Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Continuing his series of Wednesday general audiences on the Second Vatican Council and its documents, Pope Leo XIV spoke this morning on the theme of “the mystery of the Church, sacrament of the union with God, and the unity of all humanity.”

L’Osservatore Romano published an impassioned plea for peace in Gaza as the most prominent article in its February 17 edition.

In an article published by Vatican News, a former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops offered a theological reflection on lay authority in the Roman Curia.

The academy’s 2026 plenary assembly is devoted to “Healthcare for all: Sustainability and Equity.” In his address, the Pope emphasized “the connection between the health of all and that of each individual,” as well as “the theme of prevention, which also involves a broad perspective, for the situations in which communities find themselves are the result of social and environmental policies, and have an impact on the health and life of the person.”

“Sadly, today we are also faced with wars that impact civilian structures, including hospitals, which constitute the most grave attacks that human hands can make against life and public health,” he continued, adding:

We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings.

Only in this way will we be able to develop more effective and sustainable healthcare systems, capable of satisfying every health need in a world of limited resources as well as restoring trust in medicine and healthcare professionals, notwithstanding any misinformation or skepticism regarding science.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Sunday evening Mass at a Roman parish (video) and emphasized that God’s commandments are not a source of oppression, but rather a condition of liberation and flourishing.