Addressing tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed his thanks to the people of Rome and pilgrims from around the world, especially those participating in the Jubilee of Confraternities. “I thank you for keeping the great heritage of popular piety alive,” he said, acknowledging the global fabric of Catholic devotion.
Pope Leo XIV also welcomed official delegations and religious leaders from various traditions, highlighting his commitment to interfaith respect and global dialogue.
In a moment of poignant remembrance, he invoked the spiritual presence of Pope Francis, saying he felt his predecessor’s presence “accompanying us from heaven.” He also marked the beatification of Camille Costa de Beauregard, a French priest known for his pastoral charity at the turn of the 20th century.
But the most powerful portion of his remarks came as he turned to the tragedies of war, spotlighting the suffering in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine. “In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation… Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” he lamented, urging global attention and compassion.
Concluding with the Marian prayer, the Holy Father entrusted his papal ministry and the Church to Mary, Star of the Sea and Our Lady of Good Counsel, praying for peace, comfort for the afflicted, and the grace to be witnesses to the Risen Christ.
REGINA CAELI AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MASS
“As we conclude this celebration, I greet and thank all of you, the people of Rome and the faithful from many parts of the world, who wished to participate.
In particular, I express my gratitude to the Official Delegations from numerous countries, as well as to the representatives of Churches and Ecclesial Communities and other religions.
I extend a warm welcome to the thousands of pilgrims who have come from every continent for the Jubilee of Confraternities. Dear brothers and sisters, I thank you for keeping the great heritage of popular piety alive!
During Mass, I strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven. Reflecting on our participation in the communion of saints, I recall that yesterday in Chambéry, France, the priest Camille Costa de Beauregard, was beatified. He lived from the end of the 1800s to the beginning of the 1900s, and was a witness of great pastoral charity.
In the joy of faith and communion, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war. In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives. Finally, war-torn Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
Therefore, as we entrust to Mary the service of the Bishop of Rome, Pastor of the universal Church, let us, from the “Barque of Peter,” look to her, Star of the Sea, Our Lady of Good Counsel, as a sign of hope. We implore her intercession for the gift of peace, for support and comfort for those who suffer, and for the grace for all of us to be witnesses to the Risen Lord.”