Pope Leo XIV’s flight departed Rome on Friday, Nov. 6 as he began a 12-day apostolic visit to South America. His trip will begin with a visit to Montevideo, Uruguay then on to three cities in Argentina and conclude Nov. 17 after stops in four cities in Peru, including in Chiclayo, where he once served as the diocesan bishop.
The pope invited the faithful worldwide to pray for his journey to the continent that faces difficulties but also is rich in hope. See an overview of the Catholic Church’s presence in the countries that the pope will visit.
The Holy Father sent greetings and prayers for peace to the peoples of Italy, France, Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, and Brazil as his plane enroute to Uruguay passed over their countries.
U.S. Mid-Term Elections Raise Hope at Vatican for ‘Reason and Common Sense’
Following the consequential midterm elections in the United States on Tuesday, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed “hope that reason and common sense will prevail” and that the Holy See may “collaborate,” doing everything possible “to turn the painful page of Ukraine and the many other conflicts taking place around the world.”
California Governor Commutes Death Sentences for 548 People
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California commuted the sentences of all 548 people sentenced to death in the state. They will all face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Politics That Heals People Offers ‘Hope for Humanity,’ Pope Says
This week Pope Leo continued his weekly catechesis on the documents of the Second Vatican Council during his Wednesday general audience.
Reflecting on the 1965 Pastoral Constitution “Gaudium et Spes,” the pope said that engaging in economic and political life, in accordance to Christian faith and the Social Doctrine of the Church, can be a way to build peace.
“Politics that tends to the wounds of peoples and of those who suffer injustice offers grounds for hope for the future of humanity,” Pope Leo said.
Lay Woman, Jesuit Priest Named to Top Vatican Posts
Two new Vatican officials, one of whom is a woman, were appointed by Pope Leo to top positions in the curia this week. Jesuit Father Avelino Chicoma Bundo Chico and professor Claudia Leal Luna will serve as undersecretaries in the Vatican Dicastery for Integral Development.
Pope Leo Prays for Peace, Dialogue in Europe; Travelers Face Bomb Threats
Travelers in Europe experienced delays this week as bomb threats targeted airliners across the continent and fighter jets were scrambled in response.
Pope Leo appealed for renewed dialogue and concrete initiatives for peace in Ukraine, even as some families have been reunited since a humanitarian ceasefire holds in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
In a letter to the bishops of France, the pope thanked them for their “remarkable organization” during his visit to France in September, which he called “an unforgettable experience.”
Centenary of Chinese Bishops Underscores Church’s Inculturation Efforts
During a conference in Rome recognizing the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the first Chinese Catholic bishops, Pope Leo praised the Church’s process of entrusting leadership of local communities to native-born bishops and priests, and embracing the characteristics of their culture.
The heart of that process is “to remain faithful to the very nature of the Church, whose unity is not uniformity but communion in diversity,” said Pope Leo.
Pope Leo receives Bob Dylan at the Vatican
American folk musician and poet Bob Dylan briefly greeted Pope Leo in Rome this week. The two exchanged gifts as Dylan diverted briefly from his tour of European cities.
Catholic Group Maps Global Catholic Ecological Action
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform reported on growing participation, practical initiatives worldwide, and the challenges facing the Church as it turns ecological commitments into lasting change.
Leaders presented the report in Rome this week with help from some of those involved in working with the organization for ecological conversion. They reflected on achievements and presented new initiatives such as the launch of a new Digital Atlas that will help Catholic communities share experiences and respond to environmental challenges.
November Prayer Intention: ‘For the Proper Use of Wealth’
In his prayer intention for the month of November, Pope Leo prayed “for the proper use of wealth.” He said that a heart detached from possessions “transforms the world,” for it “opens paths of justice, tears down walls of indifference, and sows hope among the poor.”
“Forgive us for storing up instead of sharing,” Pope Leo prayed, and “for using goods as power rather than as service.”
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