Pope Leo XIV calls for global peace and commemorates St. Francis

During the Angelus prayer on October 4, 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued a global appeal for peace, specifically calling for an end to conflicts in the Holy Land and for the protection of innocent victims of violence. The Pontiff encouraged the faithful to follow the example of children participating in the ‘One Million Children Pray the Rosary’ initiative, organized by the Aid to the Church in Need foundation, to seek divine intervention for global harmony.

Reflecting on the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Pope highlighted the saint’s enduring spiritual legacy and his role in ‘repairing’ the Church through fraternal love. He used the Gospel parable of the vineyard to remind believers that the Church is built or damaged by individual choices.

Additionally, the Pope announced an upcoming synodal meeting at the Vatican with leaders of Eastern Catholic Churches and various episcopal conferences. This gathering will mark the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation ‘Amoris Laetitia’ and will focus on the role of families and new generations within the Church.