This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
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“Humanity Cries Out and Pleads for Peace”
These are the words of Pope Leo XIV after his angel reflections on Sunday, June, he reacted in this way to what he called the alarming news of US air strikes and nuclear facilities in Iran and pleaded with the international community to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.
Vatican Appeals for Support as Budget Deficit Grows
The Vatican released a video featuring Pope Leo XIV to promote the Peter’s Pence collection. The appeal comes as the Holy See faces an €83 million deficit and a €631 million pension shortfall.
Pope Appoints Six Bishops in One Day
On June 18th, Pope Leo XIV appointed six new bishops in Brazil, Italy, Australia, Slovenia, and the Pacific—the largest single-day batch of episcopal appointments so far in his pontificate. The nominations reflect his global pastoral focus and preference for bishops with missionary zeal and local credibility.
Pope Condemns Violence in the Middle East
During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo expressed deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, denounced the spiral of violence and called for renewed dialogue, restraint, and humanitarian protection. “Peace must be stronger than weapons,” the Pope said, adding that the Holy See continues to work behind the scenes to facilitate diplomatic paths forward.
Pope Highlights Martyrdom of Congolese Customs Officer
Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi during his remarks at the June 15th Angelus Message. The young Congolese customs officer was murdered in 2007 for refusing to participate in corruption. Praising his courage and witness, the Pope held up Floribert as a model of lay holiness and integrity, especially for young people and public servants.
Al Pacino Visits Pope Leo XIV
In a surprise moment on June 17th, Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino met privately with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. According to Vatican sources, the meeting was marked by “cordial and philosophical dialogue” on the role of storytelling, conscience, and spiritual themes in the arts.
