His Holiness Pope Leo XIV: May God guide world leaders towards a just and lasting peace

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during this Sunday's Angelus (ANSA)

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV renews his appeal for peace, praying that God guide world leaders towards a just and lasting peace, while also encouraging a culture of care for the ill and greeting pilgrims gathered at Poland’s Marian shrine of Piekary.

By Alessandro Di Bussolo and Francesca Merlo

On Saturday evening, at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV led the Rosary and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to obtain “the gift of peace” that only the Lord can give. Joining him were around 2,000 people in the Vatican, while a further 100,000 faithful took part remotely from 200 Marian shrines around the world.

Today, on the final day of May, the Pope returned to the theme of peace during the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, where more than 20,000 people had gathered. Once again, he appealed for prayers for peace.

“Throughout the month of May, the whole Church has raised a united prayer for peace. Through the Rosary in particular, like an unbroken chain, the faithful have entrusted to the Virgin Mary’s intercession those peoples devastated by war. May divine Wisdom enlighten the consciences of those who hold authority and guide their decisions towards the sincere pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”

Day of relief: Promoting a culture of care

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV also noted that Italy is marking the 25th Day of Relief, which this year carries the theme: “I Take Care.”

“I am close to those who are ill and to all who care for them. I thank and encourage everyone who helps to spread a culture of closeness and care”…

This report was originally published on the Website of Vatican News. Please click here to read the full text.