For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
(A Twenty-Minute Read)
God's Name Can Never Be Used To Justify 'Absurd' Pursuit Of War, Pontiff Says
"God cannot be enlisted by darkness," Pontiff Leo XIV said in a homily during Mass in a parish on the outskirts of Rome.
God always "comes to bring light, hope and peace to humanity, and it is peace that must be sought by those who call upon him," the pope said.
ROME (CNS) -- Believing problems and differences can be resolved with war is absurd, Pontiff Leo XIV said, chastising those who use God's name in their dark and deadly pursuits.
"God cannot be enlisted by darkness," he said in his homily during Mass in a parish on the outskirts of Rome March 15. "Rather, he always comes to bring light, hope and peace to humanity, and it is peace that must be sought by those who call upon him."
The pontiff was making his fifth and final visit to parishes in his Diocese of Rome in the run-up to Palm Sunday, which falls on March 29.
Earlier, the pontiff had prayed the Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, where he made an urgent appeal for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
"I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!" he said after the noonday prayer. "May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the people are waiting."
Marking the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched their first attacks on Iran and since the Israeli military resumed strikes in Lebanon, Pontiff Leo said the people in the Middle East "have been suffering the horrific violence of war."
"Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas," he said.
Expressing his deep concern for the situation in Lebanon, the pontiff said he hoped that the country’s authorities would be supported through dialogue "in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people."
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.usccb.org/news/2026/gods-name-... ********
Pontiff Recalls Many Middle East Christians Who Suffer With Christ During Holy Week
Pontiff Leo XIV decries the fact that many Christians in the Middle East will be unable to celebrate Holy Week rites, urging everyone to remember the many people who share in Christ's suffering as the Church contemplates the Mystery of the Lord's Passion. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"Precisely as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who today truly share in His suffering."
Pontiff Leo XIV made this observation at the conclusion of his Palm Sunday Mass in the Vatican.
He drew the Church's attention to the plight of Christians in the Middle East, saying their "trial calls upon the conscience of all."
"At the beginning of Holy Week, we are closer than ever in prayer to the Christians of the Middle East, who suffer the consequences of a terrible conflict and in many cases cannot fully live the rites of these holy days," he said.
The Pontiff invited the faithful to join him in raising their supplication to the Prince of Peace, "that He may sustain peoples wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace."
Before reciting the midday Angelus prayer, the Pontiff entrusted to the Lord seafarers who are victims of war, saying he prays for the deceased, the wounded, and their families.
"Earth, sky, and sea," he underscored, "are created for life and for peace."
Finally, Pontiff Leo urged the Church to pray for all migrants who have died at sea, in particular for those who lost their lives in recent days off the coast of the island of Crete.
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Pontiff at Palm Sunday Mass: ‘Jesus does not listen to prayers of those who wage war’
Pontiff Leo XIV presides at Mass on Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, and reflects on Jesus as the King of Peace who rejects war and refuses to listen to the prayers of those who wage war. By Devin Watkins
On Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Pontiff Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In his homily, the Pontiff reflected on Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the King of Peace, even as violence loomed around Him.
As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, we walk with Him and contemplate His passion which He bore for the sake of humanity as a gift of love.
“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence,” said the Pope. “He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”
Jesus, he added, came to bring life and light to the world, even as darkness and death was about to engulf Him.
Pontiff Leo pointed out that Jesus desired to bring the world to the Father’s arms and to tear down every barrier that keeps us from God and our neighbor.
Repeating “King of Peace” several times, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ actions in His Passion that bear witness to His desire to bring peace.
When one of His disciples struck the high priest’s servant and cut of his ear, Jesus commanded the disciple to put away his sword, recalling that those who live by the sword die by the sword.
As He was crucified and put to death, Jesus did not arm or defend Himself but allowed Himself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter.
“He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence,” he said. “Rather than saving Himself, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.”
Pontiff Leo XIV went on to recall the prophet Isaiah’s words: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood” (Is 1:15).
“Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” said the Pontiff. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
He lamented the many wounds of the human family in our world today, as people cry out to God with the “painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”
“Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from His cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!” said the Pontiff.
Read and listen HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
New Data Of Annuario Pontificio 2026 Shows Catholics Growing In Africa
New data from the Annuario Pontificio 2026 and Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2024 highlight trends in baptized populations across the five continents, with a remarkable increase in the number of Catholics in Africa. Prepared by the Central Office of Church Statistics
The Annuario Pontificio 2026 and the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2024, compiled by the Central Office of Church Statistics of the Secretariat of State and published by the Vatican Publishing House, are now available in bookstores.
The data in the Annuario Pontificio reveal several developments in the life of the Catholic Church worldwide for 2025.
During this period, six dioceses were elevated to metropolitan sees, and eight new dioceses were erected.
Meanwhile, the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae provides detailed numerical information on the Church’s activities in individual countries and across continents.
The following summary highlights some key statistics for the biennium from 2023 through 2024.
The Presence of Catholics Worldwide
Over the past two years, the number of baptized Catholics worldwide has remained stable at approximately 17.8%, reflecting growth roughly aligned with the rate of global population increase. In 2024, the Catholic population stood at just over 1.422 billion, compared with about 1.406 billion in 2023, a relative increase of 1.14%.
The contribution of different continents to the overall figure varies. Europe remains the least dynamic continent, with Catholic numbers rising by only 0.8%.
In the context of ongoing demographic stagnation, this results in a modest improvement in territorial presence, with Catholics representing 39.7% of Europe’s population in 2024.
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city... ********
Pontiff Leo XIV Begins His Visit to Principality of Monaco
The Pontiff is travelling by helicopter to the small city-state, the destination of his second Apostolic Journey. In a telegram to the President of Italy during the flight, he expresses his desire to encourage “the witness of Christian faith” and “the building of the common good.” by Vatican News
Pontiff Leo's itinerary published for visit to Principality of Monaco
Just after 7.20 am Rome time on Saturday morning, 28 March, the helicopter carrying Pontiff Leo XIV lifted off from the Vatican heliport, marking the start of his Apostolic Journey to the Principality of Monaco.
This visit is the Pontiff’s second international Apostolic Journey and the first ever undertaken by a Pontiff to the small city-state in modern times. His arrival in the country where Catholicism is the state religion is scheduled for 9 am.
As he departed Italian territory, the Holy Father sent the customary telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. In his message, Pontiff Leo XIV expressed his intention to travel to Monaco “to encourage the witness of Christian faith and the building of the common good,” while extending cordial greetings and prayerful good wishes for the spiritual, civil and social progress of the Italian nation.
Pontiff Leo's visit to Monaco is scheduled to last just under nine hours, with four main events marking the programme: a courtesy visit to Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Prince’s Palace; an encounter with the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; a meeting with young people and catechumens in the square in front of Saint Devota Church; and the celebration of Holy Mass at the Louis II Stadium, preceded by a brief tour among the faithful.
At approximately 5.45 pm, he will depart by helicopter for his return to the Vatican.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed hope that the journey would “give renewed impetus to the mission of the local Church,” strengthening shared commitment to urgent priorities such as care for creation, the defence of human life, and the promotion of international solidarity, with particular attention to the most vulnerable.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
Pontiff Leo XIV meets with Prince Albert II of Monaco and greets residents gathered in front of the Prince's Palace:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/206359431087... Pontiff Leo XIV: Monaco Bears Vocation To Foster Social Friendship
Pontiff Leo XIV greets residents of the Principality of Monaco as he begins his Apostolic Journey, and encourages the small European nation to place its material prosperity at the service of humanity, law, and justice. By Devin Watkins
Pontiff Leo XIV arrived by helicopter at the heliport of the Principality of Monaco on Saturday morning at the start of his one-day Apostolic Journey.
Prince Albert II of Monaco greeted the Holy Father before offering him an official welcome at the Prince’s Palace, where the two men held talks and then greeted the thousands of people gathered in the square in front of the Palace.
In his address, Pontiff Leo recalled that he is the first Pontiff of the modern era to visit Monaco, which is one of the few European nations to have the Catholic faith as its State religion, though freedom of worship is guaranteed.
Given this deep bond between the Church of Rome and Monaco, the Pontiff said he entrusts the Principality with deepening its commitment to the Social Doctrine of the Church and carrying it out at the international level.
“Even in cultures that are not very religious and are highly secularized,” he said, “the approach to problems characteristic of this Social Doctrine can reveal the great light that the Gospel brings to our time—a time in which many find it difficult to hope.”
Pontiff Leo recalled that Monaco overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and he encouraged the small nation to embrace its “vocation to promote encounter and to foster social friendship.”
“The gift of smallness and a living spiritual heritage,” he said, “invite you to put your prosperity at the service of law and justice, especially at a historical moment when the display of power and the logic of oppression are harming the world and jeopardizing peace.”
The Pontiff invited residents of Monaco to never give in to a sense of powerlessness but rather to embrace their faith amid historic challenges and responsibilities.
Read and listen HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
Sport And Solidarity At The Heart Of The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
Ahead of Pontiff Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco, the CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation reflects on its significance and shared values. She highlights the Foundation’s global mission to prevent drowning and promote human development through sport and education. By Edoardo Giribaldi in Monaco and Linda Bordoni
Ahead of the visit of Pontiff Leo XIV to Monaco on Saturday, 28 March, Anne Boggio, CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, reflected on the significance of the moment for the Principality and for the Foundation’s mission.
“We really welcome this visit as a real honour,” she said. “It is a message that resonates far beyond borders,” adding that “It is really something that, considering what is happening in the world, is very welcome.”
Boggio underlined that the Pontiff’s visit speaks to values shared by the Foundation: “care for the most vulnerable” and “collective responsibility towards future generations.”
She also expressed hope that the visit will have a wider impact: “We hope that this visit is going to shine a greater light on the causes we are working on and inspire others to join our efforts,” she said, adding that it may also “strengthen existing partnerships and open new ones.”
Read and listen HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2... ********
Pope at Mass in Monaco: 'You are called to bear witness to living in peace'
During Mass in the Principality of Monaco, Pope Leo XIV urges everyone not to grow "accustomed to the clamor of weapons and images of war," and insists that the Church in Monaco is called to bear witness to living in peace.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"Let us not grow accustomed to the clamor of weapons and images of war!"
PoNTIFF Leo XIV made this powerful reminder to the faithful of Monaco during the Mass he celebrated at Louis II Stadium during his one-day Apostolic Journey to the Principality.
READ PONTIFF LEO'S FULL HOMILY HERE
In his homily, the Pontiff stressed, "Every life cut short wounds the body of Christ," and reminded that, "Peace is not merely a balance of power; it is the work of purified hearts, of those who see others as brothers and sisters to be protected, not enemies to be defeated."
The Holy Father began his homily recalling that today's Gospel reading, according to St. John, recounts the cruel sentence issued against Jesus, telling of the day when the members of the Sanhedrin planned to put him to death. The Pope reasoned that the decision was largely a political calculation rooted in fear. "If Jesus continued to inspire hope and turn the people’s sorrow into joy, the Romans would come and devastate the nation."
Pontiff Leo, therefore, explained that rather than recognize Jesus as the Messiah, as the long-awaited Christ, the religious leaders saw Him as a threat.
The Pontiff observed that we witness two opposing forces, "on the one hand, the revelation of God, who presents himself as the almighty Lord and Savior; and on the other, the hidden schemes of powerful authorities who are eager to kill without scruples." The Pope suggested that not much has changed when we look at our world today.
How Many Plots Devised To Kill The Innocent!
"Even today, how many plots are devised around the world to kill the innocent!" Pontiff Leo condemned, observing, "How many excuses are made to justify their elimination!"
Yet, despite the persistence of evil, Pontiff Leo reassured, "God’s eternal justice always rescues us from our graves, as it did with Lazarus, and gives us new life."
He recalled that the Lord frees us from pain by instilling hope and converts our hardened hearts. His mercy, Pontiff Leo said, saves the world and nurtures every human life in all its frailty, from the moment it grows in the womb until it withers away.
The Pontiff recalled how the Prophet Ezekiel, in the First Reading, testifies to how God carries out His plan of salvation, beginning with liberation and realized through the sanctification of the people, who embark upon a journey of conversion, much like our own Lenten journey.
Likewise, we are invited, the Pope suggested, to become involved, "rather than remaining at a private or individual level, so that our relationships with God and with our neighbors can be transformed."
The Pope recalled that liberation takes the form of a purification from the “idols” that defiled the people, all those things that enslave our hearts, deceiving and corrupting them, and stressing, "The Lord changed the course of history by calling us from idolatry to true faith, from death to life."
Faced With Many Injustices And Wars
The Pontiff thus continued, noting that in the face of the many injustices that afflict peoples and the wars that tear nations apart, the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will gladden them, I will comfort them after their sorrow," resound with strength.
Idolatry, the Pontiff noted, makes people slaves of each other, but purification from idolatry sanctifies them. "It is a gift of grace that makes people children of God, and brothers and sisters to one another. "This gift," he pointed out, "sheds light on our present, for the wars that stain it with blood are the fruit of the idolatry of power and money."
"Every life cut short wounds the body of Christ," Pontiff Leo decried, appealing, "Let us not grow accustomed to the clamor of weapons and images of war!
Thus, the Pontiff emphasized that peace does not consist simply of a balance of power, but is the work of purified hearts, "of those who see others as brothers and sisters to be protected, not enemies to be defeated."
Bring Happiness To Others Through Your Faith
Thus, the Pope reminded those before him that the Church in Monaco is called to bear witness to living in peace and with God’s blessing. "Therefore, dear friends, bring happiness to others through your faith, by manifesting authentic joy, which is not won through a wager, but shared through charity."
Read the full article HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... ********
Hope, Doubt, Faith: Pope Answers Questions From Young People In Monaco
Pontiff Leo speaks to young residents of Monaco, answering questions on faith and doubt, and urging his listeners to "pour yourselves out completely for the Lord and for others.” By Joseph Tulloch
By around midday, thousands of Monégasque young people were gathered in front of the Church of St Devota for an encounter with Pope Leo, the last event of a packed morning for the visiting Pontiff.
Four young residents of the microstate had been chosen to ask Pontiff Leo a question. The first was Benjamin, a 22-year-old student and a practicing Catholic, who asked him for advice on “remaining confident and holding on to hope” in the midst of environmental problems and violent conflict.
In his reply, the Pontiff emphasised the sense of “unity”, with oneself and with others, that comes from developing a relationship with Christ.
“It is love that gives stability to life,” the Pope said: first and foremost “the fundamental experience of God’s love, and then, by extension, the sacred and enlightening experience of mutual love.”
Prayer And Reflection To 'Quiet The Frenzy Of Doing And Saying'
The next question came from Andreia, a 24-year-old Catholic originally from Portugal, who asked how, in moments of “doubt and inner emptiness”, she could ensure that her faith “remains firm and alive”.
The Pontiff, in his reply, stressed the importance of “clearing the doorway of the heart” of unimportant concerns in order to leave room for the Holy Spirit.
This, he emphasised, “requires prayer and moments of silence and reflection” to “quiet the frenzy of doing and saying, of messages, reels and chats” – and also spending time in person with others, in order to “savour the beauty of truly and genuinely being together."
Hope 'Cannot Be Improvised'
The Pontiff then answered questions from Ethan, a 25 year-old man who will be baptised this Easter, and Sophia, a 35 year-old doctor.
Both asked him about concrete ways of witnessing to the Gospel in their daily lives – Ethan wondering how to testify to the “love which has changed our lives” and Sophie asking how to grow in charity toward others.
In response, Pontiff Leo stressed that “words and deeds of witness and hope cannot be improvised.”
Such actions, the Pontiff emphasised, “are not the fruit of our own efforts, but come from a profound relationship with God”.
If we are open to receive God’s grace, the Pontiff emphasised, “we can trust that the precise words, as well as the strength needed to act, will come at the right time.”
Self-Giving As The Secret To Joy
Bringing his speech to a close, Pontiff Leo urged Monaco’s young people to “pour yourselves out completely for the Lord and for others.”
“Only in this way”, the Pontiff stressed, “will you find an everlasting joy and an ever-deeper meaning in life.”
This meaning, he suggested, could play out at a national level too: “Monaco is a small country, but it can be a great place of solidarity and a beacon of hope.”
Learn more HERE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20... VISIT:
https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews * Photo courtesy of Catholic News Service:
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