After the Canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV prayed the Angelus together with thousands of faithful and pilgrims. In his words, he thanked for the participation in the “great feast of holiness”, greeted the official delegations and remembered the religious families inspired by the new saints. He emphasized the importance of World Mission Sunday, asked to pray for peace and launched an urgent appeal for the situation in Myanmar, the Holy Land, Ukraine and other places at war.
Angelus of Pope Leo XIV
St. Peter’s Square – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters:
I greet from the heart all those who have participated in this celebration, which has been a great feast of holiness!
I thank the cardinals, patriarchs and bishops present; I also greet with gratitude the President of the Italian Republic and the President of Lebanon, as well as the distinguished official delegations, in particular those from Armenia and Venezuela.
I welcome with joy the spiritual daughters of the Foundresses canonized today and the various communities and associations inspired by the charisms of the new saints. Thank you all for your devout participation!
I extend my greeting to the other pilgrims present, in particular to the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles, which has celebrated its traditional procession.
Today is World Mission Sunday. The whole Church is missionary, but on this day we pray especially for those men and women who have left everything to bring the Gospel to those who do not know it. They are missionaries of hope among the peoples. May the Lord bless them!
The news reaching us from Myanmar is, unfortunately, painful: it reports continuous armed clashes and aerial bombings, even targeted at people and civilian infrastructure. I am close to those who suffer because of the violence, insecurity and so many difficulties. I renew my sincere appeal for an immediate and effective ceasefire to be reached. May the instruments of war give way to those of peace, through inclusive and constructive dialogue!
Let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the new saints our continued prayer for peace, in the Holy Land, in Ukraine and in other places at war. May God grant all those responsible wisdom and perseverance to advance in the search for a just and lasting peace.