ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV welcomed the new year of 2026 with a heartfelt plea for peace, emphasizing his concerns for nations that are currently “bloodied by conflict” and families suffering from violence. In a significant New Year’s Day Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo offered his prayers to those affected by turmoil and strife.
After the Mass, Pope Leo delivered a special noontime prayer from his studio, which overlooks the bustling piazza filled with both pilgrims and tourists on the bright and chilly first day of the year. He highlighted the significance of January 1 as the World Day of Peace, using the occasion to call upon the global community to unite in prayer for peace.
“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,” the Pope expressed, highlighting a dual focus on international and domestic struggles.
Following a busy Christmas season, Pope Leo XIV is set to take a brief respite before celebrating the church’s Epiphany holiday on January 6. This event is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the official conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year, a significant religious observance that occurs once every 25 years and recently attracted millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Immediately after the Epiphany, Pope Leo will preside over a two-day meeting with the entire College of Cardinals. This assembly will include the cardinals who participated in his election as well as those over the age of 80 who remain part of the college despite not having been part of the conclave. This meeting marks a return to a practice that has not been prominent in recent years, as Pope Leo aims to actively seek counsel from the cardinals in governing the approximately 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV’s proactive outreach and initiatives highlight his commitment to fostering unity and peace among nations and within families. His call for reflective prayer emphasizes the church’s role in advocating for peace in a world increasingly marked by conflict and violence.
