As Holy Week unfolds at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV is leading the Church through its most sacred days while also addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing the world today—from war and diplomacy to religious freedom and Church governance.

Pope Leo XIV Leads Holy Week Liturgies

Pope Leo XIV continues his first Holy Week as pontiff with a full schedule of liturgical celebrations at the heart of the Catholic faith.

On Holy Thursday, the Holy Father is set to celebrate the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning, followed by the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in the evening.

The following day, after presiding over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, Pope Leo will lead the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum—personally carrying the cross for each station.

Holy Week will culminate with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by Easter Sunday Mass and the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, offering a message of hope to Rome and to the world.

A Call for Peace in the Middle East

Amid preparations for these liturgies, Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong and direct appeal to world leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump—calling for an end to the war in the Middle East.

The pope urged Christians to live Holy Week with an awareness of present suffering, reminding them that Christ’s Passion continues in today’s world.

He called on all people “to live these days recognizing that Christ is still crucified today, that Christ still suffers today in the innocent, especially those who are suffering from violence, hatred, and war.”

Pope Leo also appealed to political leaders to pursue diplomacy and restraint, stressing that civilians—especially children and the most vulnerable—bear the greatest cost of modern conflicts.

Key Vatican Appointments Strengthen Governance

In Vatican governance, Pope Leo has made several key appointments to senior leadership roles within the Secretariat of State and the Papal Household.

Archbishop Paolo Roderi has been named head of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State—the Sostituto, one of the most influential positions in the Roman Curia.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Petar Rajič has been appointed Prefect of the Papal Household.

Vatican observers note that these appointments reflect continuity in the Holy See’s diplomatic approach while strengthening coordination between the pope’s pastoral mission and the Church’s global engagement.

Anglican Ordinariates Praised as a “Treasure”

Turning to ecumenical relations, the Vatican has reaffirmed its commitment to the Anglican Ordinariates, describing them as a “precious gift” and a “treasure to be shared.”

Established to allow former Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of their liturgical and spiritual heritage, the Ordinariates were praised for enriching Catholic life and contributing to Christian unity.

Vatican officials emphasized that they remain an important and enduring part of the Church’s ecumenical landscape.

Warning Over Rising “Christianophobia”

A senior Vatican official has also raised concerns over what he described as a growing “Christianophobia” worldwide.

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu pointed to increasing legal restrictions, cultural hostility, and social marginalization affecting Christians—not only in parts of the Muslim world, but also in the secular West.

The warning highlights broader concerns about declining religious freedom and calls on Christians to respond with faithful witness, charity, and perseverance rather than fear.

Pope’s April Prayer Intention: Leadership Rooted in Dignity

Finally, the Vatican has released Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of April.

The Holy Father is asking Catholics around the world to pray that political leaders place compassion, justice, and the dignity of every human person at the center of their decisions—especially in times marked by division, conflict, and international tension.

As Holy Week continues, the pope’s message remains clear: the path to peace begins with a renewed commitment to human dignity, dialogue, and faith.