Pope Leo XIV commenced the year 2026 with a heartfelt plea for peace, addressing both nations affected by conflict and families suffering from violence. The Pope celebrated a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before delivering a poignant prayer from his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square, which was bustling with pilgrims and tourists on a bright, chilly day.
January 1 marks the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, and the Pope utilized this occasion to speak on pressing global issues. In his prayer, he urged, “Let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain.” His words resonated deeply, especially following his Christmas homily, where he condemned the “rubble and open wounds” left by wars, particularly highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about the need for dialogue, especially between Russia and Ukraine. During his Christmas blessing, he called for both nations to find the “courage” to engage in direct talks to resolve their ongoing conflict. This advocacy for peace and reconciliation reflects the Pope’s commitment to addressing global strife.
As the festive season concludes, Pope Leo XIV will take a brief respite before celebrating the church’s Epiphany holiday on January 6. This day is significant as it also marks the official close of the 2025 Holy Year—a quarter-century celebration that attracted millions of pilgrims to Rome. Following this event, the Pope will preside over a two-day meeting with the entire College of Cardinals, which includes both those who elected him and those over 80 who did not participate in the conclave.
The Pope’s approach includes reviving a tradition that was largely set aside by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He aims to convene the cardinals periodically to seek their insights on governing the Catholic Church, which encompasses approximately 1.4 billion adherents worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American pontiff, being elected by the cardinals during a Vatican conclave in May 2025. His leadership style continues to evolve, reflecting both a return to traditional practices and a commitment to addressing contemporary issues facing the global community.
As 2026 unfolds, the Pope’s messages of peace and healing remain vital in a world grappling with conflict and division. His calls for unity and compassion resonate not only within the church but also throughout society, encouraging a collective movement towards a more peaceful future.
