Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Pope Leo XIV continues Francis' legacy on speaking out about climate crisis

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Pope: The environmental crisis is a facet of the socio-economic crisis

In a video message for the Tenth Austrian World Summit, Pope Leo XIV highlights faith, hope and love as themes that can help reflect on the climate crisis, which goes beyond simple environmental matters, but touches on social, ethical and economic issues.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

In order to effectively respond to the climate crisis, we must address social and ethical issues at the foundation of our society, such as the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of human rights, Pope Leo XIV said in a video message released on Tuesday, June 16.

“The environmental crisis ‘is not an isolated issue, but rather the ecological aspect of the contemporary socio-economic crisis’,” Pope Leo said, quoting his recently published encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.

The Pope underlined how faith, hope and love are three themes that can help guide reflections on how we respond to the environmental crisis.

The Pope’s video message was addressed to the Tenth Austrian World Summit, an annual conference held in Vienna which aims to offer a platform for solutions and ideas to contrast the climate crisis.

It is taking place on June 16 and is organized by the Schwarznegger Climate Initiative, launched by actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarznegger.

Climate crisis a manifestation of the socio-economic crisis

Pope Leo XIV recalled how in Magnifica humanitas he highlighted the importance of “the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of fundamental human rights, both of which can be adequately ensured through the proper implementation of the principles of the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice.”

“These essential personal and social matters are intimately connected to the climate crisis, which, as I said, is one manifestation – and a critical one – of the wider socio-economic crisis,” the Pope noted.

“Indeed, unless they are addressed, no technical solutions for protecting the environment will have a chance of achieving their desired end.”

In this regard, he insisted on the need to pay particular attention to the poorest and those most vulnerable to environmental degradation when developing and reflecting on solutions.

Faith helps protect life and nature

Pope Leo XIV pointed out how this multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various issues affecting our societies is rooted in a faith perspective.

“Those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith,” he explained.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue,” he continued, citing Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Pope Leo also noted how many different religions understand creation as a divine gift and insist on the sacredness of life, thus “religious faith reinforces the overall desire to protect life and care for nature.”

Hope is a powerful driving force

With regards to hope, Pope Leo recognized that due to challenges and tensions facing the world today, there is “a growing awareness that peace is threatened by a lack of respect for creation, the plundering of natural resources and a progressive decline in the quality of life due to climate change.”

He also noted how in negotiations on climate issues, there is often the “fear of changing course, fear of losing power and fear of uncertain outcomes.”

In this respect, he urged international cooperation, “cohesive and forward-looking multilateralism,” and encouraged overcoming these fears.

The Pope emphasized that religious leaders and communities can play an important role in this, as “the Bible is full of examples of how people’s fears can be overcome by hope.”

“Despite the naysayers or cynics, hope can be a powerful driving force,” the Pope reiterated.

“It is not merely desirable but also genuinely possible that the progress at COP30 can be followed up with a just transition toward societies where the common good takes precedence over profit, and economic models are rooted in solidarity and human dignity.”

However, he noted that this requires wealthier countries to support poorer countries financially, and also to help these states by creating “a new person-centered international financial framework.”

Building a civilization of love

Lastly, Pope Leo XIV focused on the theme of love and the importance of “cultivating a genuine culture of care for our environment, which includes what Pope Francis called ‘civic and political love’.”

“In order to make society more human, more worthy of the human person, love in social life – political, economic and cultural – must be given renewed value, becoming the constant and highest norm for all activity,” which will then help devise larger strategies to counter the climate crisis, Pope Leo said, citing Laudato Si again.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by expressing his hope that the participants in the conference may promote a culture of care and contribute to building a civilization of love.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Pope Leo XIV releases annual message for Grandparents & the Elderly Day

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Pope to grandparents and elderly: God's loving eyes are upon you at all times

The Vatican releases Pope Leo XIV's Message for the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held on the fourth Sunday of July, on the theme “I will never forget you (Is 49:15)."

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises that he will never forget any of us. He assures us that he has engraved our faces on the palms of His hands (cf. Is 49:16) and that His love is greater than a mother’s love for her child (cf. Is 49:15).”

This comforting reminder was offered at the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held on the fourth Sunday of July, on the theme “I will never forget you (Is 49:15),” which the Vatican released today.

READ POPE LEO XIV'S FULL MESSAGE FOR SIXTH WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

In the text, Pope Leo says that the prophet gives us a glimpse of an intimate and intense dialogue in which God addresses, in familiar terms, each person individually and the people as a whole, saying that even today, we can read these words as referring to each of us.

At any age, beloved sons and daughters of God

These words that fill us with comfort and hope, he said, are the answer to an agonizing feeling that troubles the heart: “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me” (Is 49:14).

The Pope acknowledged that quite a few elderly people share the painful feeling of being forgotten, especially as they experience loneliness or sometimes being reduced to a bed number or illness.

Pope Leo said that the celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all, and that at any age, “it is always possible to recognize ourselves as sons and daughters of God.”

Also an invitation to the young

The Holy Father also invited everyone, especially the young, "to revive the beautiful custom" of visiting their grandparents, elderly relatives, and even those who have no one to visit them.

“Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope,” he said, as he called on loved ones to offer their grandparents and their elderly loved ones a tender and affectionate encounter.

He reiterated that the Church understands the suffering of her elderly members. It is a joy, at any age, but especially when we are no longer young, to discover, as Blessed John Paul I said, that we are the recipients of God’s “undying love,” that He “always has His eyes open on us, even when it seems to be dark,” and “is our father; even more, He is our mother.”

Invitation to return to the arms of God

Even if it does not come naturally to think this way, Pope Leo pointed out that the truth remains that in old age, we do not cease to be sons and daughters.

The invitation to return to the arms of God, he said, remains worthwhile at any age.

For many, the discovery of God’s tenderness takes place over the course of their lives, sometimes even in its final stages.

Never too late to turn to Him

Pope Leo observed that more so than in the past, it is increasingly common to reach old age without having had a genuine experience of faith.

In spite of this, he said, God still draws close to us.

“It is never too late to begin turning to Him. It can be a great gift for everyone,” he said.

Born anew in old age

“I would like to say to you: do not be afraid of fragility!” he said, noting that in old age, one may be “fragile” but at the same time “called.”

He stressed that a man and a woman can, in fact, be born anew in old age.

The Holy Father noted that in this time, so harshly marked by the violence of war and social unrest, many wonder what the world in which their grandchildren will grow up will be like, and thus called on elderly people to join him in praying earnestly that peace may soon come to the world.

“He never forgets us”

Finally, the Holy Father thanked all elderly people for supporting him every day with their prayers, especially when they recite the Holy Rosary.

“I return this gratitude from the bottom of my heart,” he said, while noting he leaves them with this prayer: “May the Lord always renew us in faith, hope and love — He who never forgets us!”

Pope Leo XIV revisits Nostra aetate, rejects antisemitism

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Pope Leo: 'Nostra aetate took a firm stand against antisemitism'

Pope Leo XIV meets with representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York on Monday, thanking the organization for work to help vulnerable populations, and stressing that in a world still wounded by division and conflict, the Vatican II Declaration 'Nostra aetate' called us "to move beyond past misunderstandings toward collaboration for the common good."

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"Recognizing the inherent dignity of all men and women, Nostra aetate took a firm stand against antisemitism and declared that the Church rejects all forms of discrimination or harassment because of race, color, condition of life or religion."

Pope Leo XIV gave this reminder when meeting with representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York on Monday morning in the Vatican.

Gratitude for helping vulnerable populations

The Holy Father welcomed them recalling that their organization serves as an instrument of global Jewish philanthropy, providing humanitarian aid and social services to vulnerable populations, including to the poor, refugees, the elderly, and people with disabilities, in New York, Israel and in more than seventy other countries.

Pope Leo meeting with representatives of the Federation (@Vatican Media)

"These efforts," Pope Leo said, "reflect a clear recognition of human dignity and fraternity, resonating with the Church’s own commitment to integral human development and the call to love our neighbor."

He recalled that this shared commitment carries special meaning in light of the common history of Christians and Jews and their spiritual ancestry in Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Nostra aetate

The Holy Father pointed to the 1965 landmark document of the Second Vatican Council, the Declaration Nostra aetate on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, whose sixtieth anniversary the Church celebrated last year.

He said it “opened up a new horizon of encounter, respect and spiritual hospitality,” and affirmed, among other things, "the truth that we belong to one human family," and condemned antisemitism and all discrimination or harassment because of race, color, condition of life or religion.

Working for the common good together

"In a world still wounded by division and conflict," Pope Leo emphasized, "it called us to move beyond past misunderstandings toward collaboration for the common good."

With this sentiment, Pope Leo went on to describe service to the poor, marginalized and powerless "as a means of encountering the sacred," noting that through them, the Divine voice continues to speak to us.

As the Holy Father drew his address to a close, he thanked them for their dedication to assisting the poor and needy, confronting hatred and intolerance, and working to build a better world for all.

"May your mission," he said, "strengthen dialogue, deepen mutual understanding and contribute to the peace so greatly needed in our world."

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Pope Leo XIV message for World Day of the Poor coming up in November

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Pope’s World Day of Poor message: The Lord is refuge of the poor

In his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV reflects on God as “the refuge of the poor,” urging Christians to rediscover the central place of the poor and examine our commitment to justice, solidarity, and human dignity.

Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV has released his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, to be observed on 15 November 2026.

Reflecting on Psalm 14, “The Lord is the refuge of the poor,” the Pope notes that they were written during a dramatic period marked by the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, when the people “felt deprived of God’s presence and experienced unprecedented material and moral misery.”

In his message released on Sunday and dated June 13, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the Pope observes that Psalm 14 continues to speak to every generation.

The opening verses, he says, points to the contrast between those who live wisely and those who “go through life as if there were nothing greater than themselves.”

“Sadly,” he writes, “we see that even today there is widespread social injustice arising from arrogant corruption, which is as deplorable as it is discriminatory.”

Do not allow cry of the poor to be silenced

The Pope goes on to note that the consequences often fall first upon the poor, whose numbers continue to grow in many societies.

“The absence of God no longer places people side by side in mutual respect,” he says, “but places one above the other in a relationship of domination and oppression.”

The Pope warns that the cry of the poor is often silenced through “a multitude of increasingly subtle tactics,” while the digital world can worsen prejudice and reinforce indifference.

“The poor have no choice but to cry out to God,” he writes, adding that they entrust themselves to Him “certain that they will be heard because God is faithful and rich in mercy.”

In his message, Pope Leo says that the poor are often more capable than others of recognizing what is essential because “they live on the essentials.”

For this reason, he says, they are especially able to recognise God as their refuge and place their hope in His justice.

Reflecting on contemporary poverty, Pope Leo says that “the poor of our day are the forgotten and the marginalised: robbed not only of bread, but also of a voice and a face.”

With this in mind, he prays that they may encounter Christ, particularly through Christians and through the Church, where “it is Jesus who offers bread and friendship; He brings light and opens a horizon of hope; He calls each person by name and restores dignity to all.”

The Pope goes on to stress that Christians are called not only to seek refuge in God, but also “to be a refuge for the poor”.

He says the Christian community “cannot remain indifferent to the many who today stand at the door but remain invisible to those who are shut within their own walls.”

Examine priorities

Recalling Saint Augustine’s commentary on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Pope Leo invites the faithful to examine their own lives and priorities.

He cites his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, reaffirming that “God shows a preference for the poor” and that the Church “must be a Church of the Beatitudes, one that makes room for the little ones and walks poor with the poor.”

“We wish to bear witness,” the Pope writes, bringing his message to a close, “that it is possible, even today, to experience the same joy by putting ourselves in the shoes of the poor and listening to them rather than merely speaking about them.”

Finally, he expresses hope that the Tenth World Day of the Poor will help Christians “rediscover the faces of so many brothers and sisters who seek refuge in God and long to feel at home in our communities.”

At today's Angelus Address, Pope Leo XIV expresses thanks to Spain, their leaders and the Spanish people

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Pope Leo renews gratitude to God for Apostolic Journey to Spain

Pope Leo XIV renews his appreciation for the people of Spain, especially King Felipe VI, and their welcome and enthusiasm during his Apostolic Journey.

By Devin Watkins

Just two days after returning to Rome, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to God for welcome he received from the people of Spain for his Apostolic Journey on June 6-12.

“I thank the Spanish people, who welcomed me with great enthusiasm and devotion,” he said at the Angelus on Sunday.

The Pope especially thanked King Felipe VI, who welcomed the Pope to Madrid and bid him farewell on his last day in the Canary Islands.

After a mechanical issue with the papal plane, the King offered Pope Leo the use of his private plane, which brought the Pope back to Rome on Friday evening.

He also expressed appreciation for the many people who prepared his visit and for the Bishops of Spain, who guided the faithful to welcome the Holy Father.

“I am especially grateful to His Majesty the King,” said Pope Leo. “I affectionately thank the Bishops, all the communities I visited, and the entire Church in Spain. May God always bless Spain!”

Pope Leo XIV at Sunday Angelus Address 06.14.2026

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Pope at Angelus: God’s grace is freely given and must be shared

At the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV recalls the abundance of God’s grace and every Christian’s mission to share Christ’s forgiveness with all people.

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV prayed the Marian prayer of the Angelus on Sunday with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel (Mt 9:36-10:8), the Pope recalled the gaze of Jesus, who saw the “harassed and helpless crowds” and had compassion on them.

“The Son of God looks at the people; He looks at humanity: He sees the oppression that burdens and the violence that causes strength to fade,” said the Pope. “He sees the wounds of war and the emptiness of consumerism. He sees faces reduced to masks, families torn apart by evil, and young people misled by false ideals.”

Jesus sees and loves us, said the Pope, noting that His compassion is both fraternal closeness and an expression of His desire to redeem us.

As He saw so many people who were like “sheep without a shepherd,” Jesus sent His disciples into the world with the task of offering God’s comfort to everyone who suffers.

Our task as Christians, said Pope Leo, is to bring “charity where there is misery, hope where there is affliction, and faith where there is distrust.”

The Pope noted that the Gospel names the first twelve workers, from Peter to Judas Iscariot, as a reminder that even Jesus’ followers can betray Him.

Yet, the Gospel remains a living and true word that spans the centuries, always staying the same but ever young, fresh, and liberating.

“When the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out,” he said, “evil crumbles like a disease that passes away, like a night giving way to dawn, like death conquered by the risen One.”

Jesus’ gaze thus transforms reality by filling us with His love and leading us to continue the mission of the apostles to share His free gift.

“Jesus’ gift is entirely free, for its value exceeds all measure: it is impossible to merit or ‘buy’ it,” said the Pope. “This grace is the beautiful name of God’s mercy, which seeks us out wherever we are, to draw us to Himself.”

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Christians to evangelize the world by sharing God’s forgiveness with the world in service to the poor and commitment to justice.

“Let us invoke the help of the Virgin Mary, full of grace,” he said, “so that we may respond with joy and courage to the mission to which Jesus calls us.”

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV approves new Statutes while renewing the mandate to protect and safeguard minors and vulnerable adults

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Protection of Minors Commission receives new Statutes, renewed mandate

Pope Leo XIV approves new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reinforcing the Church's commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons.

Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV has approved new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, replacing those promulgated in 2015 and bringing the Commission's structure and mandate in line with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium.

The new Statutes have been approved ad experimentum for a period of three years and were published on Saturday, 13 June 2026.

A Rescript signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin notes that the Holy Father approved the revised text during an audience on 20 May 2026 and ordered its immediate entry into force.

Pontifical Commission’s role to promote accountability

In a press release accompanying the publication of the Statutes, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said the revised text strengthens its role in promoting safeguarding practices across the universal Church and forms part of a broader effort “to ensure that safeguarding is fully integrated into the life and structures of the Church.”

Archbishop Thibault Verny, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, said the Statutes “mark an important step in deepening our shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable.”

“They reflect listening—to victims/survivors, to safeguarding experts, and to the experience of local Churches—and reaffirm that safeguarding remains a central priority,” he continued.

New aspects of Commission’s mandate

According to the Commission, the revised Statutes strengthen its mandate and operational effectiveness, continue to emphasize victim- and survivor-informed approaches.

The Statutes also clarify the Commission’s relationship with other Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, and reinforce its role in promoting “accountability, transparency, and good safeguarding practices globally.”

The Commission reports directly to the Pope and advises him on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons from abuse.

“It is established alongside the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and therefore collaborates closely with the Dicastery in the exchange of information, the development of safeguarding methodologies, preparation of the Annual Report and formation programs,” noted the press release. “The President or Secretary are nominated members of the Dicastery, and one or more Dicastery officials are nominated by the Prefect as observers at the Commission’s Plenary Assemblies.”

The Commission does not govern but helps to guide the Curia’s service to the universal Church by promoting local responsibility and competencies of the various Vatican Dicasteries.

Among the developments highlighted by the Commission is its continued support for local Churches in developing safeguarding frameworks and promoting stable and accessible reporting systems, as well as listening centers that “welcome, listen to and accompany victims/survivors”, while protecting confidentiality and personal data.

Annual reports

The Commission also noted its responsibility for preparing the Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding.

The report draws on contributions from Dicasteries and local ecclesial bodies and seeks to map “the status of safeguarding in the global Church” by distinguishing between verified policies, declared practices, information received, systemic issues, and recommendations.

Pope Leo has repeatedly affirmed that the protection of minors and vulnerable persons is a fundamental responsibility of the Church.

The Commission said the revised Statutes reaffirm this commitment and support its mission of accompanying local Churches in strengthening safeguarding efforts throughout the world.

Reviewing the Consecration of USA to Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11th by the Bishops of the United States

Hundreds of US Catholic Bishops celebrate Mass in Orlando

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Catholic Bishops consecrate USA to Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, US Catholic Bishops gather in Florida to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

By Jenny Kraska*

On June 11, 2026, on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Catholic Bishops of the nation gathered in Orlando, Florida for a remarkable and deeply symbolic act: the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

At a time when political divisions run deep, institutions face declining trust, and many Americans express uncertainty about the future, the Bishops offered something that was neither a policy proposal nor a politician platform.

Instead, they offered a prayer. Yet this was no ordinary prayer.

Consecration is among the Church’s most profound spiritual acts. To consecrate is to entrust, to place oneself under the loving protection of Christ. It is an acknowledgment that, despite all human achievements and failures, history ultimately belongs to God.

In his homily for the occasion, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore captured the meaning of the moment with clarity and conviction.

tanding before his brother Bishops and the faithful gathered for the liturgy, he explained that the Church was not gathering “first to celebrate ourselves, but to consecrate. To entrust.” Those simple words provided the key to understanding the significance of the day.

An Act of Faith

Archbishop Lori reminded the faithful that consecration is fundamentally an act of faith. It recognizes that the story of a nation is not merely the story of political leaders, military victories, economic accomplishments, or cultural achievements. It is also the story of God’s providence and grace at work through imperfect people.

As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial, there will be no shortage of celebrations, commemorations, and historical reflections.

Yet the Bishops chose to begin this anniversary year not with triumphalism but with humility.

“We consecrate our nation,” Archbishop Lori said, “not because it is perfect, but because it is beloved by God.”

Those words offer a distinctly Christian vision of patriotism. Love of country does not require blindness to its faults. Genuine love seeks what is good, acknowledges what is broken, and entrusts both to the mercy of God.

The consecration therefore became an act of gratitude and repentance, thanksgiving and petition. The Bishops entrusted to the Heart of Christ the nation’s achievements and failures, its strengths and wounds, its hopes and fears.

The Heart of Christ and the Heart of a Nation

Drawing upon the Gospel of John, Archbishop Lori reflected on Jesus’ invitation: “Remain in my love.”

The Sacred Heart, he noted, is not merely a devotional image. It is the visible sign of God’s love made flesh—a Heart that has experienced friendship and betrayal, joy and sorrow, suffering and sacrifice.

The significance of this insight cannot be overstated. In a culture that often prizes autonomy and self-sufficiency, the Bishops publicly acknowledged that neither individuals nor nations can flourish apart from God.

The future of the country ultimately depends not only on stronger institutions or better policies, important as those may be, but on hearts transformed by divine love.

The Sacred Heart reminds believers that God does not stand distant from human struggles. He enters them. He bears them. He redeems them.

Sent Forth to Bear Fruit

Archbishop Lori reminded the faithful that consecration is not an ending but a beginning. The Church does not consecrate itself to the Sacred Heart merely to receive blessings.

It consecrates itself in order to become a more faithful instrument of Christ’s love in the world.

“The Sacred Heart does not divide; it reconciles,” the Archbishop said. “It does not harden hearts; it transforms them.” In a nation increasingly tempted to define itself through ideological conflict and cultural polarization, those words sounded both timely and prophetic.

The true fruit of this consecration will not be measured by the beauty of the liturgy or the significance of the ceremony.

It will be measured by whether Catholics become more faithful disciples bearing witness to Christ’s love in their families, parishes, workplaces, communities, and public life.

Trusting the One Whose Love Endures Forever

As the homily drew to a close, Archbishop Lori offered what may be the most enduring lesson of the day.

As Americans look toward the nation’s 250th anniversary, he suggested that there are two temptations: nostalgia for the past and anxiety about the future.

The Christian answer to both is trust. “Today we choose something better: trust,” he said.

That trust is ultimately what the consecration expressed.

By consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart, the Bishops did not claim that American is without flaws or that its future is guaranteed.

Rather, they proclaimed a deeper truth: that the nation, like every human person, is loved by God and stands in need of His mercy. On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, that may be the most important message the Church can offer.

* Executive Director, Maryland Catholic Conference