For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
(A Fifteen-Minute Read)
Pontiff Leo: Peace Is Urgently Needed, Requiring Responsible Decisions
After the Angelus prayer, the Pontiff strongly renewed his appeal for the silencing of arms and the cessation of bombings. "Let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace," said the Pontiff, marking four years since the start of the war against Ukraine. Peace cannot be postponed, he emphasized: "Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations." By Antonella Palermo
"Let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace."
Four years after the start of the war against Ukraine, the Pope’s heart went out to the people living through such suffering devastation, which Pope Leo recalled following the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace window, a war that is "unfolding before the eyes of the whole world."
“So many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering! Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations. Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find a home in our hearts and be translated into responsible decisions.”
United in Prayer
The Pontiff strongly encouraged everyone to "join in prayer for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world, that the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days."
Repeated Appeals For Peace
Today’s appeal, on the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, carries a bitter aftertaste, but nonetheless continues to keep hope alive. This has been the case since the poignant pleas of Pope Francis for peace in the heart of Europe were consistently raised, accompanied by his great concern for the marytred Ukrainian people. This expression has become familiar to many. The pleas were reiterated by Leone XIV right after his election when he called the war "senseless" and emphasized the urgency of reaching "an authentic, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible."
The release of all prisoners and the return of children to their families have been recurring themes in the Pope’s prayers. Now, the intense cold of winter, which exacerbates the damage caused by the bombings, particularly concerns him. “May the clamor of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue” he stated in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message.
Heartfelt Solidarity With The Victims Of War
Continuing the solidarity shown by his predecessor for the Ukrainian population, Pontiff Leo has sent repeated humanitarian assistance from the Papal Almoner to Ukraine. He also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, received associations working closely with war victims, mothers and wives of Ukrainian soldiers at the front, children and young people deprived of opportunities. He has also met with beneficiaries of emergency refuge, and met with Ukrainian pilgrims, praising the faith of a land rich with "the testimony of many saints" and "the blood of many martyrs."
During an audience with Ukrainian President Zelensky last December, he reiterated the Holy See’s willingness to host negotiations. He has even contemplated a visit to Kyiv, though he acknowledged the necessity of prudent realism. In the face of the escalation of an increasingly hybrid conflict, with significant damage to civilians and infrastructure, upon returning from his first international trip, he emphasized the importance of European and Italian involvement. “Serious commitment to dialogue,” he hoped for at the end of August, while, for the anniversary of Ukraine’s national holiday, he expressed "with a heart wounded by violence" his condolences to the families of the fallen and to the displaced people.
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Lent And Ramadan As 'Catalysts For A Renewed World'
In its message for the month of Ramadan, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue highlights this year’s overlap with Lent, expressing hope that the two holy periods might “become a catalyst for a renewed world, where the weapons of war give way to the courage of peace.” by Vatican News
"Through this shared season of Ramadan and Lent, may our inner transformation become a catalyst for a renewed world, where the weapons of war give way to the courage of peace.”
Those are the words of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue’s message for Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr, signed by the Prefect, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, and the Secretary, Monsignor Indunil J.K. Kodithuwakku.
"Peace — this is my fervent wish", the message reads, "for each of you, for your families, and for the nations in which you live."
Peace, Cardinal Koovakad writes, comes from "disarmament of the heart, the mind and life", and is a gift from God that is nourished by dialogue, justice and love for forgiveness.
READ THE FULL MESSAGE HERE
Not Giving In To Despair
Expressing the Holy See’s solidarity and respect for Muslims, the message highlights the "providential convergence of calendars" given that Christians are currently observing Lent.
In today’s world, overloaded with "information, narratives and competing viewpoints," the message reads, we can be tempted to despair or violence.
Believers, Cardinal Koovakad says, must choose another path. Christians and Muslims are "called to imagine and to open new paths by which life may be renewed." This happens through prayer, "fasting that clears our inner vision, and concrete acts of charity."
Dare To Strive For Peace
Cardinal Koovakad expresses the Church's closeness to our Muslim brothers and sisters, "especially those among you who struggle or suffer in body or spirit because of your thirst for justice, equality, dignity and freedom "
Muslims and Christians "are united not only by our shared experience of trial, but also by the sacred task of restoring peace to our broken world".
The message ends with the hope that Lent and Ramadan might "become a catalyst for a renewed world, where the weapons of war give way to the courage of peace."
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Synod Establishes New Commission Dedicated To Eastern Churches
The General Secretariat of the Synod creates a new Commission tasked with developing ideas for the revision of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches “in light of the synodal journey.” by Vatican News
The General Secretariat of the Synod has created a new body dedicated to developing proposals for the revision of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO) in the context of the synodal journey. Called the Eastern Canonical Commission, it met for the first time on February 20 at the General Secretariat of the Synod’s headquarters.
A Dedicated Commission
This new Commission builds on the work of the Canonical Commission that had been formed in December 2023. That commission had already put some proposals forward for a reform of the CCEO, though its main focus was on the Latin Church’s Canon Law.
The 2026 Eastern Canonical Commission is also responding to a number of requests made by leaders of the sui iuris Churches. These are the 24 individual autonomous Churches within the Catholic Catholic Church that are in full communion with the Pope but maintain their own specific traditions, liturgies, laws, and governance.
Aimed at fostering interdicasterial cooperation to serve the local Churches, the new Commission is made up of Eastern canon law experts who have been chosen from consultants of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts and the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, explained that “it was deemed appropriate to establish a dedicated commission that could work in close connection with Study Group no. 1 on Certain Aspects of Relations Between the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church” while “taking into account the specificity of Eastern Canon Law”.
This Study Group is one of the ten established by Pope Francis in 2024, following the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. During that Assembly, a number of important topics regarding the life and mission of the Church in a synodal context emerged.
In the spirit of synodality “that characterizes this implementation phase,” Cardinal Grech invites “the sui iuris Churches, episcopal conferences, Catholic universities, institutions, and individuals interested to submit their contributions to the General Secretariat of the Synod by April 15, 2026.”
Mandate
In the short term, this new Commission is tasked with preparing “draft normative texts in order to give effect to the juridical proposals advanced during the 2021-2024 synodal journey, in particular those enumerated in the Synthesis Report (2023) and in the Final Document (2024).”
The Secretary of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, which is the responsible Curial body, will coordinate the Commission’s work, including updating the current Eastern legislation.
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Society Of St. Pius X Rejects Dialogue Proposed By The Holy See
The Society of St. Pius X rejects the Holy See's proposal for a “specifically theological” dialogue, as "the texts of the Council cannot be corrected, nor can the legitimacy of the liturgical reform be questioned." They confirm their intention to proceed with the episcopal ordinations scheduled for July 1. By Salvatore Cernuzio
The Society of St. Pius X has rejected the Holy See's proposal for a “specifically theological” dialogue, because the texts of the Second Vatican Council and the legitimacy of the liturgical reform would never be called into question. They have confirmed their intention to proceed with the episcopal ordinations scheduled for July 1.
This response comes in a letter from Fr. Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the Society, to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, following their meeting on February 12 in the Vatican.
In a subsequent statement, Cardinal Fernández described the meeting as “cordial” and “sincere” and mentioned that he had proposed initiating “a specifically theological dialogue” with “a precise methodology” on issues that still lack sufficient clarification.
This proposal was accompanied by a request to suspend the episcopal ordinations announced on February 2, warning that such a move would “imply a decisive break in ecclesial communion (schism), with serious consequences for the Society as a whole.”
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city... ********
Pontiff In Dialogue With Rome's Priests: Be friends, Beware Of Envy And The Internet
Pontiff Leo XIV answers four questions from priests of the Diocese of Rome and gives wide-ranging responses touching on spiritual guidance, indications for ministry and pastoral work, the internet and more. By Salvatore Cernuzio
The dialogue between Pontiff Leo XIV and the clergy of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday was an open and sincere one.
After delivering his address, the Pontiff engaged in a question-and-answer session with the priests, the contents of which were released the next day, on Friday, February 20.
There were four questions and answers, but the topics addressed were many, ranging from spiritual guidance, to concrete indications for ministry and pastoral work, to specific recommendations, such as not to prepare homilies with artificial intelligence.
Being Role Models For Young People
The dialogue held behind closed doors was introduced by the Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of Rome, who presented four priests – representing four age groups - who were chosen to ask questions.
Among them was a young priest ordained by Pontiff Leo last May. He asked how young priests can support their peers in today’s world.
The Pontiff first urged them to keep their “eyes open” to the families from which many young people come from, which often have been through “very serious crises,” with absent parents or parents who are “divorced, remarried.”
Read the full article HERE"
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
Pontiff Hails LA Religious Education Congress As A Time For True Spiritual Renewal
In a message sent to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Pope Leo XIV sends greetings to the 70th Los Angeles Religious Education Congress taking place in Anaheim in the US state of California and reiterates that "deepening your relationship with Jesus and being faithful and joyful disciples" makes religious education teachers authentic and effective. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"By deepening your relationship with Jesus, who is the Truth, and continuing to be faithful and joyful disciples in your daily lives, your authenticity as educators and catechetical leaders will enable you to transmit the Gospel in such a way that it leads to a true encounter with the Lord and contributes to building up a lasting and life-giving culture..."
Pontiff Leo XIV expressed this in a message sent to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, José H. Gomez, on the occasion of the 70th Religious Education Congress taking place in Anaheim, California, February 19–22, 2026. The annual four-day Catholic gathering, which, this year, has the theme 'Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed,' is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Religious Education.
The Congress draws thousands of faithful, educators, and ministry leaders from around the U.S. and beyond to deepen their faith through workshops, liturgies, exhibits, keynote talks and spiritual celebrations. It began with a Youth Day for young people on Feb. 19 and adult programming continues through Feb. 22.
Opportunity For True Spiritual Renewal
In the text sent on the Holy Father's behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope sent his cordial greetings and expressed his hope that these days of prayer, formation and fellowship, "provide an opportunity for true spiritual renewal."
The Holy Father applauded their awareness as men and women dedicated to the task of religious education, that “the authentic teacher arouses the desire for truth.”
Jesus Offers Comfort And Strength
The Pope also encouraged the young people present "to open their hearts to the love of God." Love, he reminded, not only led Jesus to give Himself for us on the Cross, but also to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament.
"In this regard," the Holy Father prayed that their experience at the Conference will help them "to discover Jesus’ Eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life’s circumstances."
Pontiff Leo concluded by entrusting all Congress participants to the maternal intercession of Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.
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Indonesia Hosts Symposium On Media's Effect On Religious Practice
An international symposium gathers scholars and practitioners to reflect on the transformative impact of digital media on religion and culture across Southeast Asia. By Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ
An international symposium on “Media, Religion and Culture” is being held from February 19–21, 2026, at the Institut Filsafat dan Teknologi Kreatif Ledalero (IFTK Ledalero) in Flores, eastern Indonesia.
The three-day event brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia. It was organized in collaboration with the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication of St. John's University, Thailand.
The symposium's goal is to examine how the rise of digital media is reshaping religious practice and cultural life across Southeast Asia. Participants reflected on both the opportunities and the challenges presented by the digital environment, particularly in societies marked by religious plurality and strong cultural traditions.
Digital Religion And Responsibility
At the opening of the symposium, the Rector of IFTK Ledalero, Prof. Dr. Otto Gusti Ndegong Madung, SVD, emphasized the ethical and political dimensions of digital religion.
According to Radio Veritas Asia, he said that digital religion must be understood as a field shaped by power, ethics, and responsibility.
“Digital technology is not neutral,” he noted. “It is a political and ethical arena where religious identity, moral norms, and citizenship are constantly negotiated.”
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/... ********
Pontiff To Religious: Be A Reflection Of God’s Love In The World
Pontiff Leo encourages the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles to continue their mission in difficult regions across the globe and amongst those most in need. By Isabella H. de Carvalho
In a speech to two religious congregations, Pontiff Leo XIV encouraged them to continue their missions in difficult areas of the world and amongst the poorest, urging them to foster a family spirit within their communities.
“For consecrated men and women, as well as for truly committed Christian laypeople,” this family spirit “arises first and foremost from their encounter with God, from the Eucharist, from prayer, from adoration, from listening to the word and from the celebration of the sacraments,” the Pope said, in an address to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles on Saturday, February 21.
“From there, from the altar and the tabernacle,” he continued, “this spirit grows in our hearts, filling them with those feelings of communion and affection, of solicitude and patient closeness, which must always distinguish us and which makes us a reflection of God’s love in the world.”
The Pontiff met with the two groups at the Vatican in light of the 200th anniversary of the Papal approval of the Rules and Constitutions of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.
The Pontiff highlighted that although the history of the two congregations are different, they have several things in common including the period of their foundation, the fact that they both originated in France and “above all the missionary vocation.”
A Preferential Openness To The Least Among Us
Addressing firstly the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Pontiff emphasized how the founder of the congregation, French bishop St. Eugène de Mazenod, decided to focus on evangelizing those most in need “at a time when Europe was shaken by complex and dramatic events that heightened the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel.”
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
Pontiff: Avoid Both Naiveté And ‘Prophets Of Doom’
Pontiff Leo receives members of the Italian Episcopal Conference’s “Policoro Project”, which supports young people in the country in finding employment.
Vatican News
“Young people, you are the beautiful face of an Italy that does not give up, that does not resign itself, that rolls up its sleeves and gets back on its feet.”
That was Pontiff Leo XIV's tribute on Saturday to members of the Policoro Project, created in December 1995 by Fr. Mario Operti, an Italian priest working in youth ministry.
From the outset, the initiative sought to evangelize the world of work, first in southern Italy and later throughout the country.
Born in the Mezzogiorno, or south of the country, an economically disadvantaged area plagued by organized crime, the project has since expanded beyond the workplace alone. The Pontiff praised its work against corruption, labour exploitation and injustice, and highlighted the transformation of assets confiscated from the mafia into social initiatives and support for young people launching businesses.
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
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Posted By: agnes levine
Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 4:04PM
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