Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace on Sunday, calling on world leaders to be guided by wisdom and conscience as they work towards ending conflicts and building a just and lasting peace for people suffering around the world.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, Pope reflected on the Church’s month long prayer campaign for peace during May. More than 20,000 pilgrims and visitors gathered in the square to hear his message.
Pope said that throughout May, Catholics across the world had united in prayer, especially through the Rosary, asking for peace in regions affected by war and violence. He described these prayers as a continuous chain of faith entrusted to the care and intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Pope Leo prayed that divine wisdom would enlighten those who hold positions of authority and responsibility. He expressed hope that political leaders would make decisions guided by justice, dialogue and a sincere desire for peace rather than conflict.
His appeal came just one day after he led a special Rosary prayer at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens. Around 2,000 people joined him in person, while an estimated 100,000 faithful participated remotely from approximately 200 Marian shrines around the world. During that gathering, the Pope invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed for what he called the precious gift of peace, which he said comes from God.
Pope’s repeated appeals reflect ongoing concerns about armed conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting millions of people in different parts of the world. Since the beginning of his pontificate, he has frequently called for dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful solutions to disputes between nations and communities.
During the Angelus address, Pope Leo also turned attention to those who are suffering from illness and to the people who care for them. He noted that Italy was observing the 25th Day of Relief, an annual initiative dedicated to supporting the sick and promoting compassionate healthcare.
The theme of this year’s observance is “I Take Care,” highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and solidarity towards those facing physical and emotional suffering.
Pope expressed his closeness to people who are ill and offered words of gratitude and encouragement to healthcare workers, caregivers, volunteers and family members who provide support to patients. He praised efforts to build a culture of care and human closeness, especially for those experiencing pain, loneliness or serious health conditions.
The Day of Relief initiative also seeks to raise awareness about palliative care, pain management, the humanisation of healthcare services and the important role played by volunteers who accompany patients and their families during difficult moments.
At the conclusion of the Angelus, Pope Leo greeted various groups of pilgrims present in the square. He offered a special greeting to participants in the annual pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Piekary Sanctuary in Poland, where Mary is honoured under the title of Mother of Social Justice.
The shrine has been an important centre of Marian devotion for centuries and attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. A traditional pilgrimage for boys and men is held every May, while a corresponding pilgrimage for girls and women takes place in August.
Through his messages on peace, care for the sick and devotion to Mary, Pope Leo once again encouraged Catholics around the world to remain united in prayer, compassion and hope, while continuing to work for a more peaceful and caring society.