Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV offered prayers and warm greetings to mothers around the world during his address following the Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, marking the celebration of Mother’s Day observed in many countries on the second Sunday of May.
Pope entrusted all mothers to the care of the Virgin Mary and expressed special concern for women facing hardship and suffering.
“Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, let us pray with affection and gratitude for every mother, especially for those living in the most difficult conditions,” Pope said before thousands of faithful gathered in the Vatican.
His message came as millions across more than 40 countries celebrated Mother’s Day with prayers, family gatherings and acts of appreciation for mothers and caregivers.
Pope Leo also used the occasion to extend greetings to the Coptic Orthodox Church on the annual Day of Coptic Catholic Friendship, observed each year on May 10. Addressing His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope expressed hope that the relationship between Catholics and Coptic Christians would continue to deepen.
“I extend a fraternal greeting to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and assure my prayers for the entire beloved Coptic Church, in the hope that our journey of friendship may lead us to perfect unity in Christ, who has called us friends,” Pope Leo said.
The Day of Coptic Catholic Friendship commemorates the growing relationship between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church, especially since the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III in 1973.
Pope also spoke about the Canary Islands and thanked local residents for what he described as their welcoming spirit. He referred in particular to the recent reception of passengers from the Hondius cruise ship, which reportedly carried people affected by hantavirus.
Pope Leo praised the people of the islands for their openness and solidarity during the health situation and said he looked forward to visiting them next month.
“I am happy to be able to meet you next month during my visit to the islands,” he said.
Pope is scheduled to travel to Spain from June 6 to 12 for an apostolic journey that will include visits to Tenerife and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. During the visit, he is expected to meet migrants as well as organisations involved in humanitarian assistance and social support work.
The planned journey will be among the major international visits of Pope Leo XIV since the beginning of his pontificate and is expected to focus strongly on themes of migration, solidarity and Christian unity.