Pope Leon XIV announces summer break after final Angelus, cites Christ as hope and prays for earthquake‑hit Venezuela

Pope Leon XIV delivered his final Angelus on the steps of St. Peter’s Square, telling the gathered faithful that he will begin a three‑week summer vacation that will run until 27 July. All general and private audiences are suspended for the period, after which public meetings resume on 5 August.

In his address the pontiff emphasized that Christ remains the hope of the Church amid war, slavery, sin and the wounds of history, urging believers to learn the “school of freedom” rooted in the cross. He explained that the weight of the cross becomes light because Christ carries it together with the faithful.

The Pope also offered a prayer for the people of Venezuela, which was struck by two powerful earthquakes on 24 June that caused nearly 3,000 deaths and left many missing. After the Angelus he will travel to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.