Skip to content

Pope Leo XVI Pleads for Peace after Airstrikes in Iran

Vaticano news: Pope Leo XIV announces the canonizations of Frassati and Acutis, appeals for support, addresses Middle East violence, and welcomes Al Pacino.

This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE 

“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.

FIND THE POPE’S BIOGRAPHY HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Feast of Peter and Paul: Floral Carpets, Pallium Ceremony, and Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Unity

Rome celebrated Saints Peter and Paul with vibrant floral carpets, Pope Leo XIV’s homily on apostolic unity, the pallium ceremony for new archbishops, and renewed ecumenical dialogue.

Pope Francis Calls On University Students To Proclaim Christ’s Gospel

Pope Francis encouraged university students linked to Opus Dei to share “the Gospel of Jesus Christ, dead and risen” with everyone during this jubilee year in a message to participants of an international congress in Rome.

Pope Francis at WYD Stations of the Cross: ‘Jesus wipes away our hidden tears’

Pope Francis told the estimated 800,000 young people praying the Stations of the Cross together at World Youth

Pope Francis To Teaching Sisters: Leave ‘Vinegar Faces’ Behind, Embrace Joy

Pointing to the perils of pastoral pessimism, Pope Francis urged a congregation of teaching sisters on Saturday to cultivate joy in their ministry, warning them that stern countenances drive people away from the faith.

Leading Vatican expert on child protection in the Catholic Church resigns citing lack of accountability and clarity

Leading child protection expert in the Catholic Church, Father Hans Zollner, has resigned from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors after citing a lack of accountability, clarity, and organizational issues

Pope Francis’ Call for Peace Negotiations Sparks Global Reactions

In a significant statement during an interview with Radiotelevisione Svizzera, Pope Francis urged Ukraine to “wave the white flag and negotiate,” emphasizing the necessity of peace talks amidst ongoing conflicts.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit