This week, Pope Leo XIV addressed a striking question from an atheist who paradoxically described himself as someone who loves God.
Writing in the February issue of the magazine Piazza San Pietro, the Holy Father responded by quoting a well-known line from St. Augustine’s Confessions: “You were within me and I was outside and there I sought you.”
With that reference, the Pope underscored a spiritual truth: a sincere search for God already points to His presence. He explained that this reflection is enough to show that one cannot truly be “an atheist who loves God” if he seeks Him with a sincere heart.
A Warning on Artificial Intelligence and a Call to Prayer
In a separate private meeting with priests of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered practical and spiritual guidance for pastoral ministry.
The Holy Father urged priests not to rely on artificial intelligence to write their homilies, emphasizing the importance of authentic prayer and personal reflection. He also offered a strong reminder about the priestly life of prayer: priests must not reduce prayer to the breviary alone or to a few brief moments during the day. Instead, they must learn again to listen to the Lord.
Pope Leo’s Lenten Retreat
Meanwhile, during the Lenten retreat for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, Bishop Erik Varden delivered meditations in the Pauline Chapel that struck a sober tone. Reflecting on humility and failure, he noted that falls can humble those who are puffed up, revealing God’s saving power.
The Norwegian bishop also issued a direct warning about the state of the Church, saying, “Nothing has done the church more tragic harm and compromised our witness more than corruption arisen within our own house.” He added that “Ecclesiastical corruption and abuse are calling out for justice and for tears.”
Peace and Nationalism
In a newly released introduction to the English-language edition of the book Peace Be With You—a collection of previously published papal texts—Pope Leo XIV warned that bitter nationalism can trample on the rights of the weakest.
The Pope described peace as having a dual dimension: on one hand, it is a gift from God built by men and women throughout history; on the other, it is a personal responsibility and commitment entrusted to each of us.
Pope Leo’s International Travels for 2026
The Vatican also confirmed several upcoming international visits. On March 28, Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Principality of Monaco, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country.
From April 13 to 23, the Holy Father will undertake his first pastoral visit to Africa as Pope, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea during an 11-day apostolic journey.
Finally, from June 6 to 12, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Spain.
Vaticano Updates presented by Josefina Altamiranda. Adapted by Jacob Stein.
