Pope Leo XIV adds prayer intentions after the Angelus centered around the Rosary and St. Francis of Assisi

 

Pilgrims and visitors gathered for the Sunday Angelus in Saint Peter's Square  (@VATICAN MEDIA )

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• Pope Leo XIV
• Angelus
• Rosario
• prayer
• peace
• Holy Land
• st Francis
• children
• Amoris laetitia

Pope: May we pray for the intercession of the Virgin Mary for world peace

After the Angelus catechesis, Pope Leo once again invited the faithful to pray the Rosary, joining the initiative of Aid to the Church in Need: “In particular, let us pray for the Holy Land and for the innocent victims of violence.” He expressed his joy at the many initiatives dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and announced a period of synodal discernment on the family that will take place at the Vatican, ten years after Amoris Laetitia

By Antonella Palermo

An appeal for wars to end and for peace to be built. The Pope renewed this appeal following the recitation of the Angelus prayer he led from the window of the Apostolic Palace. As he did during his recent visit to Lourdes, France, he again urged everyone to pray the Rosary for peace and unity in the world, standing in solidarity with children who have already begun doing so through the initiative of the Aid to the Church in Need Foundation, “One Million Children Praying the Holy Rosary.”

Praying for liberation from the scourge of war

“I wholeheartedly thank all the boys and girls who are joining in this prayer in so many parts of the world.  Let us all follow their example, invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary so that peoples may be freed from the scourge of war.  In particular, let us pray for the Holy Land and for the innocent victims of violence.”

Read also

01/10/2026

A rosary in the Vatican for ‘peace for all the children in the world'

The campaign began at the start of October with the Pope in the Vatican Gardens and will continue until October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This allows dioceses, parishes, schools, communities, and families on different continents to choose the day that is most suitable for dedicating to this particular intention.

The family, a hope and an invaluable treasure

Pope Leo then announced that, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’s post-synodal apostolic exhortation, a week-long gathering will begin next Wednesday, October 7.

 

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02/10/2026

Amoris laetitia: For a new proclamation of Gospel with families and for families

It will be held in his presence in the Paul VI Hall, with the heads of the Eastern Churches and the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, to take stock of the situation of families today. The gathering will include testimonies from bishops and married couples from the five continents.

It will be an opportunity to listen to the voice of the Church at a time of profound change and to find ways to renew and strengthen the choice of marriage, which in various contexts has experienced dramatic declines over the decades. The Pontiff described it this way:

“It will be a time of synodal discernment for identifying the steps to be taken in order to proclaim the Gospel today among families and the younger generations.  I entrust this task to your prayers and, above all, the families who, with God’s help, are a sign of hope and an inestimable treasure for the Church and for society.”

Remembering Saint Francis

The Pope then once again held up Saint Francis as a model, as he had done during the catechesis, on the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis. He expressed his happiness at the many commemorative initiatives, particularly those held in Assisi with the participation of Italy’s highest state authorities. He also offered a special greeting:

“I also greet the amateur radio operators of Assisi and Foligno who spread Saint Francis’ message of peace.”

Pope Leo's Sunday prayer intentions focused on crisis in Somalia

 

A truck carrying shipping containers drives through flood water in Mogadishu 

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• Somalia
• Pope Leo XIV
• appeal
• Angelus
• humanitarian emergency

Pope Leo prays for end to humanitarian crisis in Somalia

Pope Leo XIV prays for an end to violence in areas of Somalia and for assistance in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

By Devin Watkins

As he prayed the Angelus on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV recalled the humanitarian situation in Somalia.

“I am following with great concern the humanitarian crisis unfolding in parts of Somalia, where episodes of violence and extreme weather events are worsening the already precarious living conditions of the population, particularly women and children,” he said.

The Pope expressed his hopes for a “generous response from the international community, so that these brothers and sisters of ours may receive the assistance they need.”

Various United Nations agencies have drastically reduced their humanitarian aid for the African country in recent months.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said only a third of its already-reduced budget had been funded.

The UN World Food Programme has also reduced food aid, dropping from 2 million people assisted to only 600,000 in 2026.

Rainfall in 2026 has been significantly below average throughout the region, with many families moving their herds in search of water.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has called on donors to help it restore and expand primary healthcare malnutrition services in the Mudug region, where over 70 health facilities have been closed.

Somalia has endured internal conflict since the fall of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, and Islamist extremists have strengthened their control of the countryside.

Special prayers this Sunday by Pope Leo XIV: for Haitian hostages, for the suffering peoples of Nepal & Tibet, prayer for Creation

 

Fire and rescue personnel conduct search and rescue operations 2 kilometers from Gyirong Port days after the August 26 mudslide  

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• Angelus
• Pope Leo XIV
• natural disasters
• Nepal
• Castel Gandolfo
• Haiti

Pope Leo urges release of Haiti hostages, aid for Nepal after deadly floods

Following the recitation of the midday Angelus prayer from Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV condemned the recent massacre in Haiti, made an urgent appeal for the release of hostages, and renewed his call for concrete assistance to Nepal following devastating floods and mudslides that have killed hundreds and left thousands missing.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“From Haiti come terrible reports of the grave massacre perpetrated in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives while others have been kidnapped. I express my prayerful closeness to the victims and their families and ask that all the hostages be released without delay. I make a heartfelt appeal to all those responsible to make a concrete commitment to ensuring the safety of the population and putting an end to every form of violence.”

Pope Leo XIV made the appeal following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday at noon in Castel Gandolfo, where he stayed overnight after taking part Saturday evening in the Marian procession of Our Lady of the Lake on Lake Albano.

Alleviate the suffering of Nepal and Tibet

Following the appeal for Haiti, Pope Leo assured those affected by the devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet of his prayers. He invited the faithful to pray for those who have died, the injured and missing, their families, and the rescuers involved in the ongoing emergency response.

“May everyone’s concern and commitment," he prayed, "help to alleviate suffering and bring the necessary assistance to the affected populations.”

The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Leo, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, had sent financial assistance to Caritas Nepal to help meet the most urgent needs of people affected by the disaster.

Death toll exceeds 700 and thousands displaced

In coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature of Nepal, the Pope’s contribution will support Caritas Nepal, which operates under the direction of the Apostolic Vicariate, in its relief efforts. These began in the first hours following the disaster and include providing food, basic necessities, and shelter to people who have lost everything.

Relief operations are continuing as the death toll in the affected regions rises, with more than 700 people reported dead between Nepal and Tibet and at least 3,000 still missing.

In a telegram sent Thursday and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and widespread destruction. He commended the souls of those who died “to the clemency of the Almighty” and offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved.

He also assured those affected by the disaster of his spiritual closeness and prayed for the emergency personnel engaged in ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

A renewed appeal for peace

Pope Leo then urged the faithful to continue praying for peace, recalling the words of Saint Augustine, whose liturgical memorial was celebrated on August 28.

The Pope recalled Augustine’s image of peace as being like “the bread of the miracle that grew in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it.”

“May the number increase throughout the world,” he prayed, “of those who courageously break and distribute the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice, and practicing forgiveness, for the good of all.”

Prayer for Creation

Finally, the Holy Father recalled in English that on Tuesday, September 1, the Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

“This marks the beginning of the Season of Creation – observed by Christians of various denominations – whose theme this year is ‘Living Water.’”

“As I recalled in the Message for this Day,” Pope Leo reiterated, “caring for our common home calls for a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to bring about destruction may instead be directed toward life.”

“I invite everyone to join in prayer and action, that we may become channels of the living water of God’s peace, refreshing our wounded world.”

Pope Leo's pleas for peace at end of Sunday Angelus Address

 

International convoy delivers aid to Palestinian families after Israeli army checks them, on the outskirts of Qusra village in the West Bank 

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• Pope Leo XIV
• Angelus
• appeal
• Holy Land
• Palestine
• sport
• peace
• pilgrimage

Pope renews appeal for end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank

Pope Leo’s appeals at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus included a call for an end to violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank; his hopes that sporting events can be a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity; and special greetings to Polish pilgrims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Piekary Śląskie.

By Christopher Wells

Following the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV once again called for an end “to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank.” The Holy Father added an urgent appeal to the international community “to ensure that progress is made toward a two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.”
 

Read also

31/07/2025

Holy See: 'Two-State Solution only viable path for Israel and Palestine'

14/11/2025

Holy See reaffirms support for two-state solution and for UNRWA

The Holy See has consistently affirmed its position that the Two-State Solution, based on secure and internationally recognized borders, is the only viable and equitable path toward a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, as noted by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia in an address to the UN in July of 2025.

Later that same year, the then-Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, reiterated the Holy See’s view that “Israel and Palestine” must one day be able to “live side by side in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders,” and he pointed out that genuine and lasting progress can only be achieved "through multilateralism, patient dialogue and inclusive cooperation, not through the use of force.”

‘A prophetic sign of peace and fraternity’

In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Leo also recalled the start of the Mediterranean Games, a multi-sport event with athletes from countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe that border the Mediterranean Sea. This year’s Games are being hosted by the city of Taranto in southern Italy.

Athletica Vaticana, the Holy See’s official sports association, will also participate in the event, with four athletes competing in the Games. 

The Holy Father expressed his hope that the Games would be “a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity among the peoples of this region and of the whole world.”

Greetings to pilgrims

Finally, welcoming pilgrims from various countries from around the world, Pope Leo offered special greetings to the numerous participants in the traditional women’s pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Piekary Śląskie in the region of Upper Silesia in Poland.

Prayers and help for the beleaguered people of Venezuela after double earthquakes

 

Rescue workers search for victims in Carabelleda, La Guaira State  (AFP or licensors)

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• Pope Leo XIV
• Venezuela
• appeal
• Angelus

Pope Leo prays for Venezuela as quake death toll rises

Pope Leo XIV expresses his solidarity and calls for prayers for the people of Venezuela, as the death toll from two earthquakes rises sharply.

By Devin Watkins

As he prayed the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Spanish to express his closeness to Venezuela, where two massive earthquakes struck in quick succession this week.

He invited everyone to join him in praying for victims and their families, as well as for the work of rescue crews.

“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” he said. As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts.”

As he concluded the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals on Saturday evening, Pope Leo shared the closeness of all the College of Cardinals with the people of Venezuela.

“We assure our prayers for the victims, their families, and all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy,” he said. “We ask that the solidarity of the international community may not be lacking toward that dear nation.”

Rescue crews working around the clock

Rescue crews have been working tirelessly to dig through the rubble in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states.

The death toll rose on Saturday to nearly 1,500 victims, with almost 70,000 people still missing.

On Wednesday, a 7.2- and a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region.

Pope Leo XIV immediately sent an initial donation of 100,000 euros to assist victims and their families.

The humanitarian aid was sent through the Apostolic Almoner's Office and was coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo.

Catholic communities and charities across the country have mobilized by opening parish buildings to shelter displaced families and offer emergency assistance through local Caritas networks.