What the Pope Said This Week

Jason Scott’s weekly review of Pope Leo XIV’s audiences

19 October — Canonisation Mass for Seven New Saints

On Sunday, at St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV presided over the canonisation of seven new saints and delivered a homily rich in hope and universal mission:

“Dear brothers and sisters, we proclaim today to the Church and the whole world that those raised to the altars are living signs of the Paschal Mystery. They show us that communion with Jesus leads us beyond every boundary of time and space, beyond every shadow of fear.”

The canonised included figures from diverse nations, underscoring the Church’s global reach and unity.

“Let their witness once more ignite in us the courage to go forth into the whole world and bring the light of Christ into every human situation.”

For Leo, the event was both celebration and summons: holiness is visible, wide-ranging and rooted in service.

22 October — Angelus Reflection & Mission Sunday

At the midday Angelus in the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Leo reflected on Mission Sunday under the Jubilee theme “Jesus Christ our Hope”. He reminded the faithful:

“While the whole Church is missionary, today we pray especially for those men and women who have left everything to bring the Gospel to those who do not know it. They are missionaries of hope among all peoples.”

He greeted pilgrims from Latin America and Asia, stressing that mission is not exotic but everyday: in families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.

“May the Lord bless them and bless all of you, dear pilgrims, as you carry this Good News onward.”

This short but potent address tied mission to hope, service and global solidarity.

23 October — Audiences with UK Monarch & Holy Sepulchre Order

On Thursday, Pope Leo received both a historic audience and a dedicated meeting.

First, he met in private audience with His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom. He reaffirmed:

“In the face of global challenges — poverty, migration, climate — our shared commitment must grow stronger. The dialogue between our traditions must not tire.” The pope and monarch attended a midday prayer in the Sistine Chapel.

Later, he addressed the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem:

“You show that protecting the tomb of Christ does not simply mean preserving a historical or archaeological heritage … but rather sustaining a Church made of living stones … which remains a sign of Easter hope.”

He called them to perseverance, humility and active witness in the Holy Land. The dual days of audiences thus merged diplomacy and faith-driven mission.

Take-Away Points

• The canonisation Mass showed that sanctity crosses borders: universal call, local witness.
• Mission Sunday’s reflection reminded the Church that “going forth” begins in our daily lives, rooted in hope.
• The UK and Holy Sepulchre meetings blended ecumenism, culture and concrete service.
• Leo’s language consistently draws mission, hope and solidarity together — not abstractly, but concretely.

Sources

19 October – Canonisation Mass: https://www.osvnews.com/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-oct-19-2025-at-canonization-mass-for-7-new-saints/

22 October – Angelus for Mission Sunday: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/angelus/2025/documents/20251019-angelus.html

23 October – Audience with King Charles & Queen Camilla: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/10/23/251023f.html

23 October – Address to Holy Sepulchre Order: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-10/pope-leo-xiv-knights-dames-holy-sepulchre-23-october-2025.html