Queen Camilla met with a group of women religious from the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome on Thursday [23rd October 2025], expressing her deep admiration for their service to accompany people living in conditions of conflict, poverty, and displacement across the world.
The encounter took place at the Pontifical Beda College following an ecumenical celebration at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their official visit to the Holy See…
The Queen thanked the UISG members for what she described as “work that brings light in dark places” and for their enduring witness of faith and compassion…
La reina Camilla se reunió con un grupo de religiosas de la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales (UISG) en Roma el jueves [23 de octubre de 2025] y expresó su profunda admiración por su labor de acompañamiento a personas que viven en condiciones de conflicto, pobreza y desplazamiento en todo el mundo.
El encuentro tuvo lugar en el Pontificio Colegio Beda, tras una celebración ecuménica en la Basílica de San Pablo Extramuros, a la que asistieron el rey Carlos III y la reina Camilla durante su visita oficial a la Santa Sede…
La reina agradeció a los miembros de la UISG lo que describió como «una labor que lleva la luz a lugares oscuros» y su testimonio perdurable de fe y compasión…
“Allowing millions of human beings to live — and die — as victims of hunger is a collective failure, an ethical aberration, a historical fault,” Pope Leo XIV said on World Food Day yesterday. Source: OSV News.
The Pope addressed world leaders and government representatives at the Rome headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. In addition to marking World Food Day, the delegates were celebrating the 80th anniversary of FAO’s establishment.
In his speech, Pope Leo decried the fact that while humanity has made huge advances in technology, medicine, agriculture and transportation, 673 million people go to bed hungry each night, and 2.3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
The FAO statistics are not just numbers, he said, “behind each of these numbers is a broken life, a vulnerable community.”
“This is not a coincidence, but the clear sign of a prevailing insensitivity, of a soulless economy, of a questionable model of development, and of an unjust and unsustainable system of resource distribution.”
Perhaps referring to the situation in Gaza, but also to other war zones, the Pope said that “current conflict scenarios have brought back the use of food as a weapon of war”…
Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te (‘I have loved you’), sees the love of Christ incarnated in love for the poor, in caring for the sick, opposing slavery, defending women who experience exclusion and violence, making education available to all, accompanying migrants, charitable giving, working for equality and more…
Following in the footsteps of his predecessors
With this document, signed on 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assis, Pope Leo situates himself firmly on the path laid out by his predecessors, including Saint John XXIII, with his appeal, in Mater et Magistra, to wealthier countries not to remain indifferent to nations oppressed by hunger and extreme poverty (83)…
The ‘faces’ of poverty
Pope Leo’s Exhortation offers numerous points for reflection and calls for action in its analysis of the many “faces of the poor and of poverty”, including “the poverty of those who lack material means of subsistence” or “who are socially marginalized and lack the means to give voice to their dignity and abilities” (9).
Pope Leo also notes the existence of moral, spiritual, and cultural poverty; the poverty of “those who have no rights, no space, no freedom” (9).
Inequality and new forms of poverty
Confronted with this reality, Pope Leo says that although “the commitment to the poor and to removing the social and structural causes of poverty has gained importance in recent decades… it remains insufficient” (10).
He warns of the emergence of new, sometimes “more subtle and dangerous” forms of poverty, and decries economic “rules” that increase wealth for a few but also increase inequality (10, 13).
“I can only state once more that inequality ‘is the root of social ills’” (94)
Se ha publicado la primera exhortación apostólica de Robert Francis Prevost, un trabajo iniciado por Francisco sobre el tema del servicio a los pobres, en cuyo rostro encontramos “el sufrimiento de los inocentes”. El Papa denuncia la economía que mata, la falta de equidad, la violencia contra las mujeres, la desnutrición y la emergencia educativa.
Siguiendo los pasos de sus predecesores
Con este documento firmado el 4 de octubre, festividad de San Francisco de Asís, el Pontífice agustino sigue los pasos de sus predecesores: Juan XXIII, con su llamamiento a los países ricos en Mater et Magistra para que no permanecieran indiferentes ante los países oprimidos por el hambre y la miseria (83)…
Los “rostros” de la pobreza
Son numerosos los motivos de reflexión y los impulsos a la acción en la exhortación de Robert Francis Prevost, en la que se analizan los “rostros” de la pobreza. La pobreza de “los que no tienen medios de sustento material”, “del que está marginado socialmente y no tiene instrumentos para dar voz a su dignidad y a sus capacidades”, la pobreza “moral”, “espiritual”, “cultural”; la pobreza “del que no tiene derechos, ni espacio, ni libertad” (9).
Nuevas formas de pobreza y falta de equidad
Ante este panorama, el Santo Padre considera “insuficiente” el compromiso para eliminar las causas estructurales de la pobreza en sociedades marcadas “por numerosas desigualdades”, por la aparición de nuevas formas de pobreza “más sutiles y peligrosas” (10), por normas económicas que han aumentado la riqueza, “pero sin equidad”.
“La falta de equidad es raíz de los males sociales” (94)
Pope Leo addressed participants in an international conference on climate justice and reflects on Pope Francis’ landmark ecological encyclical Laudato Si, noting that when the time comes, God will ask us if we cared for our common home.
On Wednesday afternoon, marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the Raising Hope Conference, organised by the Laudato Si’ Movement.
In his address, the Pope expressed gratitude for the legacy of Pope Francis’ encyclical, noting how its message has inspired schools, dioceses, academic programmes, and international dialogue.
“Its impact,” he said, “has extended to summits, interreligious initiatives, economic and business circles, as well as theological and bioethical studies.” Above all, he noted that the phrase “care for our common home” has become a standard phrase, used in academic work and public discourse across peoples and continents.
A conversion of heart
While recalling the achievements of the past decade, Pope Leo emphasised that the challenges identified in Laudato Si’ are “even more relevant today than they were ten years ago.” These challenges, he said, are not only political and social, but also spiritual, calling for what Pope Francis described as a “conversion of heart.”
The Pope explained that the heart “is where the deepest searching takes place, where one’s ultimate identity is found, and where decisions are forged. It is only by returning to the heart that a true ecological conversion can take place.” This transformation, he continued, means shifting “from collecting data to caring; from environmental discourse to lifestyles inspired by faith and love of God.”
All are one
Quoting Pope Francis’ description of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Holy Father reminded participants that ecological concern, justice for the poor, social commitment, and inner peace are inseparable.
Looking ahead to upcoming global summits, including COP30 and the UN’s 2026 Water Conference, the Pope urged leaders to heed the cries of “the Earth and the poor, families, indigenous peoples, involuntary migrants and believers throughout the world.”
What will be our answer?
Concluding his address, Pope Leo asked the question: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that He created, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”
Watch highlights from the Raising Hope Conference (1:18)
Watch Pope Leo’s Address at the opening of the Raising Hope Conference, held at Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo (1:30:04)
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR ), which usually falls on the last Sunday of September, will be celebrated this year on 4 and 5 October on the occasion of the Jubilee of Migrants. The theme of the Pope’s message is “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope”.
In his Message, Pope Leo reflects on the current context “sadly marked by wars, violence, injustice and extreme weather events, which force millions of people to leave their homelands in search of refuge elsewhere”.
The search for happiness is one of the causes of human mobility, and the link between migration and hope, which is well reflected in the Jubilee 2025 motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, is often at the heart of many migration experiences.
As the Pope explains in his Message, it is often migrants, refugees and displaced persons who are “privileged witnesses of hope. Indeed, they demonstrate this daily through their resilience and trust in God, as they face adversity while seeking a future in which they glimpse that integral human development and happiness are possible”
This month, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray “for our relationship with all of creation.” Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, he invites us to experience our interdependence with all creatures loved by God and worthy of respect and love.
This prayer intention for September comes during the Season of Creation. This is a special time when Christians of various denominations join in prayer and action for the care of the earth. We are also celebrating two important anniversaries: the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’.
Join us for our weekly reflections during this season, downloadable here
Este mes, el papa León XIV nos invita a rezar «por nuestra relación con toda la creación». Inspirado por san Francisco de Asís, nos invita a experimentar nuestra interdependencia con todas las criaturas amadas por Dios y dignas de respeto y amor.
Esta intención de oración para septiembre llega durante el Tiempo de la Creación. Se trata de un momento especial en el que cristianos de diversas confesiones se unen en oración y acción por el cuidado de la tierra. También celebramos dos importantes aniversarios: el 800 aniversario del Cántico de la Creación de San Francisco de Asís y el 10 aniversario de la encíclica Laudato Si’ del papa Francisco.
Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí
Únete a nuestras reflexiones semanales durante esta temporada, que puedes descargar aquí
Ahead of the Jubilee Year celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly—which this year falls on July 27—Pope Leo writes that “hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age”, adding, “when that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness.”
In his Message for the Day, Pope Leo offers a scriptural meditation on old age, beginning with biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as Moses, all of whom were called in old age to be part of God’s saving plan.
“The Jubilee we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age.
When that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness.”
Antes de la celebración del Año Jubilar del Día Mundial de los Abuelos y los Ancianos, que este año cae el 27 de julio, el papa León escribe que «la esperanza es una fuente constante de alegría, sea cual sea nuestra edad», y añade: «Cuando esa esperanza también ha sido templada por el fuego a lo largo de una larga vida, resulta ser una fuente de profunda felicidad».
En su mensaje para este día, el papa León ofrece una meditación bíblica sobre la vejez, comenzando con figuras bíblicas como Abraham y Sara, Zacarías y Isabel, así como Moisés, todos los cuales fueron llamados en su vejez a formar parte del plan salvífico de Dios.
«El jubileo que ahora celebramos nos ayuda a darnos cuenta de que la esperanza es una fuente constante de alegría, sea cual sea nuestra edad.
Cuando esa esperanza también ha sido templada por el fuego a lo largo de una larga vida, resulta ser una fuente de profunda felicidad».
Vatican Media has released a documentary León de Perú (Leo of Peru) which retraces the missionary work of Robert Francis Prevost in Peru. The journey travels across various sites in the country, such as Chulucanas, Trujillo, Lima, Callao, and Chiclayo, to explore the life of the Augustinian Pontiff through the voices and testimonies of those who knew him, worked alongside him, or received his support as a missionary and shepherd.
The documentary is a production of the Editorial Directorate of the Dicastery for Communication and was created by journalists Salvatore Cernuzio, Felipe Herrera-Espaliat, and Jaime Vizcaíno Haro.
Vatican Media ha estrenado un documental León de Perú que recorre la labor misionera de Robert Francis Prevost en Perú. El recorrido recorre diversos lugares del país, como Chulucanas, Trujillo, Lima, Callao y Chiclayo, para explorar la vida del pontífice agustino a través de las voces y testimonios de quienes lo conocieron, trabajaron a su lado o recibieron su apoyo como misionero y pastor.
El documental es una producción de la Dirección Editorial del Dicasterio para la Comunicación y ha sido realizado por los periodistas Salvatore Cernuzio, Felipe Herrera-Espaliat y Jaime Vizcaíno Haro.
The Christian feast of Pentecost developed late in the fourth century as “the fifty days of Easter” not “the fifty days after Easter.” This was an entire period of rejoicing, an Alleluia time, when Christians witnessed the Resurrection, the Ascension and the outpouring of the Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles.
Sister Joan Chittister writes thus of Pentecost:
“For the early Christians and for us now – it is a matter of allowing the Spirit to transform us so that our life and the life of Christ do finally merge, do really melt into one another, do truly become one.”
La fiesta cristiana de Pentecostés se desarrolló a finales del siglo IV como «los cincuenta días de Pascua», no «los cincuenta días después de Pascua». Se trataba de todo un periodo de regocijo, un tiempo de Aleluya, en el que los cristianos fueron testigos de la Resurrección, la Ascensión y la efusión del Espíritu sobre María y los Apóstoles.
Sor Joan Chittister escribe así de Pentecostés:
«Para los primeros cristianos -y para nosotros ahora- se trata de dejar que el Espíritu nos transforme para que nuestra vida y la vida de Cristo se fundan finalmente, se fundan realmente la una en la otra, se hagan verdaderamente una».
Sisters of Mercy Newfoundland have been in Peru since 1961 and now minister in two areas of the country – in Puerto Eten, Reque and Eten, in the Chiclayo region and in Huarmey, Ancash. Our presence in the Chiclayo region means we have come to know Pope Leo, formerly Bishop Prevost.
Sister Mildred Brennan participates in the inauguration and blessing of the shelter for migrants by Bishop Robert Prevost.
Sr Mildred who has spent 57 years in Peru writes
From my pastoral experience as a Sister of Mercy, I can testify that Pope Leo XIV is a man of God, simple, wise and approachable, deeply attentive to the concerns and needs of the most vulnerable.
From the beginning of his leadership as Bishop in our Diocese, he felt the need to promote synodal work and, faithful to Pope Francis’ call, involved the approximately 50 parishes within the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Chiclayo in a Listening Process, gathering the voices of God’s people to be a more open and participatory Church and journeying together in the mission of evangelization, hand in hand with the social reality of our people.
Chiclayo, at this time, was experiencing the migration phenomenon, especially among the Venezuelan population, with whom he identified, opening doors and opportunities, promoting the formation of the Commission on Human Mobility and Human Trafficking, of which I am a member, and promoting and coordinating with other institutions to support the arduous task of welcoming, promoting, and integrating.
Chiclayo is experiencing a celebration of gratitude for the legacy that Pope Leo XIV has left us as both a blessing and a challenge.
Messages/Requests to: Sr Diane Smyth, Congregational Leader
Listen to the excellent interview with Sr Rosemary Ryan on Pope Leo’s connections with the Sisters of Mercy Newfoundland.
The interview on CBC Listen (Radio), recorded on 14 May 2025 can be heard here (7 minutes)
Photo Story: Bishop Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, ministering among the people of Chiclayo
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Photo Story: Bishop Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, celebrating Final Profession of Sr. Rosali Sanchez in Perpetuo Sucorro Parish, Puerto Eten and Sr. Alita Sanchez in San Pedro Parish, Monsefu.
Photos/fotos: Augusto Martinez Ibanaz
Las Hermanas de la Misericordia están presentes en el Perú desde 1961 y ahora ejercen su ministerio en dos zonas del país: en Puerto Eten, Reque y Eten, en la región de Chiclayo, y en Huarmey, Ancash. Nuestra presencia en la región de Chiclayo significa que hemos llegado a conocer al Papa León.
La Hermana Mildred, que ha pasado 57 años en Perú, escribe
Desde mi experiencia pastoral como Hermana de la Misericordia, puedo testimoniar que el Papa León XIV es un hombre de Dios, sencillo, sabio y cercano, profundamente atento a las preocupaciones y necesidades de los más vulnerables.
Desde el inicio de su liderazgo como Obispo en nuestra Diócesis, sintió la necesidad de impulsar el trabajo sinodal y, fiel al llamado del Papa Francisco, involucró a las aproximadamente 50 parroquias de la jurisdicción de la Diócesis de Chiclayo en un Proceso de Escucha, recogiendo las voces del pueblo de Dios para ser una Iglesia más abierta y participativa y caminar juntos en la misión evangelizadora, de la mano con la realidad social de nuestro pueblo.
Chiclayo, en ese momento, vivía el fenómeno migratorio, especialmente entre la población venezolana, con la que se identificó, abriendo puertas y oportunidades, promoviendo la formación de la Comisión de Movilidad Humana y Trata de Personas, de la que soy miembro, y promoviendo y coordinando con otras instituciones para apoyar la ardua tarea de acoger, promover e integrar.
Chiclayo vive una fiesta de gratitud por el legado que el Papa León XIV nos ha dejado como una bendición y un desafío a la vez.
Mensajes/Solicitudes a la Hna. Diane Smyth, Líder Congregacional
The encounter took place at the Pontifical Beda College following an ecumenical celebration at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their official visit to the Holy See…
Following in the footsteps of his predecessors
In his Message
