peace process and to the Palestinian NGO Taawon for its humanitarian work. In his message, Pope Leo XIV said that fraternity is “not a distant ideal, but an urgent necessity.” Yaftali’s work for girls’ education, which has been severely restricted under the Taliban after they returned to power in 2021, was recognised. Her appeal is for the world not to forget Afghan women.
The pontiff called on the faithful to pray for "our brothers and sisters in Ukraine,” suffering from the cold and bombings. He expressed gratitude to dioceses in Poland and elsewhere for their assistance to the population. On the soon-to-expire New START treaty between Moscow and Washington, the pontiff urged action to “Ensure its concrete and effective follow-up.” Today’s catechesis was centred on “the Word of God in human words”.
Leo XIV spoke during today’s Angelus about the Milano Cortina Olympic Games, and urged governments to “promote sincere and effective dialogue”. He joined Cuban bishops calling on leaders to “avoid violence”. On the Beatitudes, he said, “God gives this hope primarily to those whom the world dismisses as hopeless.”
In today’s general audience, Leo XIV cited the "painful remembrance" evoked by International Holocaust Remembrance Day. He prayed to God for "a world without antisemitism and prejudice”, stressing that the community of nations should “remain ever vigilant.” In his catechesis on the relationship between Scripture and Tradition, he stressed that the Word of God “is not fossilized but [. . .] is a living and organic reality”.
Leo XIV thanked the participants in the Caravan of Peace: “Never be violent”. The pontiff's “pain” for Ukraine: the continuing hostilities “distance a just and lasting peace”. “Closeness” to people suffering from leprosy, on the day commemorating them. Comment on the Gospel: “We Christians must overcome the temptation to close ourselves off”.
The catechesis in today’s audience in the Paul VI Hall focused on the Second Vatican Council and Dei Verbum. The knowledge about God is "relational", realised in Jesus the "mediator," with his "integral humanity." Salvation also comes from the "real body" of Jesus. The pontiff also focused on building strong bonds of unity during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Leo XIV's message for the 34th World Day of the Sick has been released, which will be the heart of celebrations on 11 February 2026, in Chiclayo, Peru. The pontiff slams the culture of "haste" and "indifference”, pointing to the "sweet joy of loving," as an antidote, rooted in the bond with Christ. He cites the parable of the Samaritan and the encyclical Fratelli tutti: “To serve one’s neighbor is to love God through deeds”
The invitation starts the Ecumenical Week, whose meditations were prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church this year. As John the Baptist did, the call is not to seek approval and fame at all costs, but to love simple things and sincere words to recognise Jesus.
Tomorrow, Cardinal Parolin and Bishop Berardi will lead the ceremony to elevate the historic place of worship in Al Ahmadi. In its latest report on the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, AsiaNews presents the day of celebration local Catholics enjoyed. For the parish priest, Father Fernandes, it is a point of reference in daily life, pastoral care, and spirituality. Challenges and critical issues face the local Church.
At today's general audience, the first of Leo XIV's catechesis on the documents of the Second Vatican Council. ‘Words are not only used to exchange information, but to reveal who we are. Let us not fail to set aside time for prayer and meditation in our daily and weekly lives as Christians.’
Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Leo XIV baptised 20 children in the Sistine Chapel. “Remember the gift you have received”. At the Angelus, he blessed “children born in difficult conditions, both in terms of health and external dangers”. In the Middle East, pursue ‘the common good of the whole society’. Appeal to end violence in Ukraine.
At the start of the new year, the pontiff met with diplomats accredited to the Vatican. The topics he touched included the "weakness of multilateralism," war "back in vogue”, and the threats to the rule of law. He spoke out against “diplomacy based on force" and the use of "ever more fluid" language that hinders dialogue. He expressed concerns for freedom of conscience and religion, noting that “a truly free society does not impose uniformity”. He also spoke out in defence of life, migrants, and appealed for peace in Myanmar.
The 170 cardinals chose synodality and evangelisation as the main themes. There was no written document at the end, but listening and sharing are “the way” to follow. For Leo XIV, the Church can “offer a model of collegiality”. The relationship with local Churches must be boosted since it is harder to consult them. The College is called to be a “community of faith” rather than “a mere group of experts.”
Leo XIV held his first general audience of 2026 in the Nervi Hall, in the presence of 7,000 people. He began the reflections on the Council documents to “continue to seek ways and means to implement its insights," and “achieve ecclesial reform more fully”. The pope is also set to preside over his first extraordinary consistory this afternoon, with all the cardinals summoned to Rome.
Leo XIV closed the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica, and referred to the multitudes of pilgrims who passed through it as today's new Magi. Of the 33 million who arrived in Rome, 7.69 per cent came from Asia, with China as the eighth country in terms of numbers. God will continue “to amaze us,” especially “if our communities are homes “. If they “resist the flattery and seduction of those in power, then we will be the generation of a new dawn.”
Leo XIV spoke at the Angelus about developments in Latin America, calling for “Overcoming violence” and pursuing the “paths of justice and peace”. He urged respect for "human and civil rights." On the Jubilee of 2025, which ends in two days, he said that hope “is the incarnation of God," who calls for "the promotion of fraternity and communion.”
Leo XIV on the first day of 2026: “Without desiring good, there would be no point in turning the pages of the calendar”. At Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: “The world is not saved by sharpening weapons but by striving to understand and forgive”.
For Cardinal Mathieu, the end of the twelve-day war “has not dispelled the spectre of renewed hostilities. The question, according to the cardinal, is not 'if, but when”. In anticipation of World Peace Day, peace remains an “ideal and goal” also in relation to the “Jewish and Arab/Persian equivalents”. And may it be real “in hearts, in communities and in the world”.
On the feast of the Holy Family, Leo XIV recited the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace. He invited everyone to pray “for families suffering because of war”. In his commentary on the Gospel, he said that the family of Nazareth was God's “nest and cradle” in a “despotic world”. On today's ‘Herods’: ‘Let us not allow them to suffocate the flame of love in Christian families.’
The words of Leo XIV at the Angelus on the feast of Saint Stephen: “Those who believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, pushed out of public discourse, and not infrequently accused of favoring adversaries and enemies. Christians, however, have no enemies, but always brothers and sisters.”
“Jesus Christ is our peace,” said the pope in his Urbi et Orbi message, with him hatred and violence are rejected. Looking to the world, the pontiff appealed for "a future of reconciliation" in Myanmar and urged Cambodia and Thailand to rediscover their "ancient friendship." He also cited Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai who called on God to let peace “come like wildflowers, suddenly, because the field must have it”.
Leo XIV met with cardinals and heads of Vatican dicasteries. In his address, he remembered Francis’s “prophetic voice". Citing Evangelii Gaudium, he reflected on two "fundamental aspects" of the Church: mission and communion. Structures "must not weigh down [. . .] the dynamism of evangelization”. The authorities are called to be "the leaven of fraternity," without masks or subterfuge.
Today, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, after the Angelus, Leo XIV blessed the little Jesus figurines brought by the young people of Rome. The bambinelli will go to homes, schools, and oratories. [A]s you stand before your Nativity scenes, please pray to Jesus for the Pope’s intentions as well,” Leo said. Regarding today's Gospel, he spoke about Joseph as “a fragile and fallible man,” one who “at the same time is courageous and strong in faith.”
In the third instalment of AsiaNews’ report from the Gulf, Monsignor Bernardi reflects on the richness each person brings to the celebrations of Catholic communities composed of people from many different backgrounds. There are numerous challenges: from internal disputes among the Syro-Malabars to the need for formation that prevents faith from slipping into mere devotionalism. Local and universal jubilees are experienced with “dynamism and creativity”.
