Catholic church Breaking News

---

• The Catholic Church is entering a new era with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff. His election marks a significant shift in the Church’s leadership, as he follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

• A Historic Election
• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. His election was announced with the traditional words: “Habemus Papam!” as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, celebrating the arrival of a new leader who is expected to continue the pastoral and inclusive approach of Pope Francis.

• Challenges and Expectations
• Pope Leo XIV faces major challenges, including navigating the Church’s stance on social justice, digital ethics, and global unity. His leadership comes at a time when the Church is deeply divided, particularly in the United States, where conservative and progressive Catholics hold differing views on issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic justice.

• A Vision for the Future
• In his first address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of building bridges rather than divisions. He called on Catholics worldwide to embrace dialogue, unity, and peace, echoing the themes of synodality introduced by Pope Francis. His commitment to pastoral care and missionary work—especially in Latin America—suggests that he will continue to focus on social outreach and inclusion.

• As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is expected to shape the future of the Catholic Church in profound ways. Will he continue the reforms of Pope Francis, or will he carve out a new path? Only time will tell.

•  Pope Leo XIV has been actively engaging in various religious and pastoral activities since his election on May 8, 2025. Here are some of his recent events and encounters:
• Recent Activities and Trips
• May 9, 2025 – Conducted Mass in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.
• May 10, 2025 – Took his first trip outside the Vatican, visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy2.
  
• He arrived in a Volkswagen vehicle, greeted crowds, and offered blessings.
• This visit was unannounced, following the tradition of Pope Francis, who frequently made surprise visits to Catholic sites near Rome.
• Encounters and Engagements
• Pope Leo XIV has been actively connecting with the faithful, emphasizing a missionary Church that builds bridges.
• He has spoken in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, Latin, and Portuguese, reflecting his deep ties to Latin America.
• His leadership style is described as warm and down-to-earth, reminiscent of Pope Francis

•  During his audience with journalists in the Paul VI Hall on May 12, 2025, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of truth in journalism and the responsibility of media in shaping society. He urged journalists to reject the war of words, avoid sensationalism, and promote peaceful communication.
• The Pope reaffirmed the Church’s solidarity with persecuted journalists, calling for their release and defending freedom of expression. He stressed that only informed individuals can make free choices, highlighting the power of ethical reporting in fostering a more just world.
• Additionally, Pope Leo XIV encouraged media professionals to overcome stereotypes and present the Church in its true essence, focusing on faith, love, and service rather than misconceptions. He reminded them that communication is not just about transmitting information, but about creating a culture of dialogue and understanding.

• On May 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made a significant pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking one of his first public outings since his election as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. This visit was deeply symbolic, as it reflected his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his reverence for his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose tomb now rests within the basilica.

• A Pilgrimage of Faith and Continuity
• Less than 48 hours after his election, Pope Leo XIV embarked on this journey, demonstrating his commitment to the traditions of the Church and his personal spirituality. His visit to St. Mary Major was not merely a ceremonial act but a profound moment of prayer and reflection.
• Upon arriving at the basilica, Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer before the revered icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani (Protector of the Roman People), a sacred image that has been venerated by countless popes throughout history. This act signified his trust in the intercession of the Blessed Mother as he begins his papal ministry.

• Honoring Pope Francis at His Tomb
• One of the most poignant moments of the visit was when Pope Leo XIV knelt before the tomb of Pope Francis, offering prayers for his predecessor. Pope Francis, known for his humility and dedication to social justice, left an indelible mark on the Church. His passing was mourned by millions, and his legacy continues to inspire Catholics worldwide.
• Pope Leo XIV’s gesture at the tomb was a symbol of continuity, acknowledging the work of Pope Francis while embracing his own mission as the new leader of the Church. His prayer was one of gratitude, asking for guidance as he steps into the role of shepherd for over a billion Catholics.

• A Message of Unity and Renewal
• Following his time in prayer, Pope Leo XIV addressed a small gathering of clergy and faithful outside the basilica. He spoke of the importance of unity, renewal, and missionary outreach, echoing themes that Pope Francis championed during his papacy.
• He emphasized that the Church must continue to be a beacon of hope, reaching out to the marginalized and fostering a spirit of compassion. His words resonated with those present, reinforcing his vision for a Church that remains deeply connected to its people.
• Looking Ahead
• This visit to St. Mary Major and the tomb of Pope Francis set the tone for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. It was a moment of reflection, prayer, and commitment—a declaration that he intends to lead with faith, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
• As Pope Leo XIV continues his journey, Catholics around the world eagerly anticipate his leadership, hoping that he will carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis while bringing his own unique vision to the Church.

•  Yesterday, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking Good Shepherd Sunday. He emphasized the importance of prayer for vocations, urging young people to embrace their calling and find support within their communities.
• The Pope also made a strong appeal for peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for civilians, and the release of hostages4. He expressed deep sorrow for the suffering in Ukraine, urging negotiations for a just and lasting peace. Additionally, he welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hoping for a lasting agreement.
• In a heartfelt moment, Pope Leo sang the traditional Marian prayer, surprising the crowd and reinforcing his message of faith and hope. His speech resonated with the 100,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, who responded with enthusiastic applause.
• Would you like more details on a specific part of his address?

• Pope Leo XIV has a busy schedule filled with liturgical celebrations, diplomatic meetings, and pastoral visits. Here are some key events happening this month:
• Upcoming Events for Pope Leo XIV
• May 18: Inauguration Mass of his Petrine Ministry at St. Peter’s Square.
• May 20: Pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to visit the tomb of St. Paul.
• May 25: Eucharistic Celebration at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, marking his formal installation on the Cathedra Romana.
• May 31: Mass with priestly ordinations in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Other Notable Activities
• May 12: Meeting with 6,000 journalists at the Vatican, where he emphasized peaceful communication and the importance of free speech.
• May 16: Meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to discuss global peace efforts.
• May 24: Gathering with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees.
• Pope Leo XIV is also preparing for a historic visit to Türkiye to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. His leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on peace, dialogue, and social justice.

• PAPAL FIRST DISCOURSE
• Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God's flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!
• This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!
• The pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning.
• Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.
• We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to reach God and His love.
• Help us too, then help each other to build bridges - with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace. Thank you, Pope Francis!
•  I also want to thank all the fellow cardinals who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice - always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.
• I am a son of Saint Augustine, (an) Augustinian, who said: "With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop." In this sense, we can all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
•  To the Church of Rome, a special greeting! We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges (and) dialogue, always open to receive (people), like this square, with open arms - everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.
• (Switching into Spanish) And if you allow me also, a word, a greeting to all those, and particularly to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, have shared their faith, and have given so much, so much to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
• (Switching back to Italian) To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.
•  Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to stay close, to help us with her intercession and her love.
• So I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and let us ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.

----

DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT HIS DISCOURSE 

• Pope Leo XIV’s words echo one of the central messages of Christianity: the peace of the Risen Christ is a gift offered to all humanity. This greeting is not simply a pleasantry—it is an invitation, a divine blessing that reaches beyond borders, beyond divisions, and into the depths of every human heart.
• The Peace of the Risen Christ: A Gift for All
• When Jesus first appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, His first words were “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). This greeting was more than a reassurance; it was a profound declaration that the barriers of sin and death had been overcome. It was a gift of peace that comes not from earthly power, but from God Himself—a peace that endures beyond suffering and uncertainty.
• Pope Leo XIV builds on this biblical foundation, emphasizing that the peace of Christ is universal and unarmed, a peace that is humble yet persevering. This kind of peace does not impose itself by force but instead transforms hearts through love, mercy, and reconciliation. It is a peace rooted in the knowledge that evil will not prevail, because God’s love is stronger than darkness.
• The Call to Share This Peace
• Pope Leo’s words remind us that this peace is not meant to be kept for ourselves—it is meant to reach families, communities, and every corner of the earth. Just as Christ entrusted His disciples with the mission to spread His Gospel, every believer is called to be a witness to this peace.
• How can we do this?
• By choosing love over hatred and forgiveness over resentment.
• By building bridges of dialogue instead of walls of division.
• By working for justice, lifting up the marginalized, and bringing hope to the suffering.
• Pope Leo’s vision is one of a missionary Church, a Church that actively seeks to bring Christ’s peace to the world—not just in words, but in action. This means showing charity, solidarity, and compassion to those in need, ensuring that the message of Christ’s love is made visible in the lives we lead.
• Walking Together in Faith
• Another key theme Pope Leo XIV highlights is unity. He affirms that we are all “in God's hands”, and therefore, we must move forward hand in hand with God and one another. In a world often marked by division—political, economic, ideological—this is a vital call. The Church is meant to be a beacon of unity, guiding people towards reconciliation rather than conflict.
• This is not an easy task. As Pope Leo mentions, following Christ requires courage and perseverance. There are forces that seek to sow division and discourage faith, but the message of the Gospel reminds us: Christ goes before us. He leads the way, and as His followers, we are called to trust in His light.
• A Prayer for the Mission Ahead
• Towards the end of his speech, Pope Leo XIV calls upon Our Lady of Pompeii, asking for her intercession as the Church embarks on this mission. This act of entrusting our path to Mary is deeply significant—she, who walked alongside Christ in His suffering, is also the perfect model of faith, humility, and peace.
• Through her, we ask for grace:
• That the Church may be a true reflection of Christ’s love.
• That our communities may be centers of peace and reconciliation.
• That every person, no matter where they are, may experience the peace of the Risen Christ in their hearts.
• Final Reflection
• Pope Leo XIV’s words are a reminder that peace is not just an abstract ideal—it is the living presence of Christ among us. His invitation is clear: let this peace enter our hearts, reach our families, and extend to all peoples, to the whole earth. And let us not only receive it, but also become instruments of Christ’s peace, carrying His light into a world that so desperately needs it. 
• 
  
• Read more

• Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
• I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we always hear proclaimed at Mass a passage from the tenth chapter from the Gospel of John, where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd: who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.
• This Sunday also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which we have celebrated for the last sixty-two years. Rome is also hosting the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment today. I greet all these pilgrims with affection and thank them because, with their music and performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd: the One who guides the Church with his Holy Spirit.
• In the Gospel, Jesus says that he knows his sheep and that they listen to his voice and follow him (cf. Jn 10:27). Indeed, as Pope Saint Gregory the Great teaches, people “respond to the love of those who love them” (Homily 14:3-6).
• Today brothers and sisters, I therefore have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Church has such a great need for them! It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.
• Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people. And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart (cf. Jer 3:15) capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth. And to young people, I say: “Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!”
• May the Virgin Mary, whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call, always accompany us in following Jesus.
• ____________________
• 
  
• After the Regina Caeli
• Dear brothers and sisters,
• The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended eighty years ago, on 8 May, after having claimed sixty million victims. In today’s dramatic scenario of a piecemeal third world war, as Pope Francis stated many times, I too address the world’s leaders, repeating the ever-timely appeal: “Never again war!”.
• I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, as soon as possible. Let all the prisoners be freed and the children return to their own families.
• I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip: may there be an immediate ceasefire! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed.
• On the other hand, I have welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting accord may be reached soon.
• But how many other conflicts there are in the world! I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.
• And now I affectionately greet you all, Romans and pilgrims from various countries. I greet the members of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the group of doctors from Granada (Spain), the faithful of Malta, Panama, Dallas (Texas), Valladolid, Torrelodones (Madrid), Montesilvano, and Cinisi (Palermo).
• I greet the participants in the “Let’s choose life” demonstration, the young people of the Fraternity of Blessed Mary Immaculate and Saint Francis of Assisi, of Reggio Emilia.
• Today in Italy and in other countries we celebrate Mother’s Day. I send a fond greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, and for those who are already in Heaven.
• Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
• Thank you all, a happy Sunday to everyone!

• Thank you very much, Your Eminence. Before taking our seats, let us begin with a prayer, asking the Lord to continue to accompany this College, and above all the entire Church with this spirit, with enthusiasm, but also with deep faith. Let us pray together in Latin.
• Pater noster… Ave Maria…

• In the first part of this meeting, there will be a short talk with some reflections that I would like to share with you. But then there will be a second part, a bit like the opportunity that many of you had asked for: a sort of dialogue with the College of Cardinals to hear what advice, suggestions, proposals, concrete things, which have already been discussed in the days leading up to the Conclave.

• Dear Brother Cardinals,
• I greet all of you with gratitude for this meeting and for the days that preceded it. Days that were sad because of the loss of the Holy Father Pope Francis and demanding due to the responsibilities we confronted together, yet at the same time, in accordance with the promise Jesus himself made to us, days rich in grace and consolation in the Spirit (cf. Jn 14:25-27).
• You, dear Cardinals, are the closest collaborators of the Pope. This has proved a great comfort to me in accepting a yoke clearly far beyond my own limited powers, as it would be for any of us. Your presence reminds me that the Lord, who has entrusted me with this mission, will not leave me alone in bearing its responsibility. I know, before all else, that I can always count on his help, the help of the Lord, and through his grace and providence, on your closeness and that of so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who believe in God, love the Church and support the Vicar of Christ by their prayers and good works.
• I thank the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re – who deserves applause, at least once, if not more – whose wisdom, the fruit of a long life and many years of faithful service to the Apostolic See, has helped us greatly during this time. I thank the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell – I believe he is present today – for the important and demanding work that he has done throughout the period of the Vacant See and for the convocation of the Conclave. My thoughts also go to our brother Cardinals who, for reasons of health, were unable to be present, and I join you in embracing them in communion of affection and prayer.
• At this moment, both sad and joyful, providentially bathed in the light of Easter, I would like all of us to see the passing of our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis and the Conclave as a paschal event, a stage in that long exodus through which the Lord continues to guide us towards the fullness of life. In this perspective, we entrust to the “merciful Father and God of all consolation” (2 Cor 1:3) the soul of the late Pontiff and also the future of the Church.
• Beginning with Saint Peter and up to myself, his unworthy Successor, the Pope has been a humble servant of God and of his brothers and sisters, and nothing more than this. It has been clearly seen in the example of so many of my Predecessors, and most recently by Pope Francis himself, with his example of complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life, his abandonment to God throughout his ministry and his serene trust at the moment of his return to the Father’s house. Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith.
• It is the Risen Lord, present among us, who protects and guides the Church, and continues to fill her with hope through the love “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). It is up to us to be docile listeners to his voice and faithful ministers of his plan of salvation, mindful that God loves to communicate himself, not in the roar of thunder and earthquakes, but in the “whisper of a gentle breeze” (1 Kings 19:12) or, as some translate it, in a “sound of sheer silence.” It is this essential and important encounter to which we must guide and accompany all the holy People of God entrusted to our care.
• In these days, we have been able to see the beauty and feel the strength of this immense community, which with such affection and devotion has greeted and mourned its Shepherd, accompanying him with faith and prayer at the time of his final encounter with the Lord. We have seen the true grandeur of the Church, which is alive in the rich variety of her members in union with her one Head, Christ, “the shepherd and guardian” (1 Peter 2:25) of our souls. She is the womb from which we were born and at the same time the flock (cf. Jn 21:15-17), the field (cf. Mk 4:1-20) entrusted to us to protect and cultivate, to nourish with the sacraments of salvation and to make fruitful by our sowing the seed of the Word, so that, steadfast in one accord and enthusiastic in mission, she may press forward, like the Israelites in the desert, in the shadow of the cloud and in the light of God’s fire (cf. Ex 13:21).
• In this regard, I would like us to renew together today our complete commitment to the path that the universal Church has now followed for decades in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. Pope Francis masterfully and concretely set it forth in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, from which I would like to highlight several fundamental points: the return to the primacy of Christ in proclamation (cf. No. 11); the missionary conversion of the entire Christian community (cf. No. 9); growth in collegiality and synodality (cf. No. 33); attention to the sensus fidei (cf. Nos. 119-120), especially in its most authentic and inclusive forms, such as popular piety (cf. No. 123); loving care for the least and the rejected (cf. No. 53); courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world in its various components and realities (cf. No. 84; Second Vatican Council, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 1-2).
• These are evangelical principles that have always inspired and guided the life and activity of God’s Family. In these values, the merciful face of the Father has been revealed and continues to be revealed in his incarnate Son, the ultimate hope of all who sincerely seek truth, justice, peace and fraternity (cf. Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, 2; Francis, Spes Non Confundit, 3).
• Sensing myself called to continue in this same path, I chose to take the name Leo XIV. There are different reasons for this, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour.
• Dear brothers, I would like to conclude the first part of our meeting by making my own – and proposing to you as well – the hope that Saint Paul VI expressed at the inauguration of his Petrine Ministry in 1963: “May it pass over the whole world like a great flame of faith and love kindled in all men and women of good will. May it shed light on paths of mutual cooperation and bless humanity abundantly, now and always, with the very strength of God, without whose help nothing is valid, nothing is holy” (Message Qui Fausto Die addressed to the entire human family, 22 June 1963).
• May these also be our sentiments, to be translated into prayer and commitment, with the Lord’s help. Thank you!

• Pope Leo XIV has a busy schedule filled with liturgical celebrations, diplomatic meetings, and pastoral visits. Here are some key events happening this month:
• Upcoming Events for Pope Leo XIV
• May 18: Inauguration Mass of his Petrine Ministry at St. Peter’s Square.
• May 20: Pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to visit the tomb of St. Paul.
• May 25: Eucharistic Celebration at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, marking his formal installation on the Cathedra Romana.
• May 31: Mass with priestly ordinations in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Other Notable Activities
• May 12: Meeting with 6,000 journalists at the Vatican, where he emphasized peaceful communication and the importance of free speech.
• May 16: Meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to discuss global peace efforts.
• May 24: Gathering with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees.
• Pope Leo XIV is also preparing for a historic visit to Türkiye to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. His leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on peace, dialogue, and social justice.
• Would you like more details on any specific event? 
• complete details of papay homily in this past days
• Pope Leo XIV recently delivered his first homily as pontiff during a Mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025. His message set a strong tone for his papacy, emphasizing faith, perseverance, and the challenges Christians face in the modern world.
• Key Themes of Pope Leo XIV’s Homily
• Faith and Recognition of Christ
  
• He reflected on the Gospel passage where Jesus asks Peter, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
• He emphasized that while the secular world often rejects Christ, true believers must remain steadfast.
• Challenges Facing Christianity
  
• He spoke about how Christians today are often mocked, opposed, or merely tolerated.
• He warned that the world rejects Christ when His teachings demand honesty and moral integrity.
• Call to Strengthen the Church
  
• He urged cardinals and believers to walk with him in announcing the Gospel.
• He described his mission as both a blessing and a cross.
• Holiness Over Structures
  
• He reminded the Church that its strength lies not in grand buildings but in the holiness of its members.
• He called for a renewed commitment to faith and service.
• Symbolic Gestures
• He wore black shoes instead of the traditional red, following Pope Francis’ example.
• The Mass included Bible readings by women, marking a progressive step in Vatican traditions.
• He spoke partly in English, a rare moment for a papal homily in the Sistine Chapel.
• Pope Leo XIV’s homily signals a papacy focused on faith, humility, and outreach. His words challenge believers to remain strong in their faith despite opposition. 

• In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
• Your Beatitudes, Your Eminence, Your Excellencies,
• Dear priests, consecrated men and women,
• Dear brothers and sisters,
• Christ is risen. He is truly risen! I greet you in these words that Eastern Christians in many lands never tire of repeating during the Easter season, as they profess the very heart of our faith and hope. It is very moving for me to see you here during the Jubilee of Hope, a hope unshakably grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Welcome to Rome! I am happy to be with you and to devote one of the first audiences of my pontificate to the Eastern faithful.
• You are precious in God’s eyes. Looking at you, I think of the diversity of your origins, your glorious history and the bitter sufferings that many of your communities have endured or continue to endure. I would like to reaffirm the conviction of Pope Francis that the Eastern Churches are to be “cherished and esteemed for the unique spiritual and sapiential traditions that they preserve, and for all that they have to say to us about the Christian life, synodality, and the liturgy. We think of early Fathers, the Councils, and monasticism … inestimable treasures for the Church (Address to Participants in the Meeting of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches [ROACO], 27 June 2024).
• I would also like to mention Pope Leo XIII, the first Pope to devote a specific document to the dignity of your Churches, inspired above all by the fact that, in his words, “the work of human redemption began in the East” (cf. Apostolic Letter Orientalium Dignitas, 30 November 1894).
• Truly, you have “a unique and privileged role as the original setting where the Church was born” (SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Orientale Lumen, 5). It is significant that several of your liturgies — which you are now solemnly celebrating in Rome in accordance with your various traditions — continue to use the language of the Lord Jesus. Indeed, Pope Leo XIII made a heartfelt appeal that the “legitimate variety of Eastern liturgy and discipline… may redound to the great honor and benefit of the Church” (Orientalium Dignitas). His desire remains ever timely. In our own day too, many of our Eastern brothers and sisters, including some of you, have been forced to flee their homelands because of war and persecution, instability and poverty, and risk losing not only their native lands, but also, when they reach the West, their religious identity. As a result, with the passing of generations, the priceless heritage of the Eastern Churches is being lost.
• Over a century ago, Leo XIII pointed out that “preserving the Eastern rites is more important than is generally realized”. He went so far as to decree that “any Latin-Rite missionary, whether a member of the secular or regular clergy, who by advice or support draws any Eastern-Rite Catholic to the Latin Rite” ought to be “dismissed and removed from his office” (ibid). We willingly reiterate this appeal to preserve and promote the Christian East, especially in the diaspora. In addition to establishing Eastern circumscriptions wherever possible and opportune, there is a need to promote greater awareness among Latin Christians. In this regard, I ask the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches — which I thank for its work — to help me to define principles, norms, and guidelines whereby Latin Bishops can concretely support Eastern Catholics in the diaspora in their efforts to preserve their living traditions and thus, by their distinctive witness, to enrich the communities in which they live.
• The Church needs you. The contribution that the Christian East can offer us today is immense! We have great need to recover the sense of mystery that remains alive in your liturgies, liturgies that engage the human person in his or her entirety, that sing of the beauty of salvation and evoke a sense of wonder at how God’s majesty embraces our human frailty! It is likewise important to rediscover, especially in the Christian West, a sense of the primacy of God, the importance of mystagogy and the values so typical of Eastern spirituality: constant intercession, penance, fasting, and weeping for one’s own sins and for those of all humanity (penthos)! It is vital, then, that you preserve your traditions without attenuating them, for the sake perhaps of practicality or convenience, lest they be corrupted by the mentality of consumerism and utilitarianism.
• Your traditions of spirituality, ancient yet ever new, are medicinal. In them, the drama of human misery is combined with wonder at God’s mercy, so that our sinfulness does not lead to despair, but opens us to accepting the gracious gift of becoming creatures who are healed, divinized and raised to the heights of heaven. For this, we ought to give endless praise and thanks to the Lord. Together, we can pray with Saint Ephrem the Syrian and say to the Lord Jesus: “Glory to you, who laid your cross as a bridge over death… Glory to you who clothed yourself in the body of mortal man, and made it the source of life for all mortals” (Homily on our Lord, 9). We must ask, then, for the grace to see the certainty of Easter in every trial of life and not to lose heart, remembering, as another great Eastern Father wrote, that “the greatest sin is not to believe in the power of the Resurrection” (SAINT ISAAC OF NINEVEH, Sermones ascetici, I, 5).
• Who, better than you, can sing a song of hope even amid the abyss of violence? Who, better than you, who have experienced the horrors of war so closely that Pope Francis referred to you as “martyr Churches” (Address to ROACO, ibid.)? From the Holy Land to Ukraine, from Lebanon to Syria, from the Middle East to Tigray and the Caucasus, how much violence do we see! Rising up from this horror, from the slaughter of so many young people, which ought to provoke outrage because lives are being sacrificed in the name of military conquest, there resounds an appeal: the appeal not so much of the Pope, but of Christ himself, who repeats: “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19, 21, 26). And he adds: “Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives it” (Jn 14:27). Christ’s peace is not the sepulchral silence that reigns after conflict; it is not the fruit of oppression, but rather a gift that is meant for all, a gift that brings new life. Let us pray for this peace, which is reconciliation, forgiveness, and the courage to turn the page and start anew.
• For my part, I will make every effort so that this peace may prevail. The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another, so that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace. The peoples of our world desire peace, and to their leaders I appeal with all my heart: Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate! War is never inevitable. Weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them. Those who make history are the peacemakers, not those who sow seeds of suffering. Our neighbours are not first our enemies, but our fellow human beings; not criminals to be hated, but other men and women with whom we can speak. Let us reject the Manichean notions so typical of that mindset of violence that divides the world into those who are good and those who are evil.
• The Church will never tire of repeating: let weapons be silenced. I would like to thank God for all those who, in silence, prayer and self-sacrifice, are sowing seeds of peace. I thank God for those Christians — Eastern and Latin alike — who, above all in the Middle East, persevere and remain in their homelands, resisting the temptation to abandon them. Christians must be given the opportunity, and not just in words, to remain in their native lands with all the rights needed for a secure existence. Please, let us strive for this!
• Thank you, dear brothers and sisters of the East, the lands where Jesus, the Sun of Justice, dawned, for being “lights in our world” (cf. Mt 5:14). Continue to be outstanding for your faith, hope, and charity, and nothing else. May your Churches be exemplary, and may your Pastors promote communion with integrity, especially in the Synods of Bishops, that they may be places of fraternity and authentic co-responsibility. Ensure transparency in the administration of goods and be signs of humble and complete dedication to the holy people of God, without regard for honors, worldly power or appearance. Saint Symeon the New Theologian used an eloquent image in this regard: “Just as one who throws dust on the flame of a burning furnace extinguishes it, so the cares of this life and every kind of attachment to petty and worthless things destroy the warmth of the heart that was initially kindled” (Practical and Theological Chapters, 63). Today more than ever, the splendor of the Christian East demands freedom from all worldly attachments and from every tendency contrary to communion, in order to remain faithful in obedience and in evangelical witness.
• I thank you for this, and in cordially giving you my blessing, I ask you to pray for the Church and to raise your powerful prayers of intercession for my ministry. Thank you!