Lent 2026
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Pope Leo today noted the work of his namesake, Leo XIII, in promoting Christian Unity, and the week of prayer for unity, which begins today.
Speaking after the midday Angelus on this January 18, the Holy Father noted:
Today marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The origins of this initiative date back two centuries, and Pope Leo XIII greatly encouraged it.
Exactly one hundred years ago, “Suggestions for the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity” were published for the first time.
This year’s theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (4:4). The prayers and reflections were prepared by an ecumenical group coordinated by the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Department of Interchurch Relations. During these days, I invite all Catholic communities to deepen their prayers for the full, visible unity of all Christians.
On January 25, the day the Church commemorates the conversion of Saint Paul, the 267th Pope will go to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls to pray Vespers at 5:30 p.m., thus marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This celebration by the Bishop of Rome alongside Christian representatives has been an annual event on the papal calendar since John Paul II.
DRC crisis
The Pope also called the faithful to commit to peace and justice. He noted in particular the worsening crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He said:
Our responsibility for unity must be accompanied by a steadfast commitment to peace and justice in the world. Today, I would like to recall in particular the great suffering of the people in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many have been forced to flee their country – especially to Burundi – due to violence, and they are facing a serious humanitarian crisis. Let us pray that dialogue for reconciliation and peace may always prevail among the parties in conflict.
