Pope Leo XIV religious anniversary messages

Pope Leo XIV has issued messages of spiritual significance to mark major religious anniversaries in Italy and Poland.

In Italy, the Pope sent a message via Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the diocesan communities of Siena, Colle Val d’Elsa, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Chiusi, and Pienza. This commemorates the 80th anniversary of the restoration of the 22-meter-tall monumental cross on Monte Amiata, which was repaired following damage during the Second World War. The Pope expressed hope that the monument would serve as a ‘symbol of redemption’ and an ‘invitation to walk together in solidarity and peace.’

In Poland, religious ceremonies were held on August 26 to observe the 70th anniversary of the Jasnogórskie Śluby Narodu (Jasna Góra Vows of the Nation). Originally formulated by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński in 1956, these vows focus on moral renewal and the protection of family and human life. During the celebrations at Jasna Góra, Archbishop Wojciech Polak presided over the main Mass, describing the vows as a ‘Polish Charter of Human Rights’ and calling for reconciliation between Poles and Ukrainians.

Addressing the occasion during a general audience at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV offered a spiritual greeting to the Polish people, encouraging them to use the program of moral renewal as inspiration for building justice and brotherhood. In separate teachings, the Pope also discussed liturgical reforms from the Second Vatican Council, stating that the faithful should participate actively rather than remaining ‘silent spectators’ in the liturgy.