Pope Leo XIV Begins 2026 with Call for Global Peace

Pope Leo XIV commenced the year 2026 with a poignant appeal for peace, focusing on nations afflicted by conflict and families suffering from violence. During a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, he addressed a congregation filled with pilgrims and tourists, emphasizing the church’s observance of the World Day of Peace on January 1.

In his midday prayer, broadcast from his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo stated, “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 remarks came as the world grapples with various humanitarian crises.

This call for peace follows Leo’s Christmas homily delivered just a week prior, in which he denounced the “rubble and open wounds” caused by ongoing wars, particularly highlighting the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza. He also addressed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, urging both nations to find the “courage” for direct negotiations to end hostilities.

As the festive season winds down, Pope Leo XIV is set to take a brief respite before celebrating the church’s Epiphany holiday on January 6. This occasion will mark the official conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year, a significant event that attracted millions of pilgrims to Rome.

Reviving Cardinal Meetings

Following the Epiphany celebrations, Pope Leo is scheduled to preside over a two-day meeting with the entire College of Cardinals. This gathering will include both the voting cardinals who elected him and those over the age of 80 who were not part of the conclave but remain influential members of the college.

Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first American pontiff when he was elected in May, is reviving a practice that was largely set aside by his predecessor, Pope Francis. By convening the cardinals periodically, he aims to seek their counsel on governing the 1.4 billion strong Catholic Church, a move that reflects a commitment to collaborative leadership.

As the new year unfolds, Pope Leo’s messages of peace and unity resonate in a world increasingly marked by division and strife. His leadership style, grounded in seeking guidance from fellow church leaders, may signal a new direction for the Catholic Church in these challenging times.