HOW POPE LEO XIV TO MIGRANTS IN TENERIFE: 'I CARRY YOU IN MY HEART', PRAY FOR MIGRANTS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES...
For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Tenerife, Spain
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Tenerife for the final leg of his visit to the Canary Islands and his Apostolic Journey to Spain. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The aircraft carrying Pope Leo XIV and the accompanying journalists departed from Gran Canaria Gando Air Base at 8:56 AM local time on Friday morning and landed at Tenerife Norte-Los Rodeos International Airport at 9:15 AM local.
This marks the beginning of the final stage of his visit to the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa that serves as a major maritime entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, and of his Apostolic Journey to Spain.
Upon arriving in Tenerife, the Holy Father will meet with migrants at the Las Raíces Center, and subsequently with organizations working for the integration of migrants in Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna.
Pope Leo will also celebrate Mass at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Tenerife for Rome at 3 PM local time and is expected to arrive at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport at about 8:10 PM.
The Holy Father had celebrated Mass in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Thursday and met there with migrants and those engaged in humanitarian and pastoral care.
********
Pope Leo XIV to migrants in Tenerife: 'I carry you in my heart'
Pope Leo XIV meets with migrants at the Las Raíces Center in Tenerife during his stay in the Canary Islands, and reassures them that he carries them in his heart and prayers, and prays that no 'storm' may ever drive them away from feeling the presence of Christ. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Leo XIV reminded migrants at the Las Raíces Center in Tenerife that he carries them in his heart and will remember them in his prayers.
After listening to testimonies of those present, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to them and all migrants.
The Holy Father recalled that today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, explaining that for Christians, Jesus’ heart symbolizes God’s merciful and infinite love for every human being.
"In this context," the Holy Father said, "it is providential that we can come together, see one another and, above all, recognize that, no matter where we come from, God’s love knows no borders, makes no distinctions, is given to all and brings us together in unity."
'As I look at your faces, I think of your hearts'
The Pope went on to recognize their difficulties.
"As I look at your faces and listen to your stories," he said, "I also think of your hearts — wounded by so many difficulties, yet also comforted by the love you have received from other open, generous and merciful hearts."
He recalled that Christ’s heart suffered and was pierced out of love, but He was also comforted by compassionate people who eased His pain.
Jesus understands you
Pope Leo explained the universality of love by pointing to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in which a stranger from a foreign town and a different religion took pity on a wounded and mistreated man.
The Pope also recalled that, motivated by the love of God, which urges us to heal others' wounds and show charity to those who suffer, Saint Brother Peter and Saint Joseph of Anchieta set sail from the Canary Islands to preach the Gospel in America, opening new missionary horizons.
They too, he noted, were migrants who ventured into the unknown, carrying faith, hope and charity as their greatest possessions.
In those unfamiliar lands, Pope Leo said, the "holy migrants and missionaries" shared what they had while also welcoming the new gifts offered to them.
Share the treasures of your humanity
"I also," Pope Leo encouraged, "invite you to share the treasures of your humanity, of your dreams and of your culture, which you have brought to these islands, and to be open to receiving what is offered to you."
The Holy Father stressed that this exchange must be lived "responsibly," with an eye toward "the future generations to whom we wish to bequeath the heritage of a civilization of love."
In this regard, Pope Leo observed that migration can play an important role, since it "can become an opportunity for encounter and mutual enrichment among peoples."
The Pope reminded those present "that, in a sense, all of us are migrants, for we are all pilgrims on our way to our heavenly homeland."
Need to make the journey more humane
He encouraged everyone to help make that journey more humane by contributing in whatever way they can.
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude to those in government, various institutions and the many men and women of goodwill whose collaboration helps make this concrete humanitarian aid possible, restoring hope and giving dignity to so many people.
May no 'storm' drive you away from the Lord's presence
Pope Leo said that the name of the reception center, Las Raíces, “the roots,” caught his attention, recalling that the late Pope Francis, "who so longed to be with you," liked to use the image of roots to emphasize the importance of remembering our origins, staying united and trusting in the Lord.
The Holy Father recalled that Pope Francis had written in his Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit that those who trust in the Lord are “like a tree planted by water sending out its roots by the stream; it shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green.”
Remain rooted in the Lord
Invoking that same image, Pope Leo prayed that those present might remain firmly rooted in the Lord, "so that no storm may drive you away from His presence, which strengthens and gives life."
"Dear friends, I carry you in my heart and will remember you in my prayers," he said.
The Pope concluded by praying that God would bless them, their families and all who do good to them, and that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Consolation of Migrants, would always accompany and assist them with her maternal protection.
********
Archdiocese of Seoul honors AI scholar Fr Paolo Benanti
As Seoul prepares for World Youth Day 2027, a ceremony highlights human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
As the Church in Korea prepares to welcome young people from around the world for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the Archdiocese of Seoul has placed the dignity of human life at the center of public attention at the 20th Mystery of Life Awards Ceremony, held at The Catholic University of Korea.
Hosted by the Committee for Life of the Archdiocese of Seoul, chaired by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, the ceremony honored individuals and organizations whose work has contributed to the protection of human life and the promotion of a culture of life across science, ethics, healthcare, and social action.
The ceremony brought together Church, academic, civic, and public leaders. Among those present were Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul; Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and Chairman of the Committee for Life; and Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and Vice President of the Committee for Life. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also attended the ceremony and delivered congratulatory remarks.
A central focus of the ceremony was Fr. Paolo Benanti, T.O.R. — advisor to the Holy See on AI ethics, chair of the Italian government’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence for Information, and former member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence — who received the Achievement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences.
In his acceptance remarks, Fr. Benanti reflected on the meaning of the “mystery of life” in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. “That word, mystery, signals something that does not yield to mere calculation, that cannot be reduced to data, that demands of us not only analysis, but reverence,” he said.
Warning against the reduction of human beings to data, Fr. Benanti said, “AI systems do not know how to see a person. They see patterns. They see correlations. They see behavioral signals and preference vectors.” He emphasized that “technology is not destiny,” and that the dignity of human life must be the measure by which every technological choice is judged.
In his address, Archbishop Chung expressed gratitude to the laureates for their witness to the dignity of life in their respective fields and highlighted the significance of the award’s 20th anniversary. “Through this award ceremony, I hope the value of life will be more widely shared and that a culture of respect for life will be further rooted in our society,” Archbishop Chung said.
He also connected the mission of the award to the future generations who will gather in Korea for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. “As we continue to prepare for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, we hope to share the value of life with future generations and to help spread throughout society a culture that protects human dignity,” he said.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized that the protection of life is not only a religious concern, but also a national and social responsibility. “The issues most deeply considered by the current government, and most frequently discussed in Cabinet meetings, are industrial accidents, suicide, and public safety,” Prime Minister Kim said. “These cannot be addressed by systems alone.”
He continued, “Unless human dignity and a value system that respects life are firmly rooted, institutions alone cannot solve these problems.” He also thanked the Committee for Life of the Archdiocese of Seoul for spreading a culture of life in Korean society over the past 20 years and asked the Catholic community to continue walking with the Korean people in protecting life.
The 2026 Mystery of Life Awards recognized four laureates:
• Achievement Award in Life Sciences: Professor Won-Suk Chung, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, for his contributions to research on neurodegenerative diseases.
• Achievement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Fr. Paolo Benanti, T.O.R., Pontifical Gregorian University, for his work on AI ethics and technology governance.
• Encouragement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Professor Sujeong Kim, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, for her work on care ethics in medical settings.
• Encouragement Award in the Activity category: Human Resource Development
Foundation, India, for its work with Dalit communities and its commitment to human rights and human dignity.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope: Listen to the ‘hidden, beating heart of love’
At Mass in Gran Canaria, Pope Leo warns against the “clamor of a bombastic, omnipresent and restless ‘I’”, and remembers the migrants who lost their lives attempting to reach the island. By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo reflected on love, suffering and humility on Thursday evening, as he presided over Mass at Gran Canaria Stadium.
Gran Canaria, a Spanish island just off the West coast of Africa, is a major arrival point for migrants seeking a new life in Europe.
In his homily, the Pope said that he wanted to remember “the sufferings to which this land bears witness”, and invited his listeners to pray together for “our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives at sea.”
'Torment for the heart'
Pope Leo began his homily by reflecting on the first reading for the Mass, which was taken from the Book of Deuteronomy and describes God’s love for the Israelites.
This is a love, the Pope said, which “permeates our entire being”, and is “fire for the soul, light for the mind, peace, an irresistible impulse toward freedom … torment for the heart”.
It is in this “unconditional” divine love, Leo said, that our own vocation to love is rooted.
Integral development.
The Pope then turned to consider the day’s second reading, taken from the First Letter of John.
In the Apostle’s words, Leo said, lies an invitation “to embrace those who suffer with motherly compassion”.
Our compassion, however, must not stop at material assistance, but must also aim to promote the “spiritual, intellectual, and physical” development of those in need.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
'We are migrants ministering to migrants'
When Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Church of Sant Augustin (Agustí Nou) in Barcelona's El Raval neighbourhood, he was being hosted, so to speak, by his brothers – four Augustinians who serve at the Church in Barcelona. This small Augustinian community comprises two Filipinos and two Tanzanians. Vatican News spoke with the Prior, Fr. Dennis Pineda – originally from the Philippines, but with over 16 years of pastoral ministry and presence in Spain.
Fr Paul Samasumo - Barcelona
Since no Church in Barcelona can ever rival the architectural grandeur of Antoni Gaudí's Basilica of the Sagrada Família, locals nicknamed the parish of Sant Agustí the “Cathedral of the Poor." But there is a deeper significance to this nickname. Located at Plaça de Sant Agustí, this 18th-century Church has long served as a sanctuary for the working-class residents of Barcelona’s Raval district. That legacy persists today, but this time, tending to the needs of migrants from Asia, Latin America, and a few from North Africa.
The Augustinian Community in Catalonia
Fr. Dennis Pineda is the Prior of the Augustinian community in Catalonia and rector of the Parish of Sant Roc in Badalona. He leads the four-member Augustinian (OSA) team based at Sant Agustí in Barcelona's Raval district, where they hosted Pope Leo XIV this week. The Pope was there to meet with diocesan charities and other welfare organisations.
A day before the Pope's visit, Fr. Dennis shared with Vatican News that welcoming another Augustinian in the name of Pope Leo was ‘a source of immense joy.’” He referred to himself and his colleagues as migrants serving other migrants and ministering to those in need.
A multicultural parish
“This is a very particular Church and community, a truly multicultural parish in Barcelona,” Fr. Dennis explained. “We have people from different countries and nationalities. We provide space for them to celebrate their Catholic faith and to be one in faith. ‘To be one’ is, by the way, also our identity as Augustinians,” said Fr Dennis.
He added, “Under this Church of Sant Agustí, we serve two parishes: the Filipino community and a broader congregation from various backgrounds. We serve Latino American communities such as Bolivians, Peruvians, Paraguayans, and others.”
Culture and devotions
Fr Dennis understands that when people from diverse nations come to the parish, they often feel nostalgic about their homeland. “When they arrive here, we welcome the diversity. We acknowledge that they miss certain devotions, saints, or Marian celebrations from home. Once a month, we dedicate space for their celebrations, where they can bring out the statues of their favourite saints, sing their hymns, play music, pray, and celebrate in ways unique to their cultures,” he explained.
READ HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope in Canary Islands: Remain united through the Cross and the Eucharist
Pope Leo XIV urged the Church in the Canary Islands to remain united in faith by embracing the Cross, deepening its Eucharistic life, and serving the most vulnerable with solidarity and hope. By Vatican News
Pope Leo on Thursday met with bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, and pastoral workers in St. Anne's Cathedral in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The meeting took place during the pennultimate stop of the Pope's Apostolic Journey to Spain, which has included a strong focus on migration, social challenges, and the role of the Church in accompanying vulnerable communities. The Canary Islands have become one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants travelling from West Africa, and local Church communities have played a significant role in providing humanitarian and pastoral support.
Addressing those gathered in the cathedral, Pope Leo thanked them for their witness to what he described as a "living Church," one that reflects "the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted."
The Pope said he had come to the islands "as a father and brother in the faith," recalling the words he spoke at the beginning of his pontificate: "With you I am a Christian, and for you, I am a bishop."
Read the full address of Pope Leo HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
VISIT: https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews
********
EMPOWER & EQUIP YOUR MINISTRY WITH FRESH WEEKLY EDIFICATION, NEWS AND EVENTS—UPDATED REGULARLY AT: https://www.pinterest.com/levineoliverpub/... AND use these handy hashtags here on Black In America: #AgnesBLevine, #KingdomCoolingWellWaterMinistries, #PontiffLeo, #PopeLeo, #PontiffFrancis, #PopeFrancis, #IranWar, #VaticanNews, #Synod, #HolySee, #Synodality, #KingdomLevineOliverPublisher, #KLOP, #Africa
Check out https://tinyurl.com/926uteft and use these handy hashtags here: #AgnesLevine, #LevineOliverPublisherInc, #(K-LOP), #mentalillnessrecoverysuccess, #BipolarDisorder, #MajorDepression, #Schizophrenia, #GunViolenceFree, #AnxietyDisorder, #Sobriety #BlackCatholics, #Section504, #Section503, #IEP, #Lupus, #JuvenileDiabetes, ##IDEA, #SuicidePrevention, #988, #ISawYouInHisEyes
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Tenerife, Spain
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Tenerife for the final leg of his visit to the Canary Islands and his Apostolic Journey to Spain. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The aircraft carrying Pope Leo XIV and the accompanying journalists departed from Gran Canaria Gando Air Base at 8:56 AM local time on Friday morning and landed at Tenerife Norte-Los Rodeos International Airport at 9:15 AM local.
This marks the beginning of the final stage of his visit to the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa that serves as a major maritime entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, and of his Apostolic Journey to Spain.
Upon arriving in Tenerife, the Holy Father will meet with migrants at the Las Raíces Center, and subsequently with organizations working for the integration of migrants in Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna.
Pope Leo will also celebrate Mass at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Tenerife for Rome at 3 PM local time and is expected to arrive at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport at about 8:10 PM.
The Holy Father had celebrated Mass in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Thursday and met there with migrants and those engaged in humanitarian and pastoral care.
********
Pope Leo XIV to migrants in Tenerife: 'I carry you in my heart'
Pope Leo XIV meets with migrants at the Las Raíces Center in Tenerife during his stay in the Canary Islands, and reassures them that he carries them in his heart and prayers, and prays that no 'storm' may ever drive them away from feeling the presence of Christ. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Leo XIV reminded migrants at the Las Raíces Center in Tenerife that he carries them in his heart and will remember them in his prayers.
After listening to testimonies of those present, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to them and all migrants.
The Holy Father recalled that today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, explaining that for Christians, Jesus’ heart symbolizes God’s merciful and infinite love for every human being.
"In this context," the Holy Father said, "it is providential that we can come together, see one another and, above all, recognize that, no matter where we come from, God’s love knows no borders, makes no distinctions, is given to all and brings us together in unity."
'As I look at your faces, I think of your hearts'
The Pope went on to recognize their difficulties.
"As I look at your faces and listen to your stories," he said, "I also think of your hearts — wounded by so many difficulties, yet also comforted by the love you have received from other open, generous and merciful hearts."
He recalled that Christ’s heart suffered and was pierced out of love, but He was also comforted by compassionate people who eased His pain.
Jesus understands you
Pope Leo explained the universality of love by pointing to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in which a stranger from a foreign town and a different religion took pity on a wounded and mistreated man.
The Pope also recalled that, motivated by the love of God, which urges us to heal others' wounds and show charity to those who suffer, Saint Brother Peter and Saint Joseph of Anchieta set sail from the Canary Islands to preach the Gospel in America, opening new missionary horizons.
They too, he noted, were migrants who ventured into the unknown, carrying faith, hope and charity as their greatest possessions.
In those unfamiliar lands, Pope Leo said, the "holy migrants and missionaries" shared what they had while also welcoming the new gifts offered to them.
Share the treasures of your humanity
"I also," Pope Leo encouraged, "invite you to share the treasures of your humanity, of your dreams and of your culture, which you have brought to these islands, and to be open to receiving what is offered to you."
The Holy Father stressed that this exchange must be lived "responsibly," with an eye toward "the future generations to whom we wish to bequeath the heritage of a civilization of love."
In this regard, Pope Leo observed that migration can play an important role, since it "can become an opportunity for encounter and mutual enrichment among peoples."
The Pope reminded those present "that, in a sense, all of us are migrants, for we are all pilgrims on our way to our heavenly homeland."
Need to make the journey more humane
He encouraged everyone to help make that journey more humane by contributing in whatever way they can.
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude to those in government, various institutions and the many men and women of goodwill whose collaboration helps make this concrete humanitarian aid possible, restoring hope and giving dignity to so many people.
May no 'storm' drive you away from the Lord's presence
Pope Leo said that the name of the reception center, Las Raíces, “the roots,” caught his attention, recalling that the late Pope Francis, "who so longed to be with you," liked to use the image of roots to emphasize the importance of remembering our origins, staying united and trusting in the Lord.
The Holy Father recalled that Pope Francis had written in his Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit that those who trust in the Lord are “like a tree planted by water sending out its roots by the stream; it shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green.”
Remain rooted in the Lord
Invoking that same image, Pope Leo prayed that those present might remain firmly rooted in the Lord, "so that no storm may drive you away from His presence, which strengthens and gives life."
"Dear friends, I carry you in my heart and will remember you in my prayers," he said.
The Pope concluded by praying that God would bless them, their families and all who do good to them, and that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Consolation of Migrants, would always accompany and assist them with her maternal protection.
********
Archdiocese of Seoul honors AI scholar Fr Paolo Benanti
As Seoul prepares for World Youth Day 2027, a ceremony highlights human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
As the Church in Korea prepares to welcome young people from around the world for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the Archdiocese of Seoul has placed the dignity of human life at the center of public attention at the 20th Mystery of Life Awards Ceremony, held at The Catholic University of Korea.
Hosted by the Committee for Life of the Archdiocese of Seoul, chaired by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, the ceremony honored individuals and organizations whose work has contributed to the protection of human life and the promotion of a culture of life across science, ethics, healthcare, and social action.
The ceremony brought together Church, academic, civic, and public leaders. Among those present were Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul; Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and Chairman of the Committee for Life; and Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and Vice President of the Committee for Life. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also attended the ceremony and delivered congratulatory remarks.
A central focus of the ceremony was Fr. Paolo Benanti, T.O.R. — advisor to the Holy See on AI ethics, chair of the Italian government’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence for Information, and former member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence — who received the Achievement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences.
In his acceptance remarks, Fr. Benanti reflected on the meaning of the “mystery of life” in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. “That word, mystery, signals something that does not yield to mere calculation, that cannot be reduced to data, that demands of us not only analysis, but reverence,” he said.
Warning against the reduction of human beings to data, Fr. Benanti said, “AI systems do not know how to see a person. They see patterns. They see correlations. They see behavioral signals and preference vectors.” He emphasized that “technology is not destiny,” and that the dignity of human life must be the measure by which every technological choice is judged.
In his address, Archbishop Chung expressed gratitude to the laureates for their witness to the dignity of life in their respective fields and highlighted the significance of the award’s 20th anniversary. “Through this award ceremony, I hope the value of life will be more widely shared and that a culture of respect for life will be further rooted in our society,” Archbishop Chung said.
He also connected the mission of the award to the future generations who will gather in Korea for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. “As we continue to prepare for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, we hope to share the value of life with future generations and to help spread throughout society a culture that protects human dignity,” he said.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized that the protection of life is not only a religious concern, but also a national and social responsibility. “The issues most deeply considered by the current government, and most frequently discussed in Cabinet meetings, are industrial accidents, suicide, and public safety,” Prime Minister Kim said. “These cannot be addressed by systems alone.”
He continued, “Unless human dignity and a value system that respects life are firmly rooted, institutions alone cannot solve these problems.” He also thanked the Committee for Life of the Archdiocese of Seoul for spreading a culture of life in Korean society over the past 20 years and asked the Catholic community to continue walking with the Korean people in protecting life.
The 2026 Mystery of Life Awards recognized four laureates:
• Achievement Award in Life Sciences: Professor Won-Suk Chung, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, for his contributions to research on neurodegenerative diseases.
• Achievement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Fr. Paolo Benanti, T.O.R., Pontifical Gregorian University, for his work on AI ethics and technology governance.
• Encouragement Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Professor Sujeong Kim, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, for her work on care ethics in medical settings.
• Encouragement Award in the Activity category: Human Resource Development
Foundation, India, for its work with Dalit communities and its commitment to human rights and human dignity.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope: Listen to the ‘hidden, beating heart of love’
At Mass in Gran Canaria, Pope Leo warns against the “clamor of a bombastic, omnipresent and restless ‘I’”, and remembers the migrants who lost their lives attempting to reach the island. By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo reflected on love, suffering and humility on Thursday evening, as he presided over Mass at Gran Canaria Stadium.
Gran Canaria, a Spanish island just off the West coast of Africa, is a major arrival point for migrants seeking a new life in Europe.
In his homily, the Pope said that he wanted to remember “the sufferings to which this land bears witness”, and invited his listeners to pray together for “our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives at sea.”
'Torment for the heart'
Pope Leo began his homily by reflecting on the first reading for the Mass, which was taken from the Book of Deuteronomy and describes God’s love for the Israelites.
This is a love, the Pope said, which “permeates our entire being”, and is “fire for the soul, light for the mind, peace, an irresistible impulse toward freedom … torment for the heart”.
It is in this “unconditional” divine love, Leo said, that our own vocation to love is rooted.
Integral development.
The Pope then turned to consider the day’s second reading, taken from the First Letter of John.
In the Apostle’s words, Leo said, lies an invitation “to embrace those who suffer with motherly compassion”.
Our compassion, however, must not stop at material assistance, but must also aim to promote the “spiritual, intellectual, and physical” development of those in need.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
'We are migrants ministering to migrants'
When Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Church of Sant Augustin (Agustí Nou) in Barcelona's El Raval neighbourhood, he was being hosted, so to speak, by his brothers – four Augustinians who serve at the Church in Barcelona. This small Augustinian community comprises two Filipinos and two Tanzanians. Vatican News spoke with the Prior, Fr. Dennis Pineda – originally from the Philippines, but with over 16 years of pastoral ministry and presence in Spain.
Fr Paul Samasumo - Barcelona
Since no Church in Barcelona can ever rival the architectural grandeur of Antoni Gaudí's Basilica of the Sagrada Família, locals nicknamed the parish of Sant Agustí the “Cathedral of the Poor." But there is a deeper significance to this nickname. Located at Plaça de Sant Agustí, this 18th-century Church has long served as a sanctuary for the working-class residents of Barcelona’s Raval district. That legacy persists today, but this time, tending to the needs of migrants from Asia, Latin America, and a few from North Africa.
The Augustinian Community in Catalonia
Fr. Dennis Pineda is the Prior of the Augustinian community in Catalonia and rector of the Parish of Sant Roc in Badalona. He leads the four-member Augustinian (OSA) team based at Sant Agustí in Barcelona's Raval district, where they hosted Pope Leo XIV this week. The Pope was there to meet with diocesan charities and other welfare organisations.
A day before the Pope's visit, Fr. Dennis shared with Vatican News that welcoming another Augustinian in the name of Pope Leo was ‘a source of immense joy.’” He referred to himself and his colleagues as migrants serving other migrants and ministering to those in need.
A multicultural parish
“This is a very particular Church and community, a truly multicultural parish in Barcelona,” Fr. Dennis explained. “We have people from different countries and nationalities. We provide space for them to celebrate their Catholic faith and to be one in faith. ‘To be one’ is, by the way, also our identity as Augustinians,” said Fr Dennis.
He added, “Under this Church of Sant Agustí, we serve two parishes: the Filipino community and a broader congregation from various backgrounds. We serve Latino American communities such as Bolivians, Peruvians, Paraguayans, and others.”
Culture and devotions
Fr Dennis understands that when people from diverse nations come to the parish, they often feel nostalgic about their homeland. “When they arrive here, we welcome the diversity. We acknowledge that they miss certain devotions, saints, or Marian celebrations from home. Once a month, we dedicate space for their celebrations, where they can bring out the statues of their favourite saints, sing their hymns, play music, pray, and celebrate in ways unique to their cultures,” he explained.
READ HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope in Canary Islands: Remain united through the Cross and the Eucharist
Pope Leo XIV urged the Church in the Canary Islands to remain united in faith by embracing the Cross, deepening its Eucharistic life, and serving the most vulnerable with solidarity and hope. By Vatican News
Pope Leo on Thursday met with bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, and pastoral workers in St. Anne's Cathedral in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The meeting took place during the pennultimate stop of the Pope's Apostolic Journey to Spain, which has included a strong focus on migration, social challenges, and the role of the Church in accompanying vulnerable communities. The Canary Islands have become one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants travelling from West Africa, and local Church communities have played a significant role in providing humanitarian and pastoral support.
Addressing those gathered in the cathedral, Pope Leo thanked them for their witness to what he described as a "living Church," one that reflects "the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted."
The Pope said he had come to the islands "as a father and brother in the faith," recalling the words he spoke at the beginning of his pontificate: "With you I am a Christian, and for you, I am a bishop."
Read the full address of Pope Leo HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
VISIT: https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews
********
EMPOWER & EQUIP YOUR MINISTRY WITH FRESH WEEKLY EDIFICATION, NEWS AND EVENTS—UPDATED REGULARLY AT: https://www.pinterest.com/levineoliverpub/... AND use these handy hashtags here on Black In America: #AgnesBLevine, #KingdomCoolingWellWaterMinistries, #PontiffLeo, #PopeLeo, #PontiffFrancis, #PopeFrancis, #IranWar, #VaticanNews, #Synod, #HolySee, #Synodality, #KingdomLevineOliverPublisher, #KLOP, #Africa
Check out https://tinyurl.com/926uteft and use these handy hashtags here: #AgnesLevine, #LevineOliverPublisherInc, #(K-LOP), #mentalillnessrecoverysuccess, #BipolarDisorder, #MajorDepression, #Schizophrenia, #GunViolenceFree, #AnxietyDisorder, #Sobriety #BlackCatholics, #Section504, #Section503, #IEP, #Lupus, #JuvenileDiabetes, ##IDEA, #SuicidePrevention, #988, #ISawYouInHisEyes
