Pope Leo XIV began 2026 by calling for prayers for nations "bloodied by conflict" and for families harmed by violence during New Year’s Day observances. He celebrated Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and led the World Day of Peace noon prayer to a packed St. Peter's Square. In recent remarks he condemned war's "rubble and open wounds," highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and urged Russia and Ukraine to hold direct talks. He will close the 2025 Holy Year on January 6 and immediately convene a two-day meeting of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Leo XIV Opens 2026 With Plea for Peace for Nations “Bloodied by Conflict”
Pope Leo XVI leads the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2026. / Credit: Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pope Leo XIV opened 2026 with a heartfelt appeal for peace, singling out nations "bloodied by conflict" and families wounded by violence. He celebrated New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and led the traditional noon prayer from his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square, which was filled with pilgrims and visitors on a bright, chilly morning.
Noting that January 1 is the church's World Day of Peace, the pope used the occasion to ask for collective prayer for victims of war and domestic suffering. He said:
"Let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain."
In his first Christmas homily last week, Leo condemned the "rubble and open wounds" left by wars and specifically highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. During a Christmas blessing he also urged Russia and Ukraine to find the "courage" to engage in direct talks to end their war.
After a busy Christmas season, the pope will take a few days of rest before celebrating the Epiphany on January 6. On that day he will formally close the 2025 Holy Year, the once-in-a-quarter-century jubilee that drew millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Immediately after Epiphany, Leo will preside over a two-day meeting of the full College of Cardinals — including cardinal members over age 80 who did not participate in the conclave but remain part of the college. The pope is reviving a practice that had been largely set aside by his predecessor, convening cardinals periodically to seek their counsel on how to guide the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV made history in May when he became the first American pontiff, elected by his fellow cardinals at the Vatican conclave.
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