A "spark of hope" has emerged from the agreement ending hostilities in Gaza, said Pope Leo XIV at the end of Mass celebrated on October 12, 2025, in St. Peter's Square on the occasion of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality.
The Pope prayed:
We ask God, who is the true Peace of humanity, to heal all wounds and to help us with his grace to accomplish what now seems humanly impossible: to remember that the other is not an enemy, but a brother or sister to be seen, forgiven, and offered the hope of reconciliation.
The ceasefire signed this week under pressure from US President Donald Trump has already allowed 500,000 Palestinians to return to the north of the enclave, where they have found their homes in ruins. The release of the last Israeli hostages is expected to take place on Monday morning, October 13, according to Hamas.
"With the entire Church, I am close to your immense pain," the Pope said.
Compassion for Ukraine
The Pope also expressed his sadness at new attacks in Ukraine.
With winter approaching, new energy infrastructure was bombed by Russia last night, particularly in the regions of Donetsk, Odessa, and Chernihiv. In total, in one week, Russian forces launched more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and approximately 1,360 glide bombs, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
From the beginning of his pontificate, the Pope has expressed his willingness to work for an end to this war. He received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky twice, in May at the Vatican and in July at Castel Gandolfo. He also spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4.
"My heart goes out to those who suffer, who have been living in anguish and deprivation for years. I renew my appeal to put an end to violence, to stop destruction, to open up to dialogue and peace!"
Call for unity in Peru
"I am close to the dear people of Peru at this time of political transition. I pray that Peru may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue, and national unity," he said, two days after the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte.
Parliament voted to impeach the president by a majority of 122 votes to 130, after several days of demonstrations by young people against corruption and violence. Parliament Speaker José Jeri is now acting as head of state until the presidential election scheduled for April 2026.
The Pope is himself a Peruvian citizen since his naturalization in 2015, when he became bishop of Chiclayo.
A future apostolic trip by the Pope to Peru, where he is eagerly awaited, will depend on political stabilization in the country. It is therefore unlikely that the pontiff will visit before next April's election.
Here is the full text of his reflection before praying the Angelus:
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Dear brothers and sisters, before concluding the celebration, I would like to extend my warm greetings to all of you who have gathered here to pray in this great “cenacle” together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. You represent the wide range of associations, movements, and communities that are inspired by Marian devotion, which is proper to every Christian. I thank you and urge you always to base your spirituality on Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.
I greet all the groups of pilgrims, in particular the Augustinian laity of Italy and the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.
In recent days, the agreement to begin the peace process has given a spark of hope in the Holy Land. I encourage the parties involved to continue courageously on the path they have chosen, towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Two years of conflict have caused death and destruction throughout the land, especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, parents, friends and possessions. With the entire Church, I am close to your immense pain. The gentle touch of the Lord is directed especially toward you today, in the certainty that even amidst the deepest darkness, he always remains with us: “Dilexi te, I have loved you.” We ask God, who is the true Peace of humanity, to heal all wounds and to help us with his grace to accomplish what now seems humanly impossible: to remember that the other is not an enemy, but a brother or sister to be seen, forgiven and offered the hope of reconciliation.
With sorrow, I have followed the news of the recent violent attacks that struck several cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, causing the death of innocent people, including children, and leaving many families without electricity and heating. My heart goes out to those who suffer, who have been living in anguish and deprivation for years. I renew my appeal to put an end to violence, to stop destruction, to open up to dialogue and peace!
I am close to the dear people of Peru at this time of political transition. I pray that Peru may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity.
Today in Italy, we remember the victims of workplace accidents: let us pray for them and for the safety of all workers.
And now let us turn to Mary with filial trust.
