Overview

• At a large rosary and Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called on political and military leaders to “have the audacity to disarm,” stressing that true peace begins in the heart.
• He welcomed the start of a Gaza peace process and urged a path that respects the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
• He voiced sorrow over new strikes in Ukraine and renewed appeals to halt destruction and open to dialogue and peace.
• The liturgy featured the original image of the Virgin of Fátima and the offering of a golden rose, reinforcing appeals for compassion toward the poor and care for creation.
• The Vatican said he met Guatemala’s president Bernardo Arévalo de León on poverty, corruption and migration, and he expressed closeness to Peru during its political transition, praying for reconciliation, dialogue and national unity.