This article is from the July/August 2026 issue of Piazza San Pietro magazine
Pope Leo XIV takes the opportunity to reflect on the holidays.
“My first thought concerns the poor and all those who cannot even enjoy a brief period of rest, as they are crushed under the weight of difficulties of every kind. It is not only economic problems that prevent people from living, at least for a few days, in serenity and peace of heart.
“Let us think of the sick, of those who have lost faith in life, of those overwhelmed by grief at the loss of their loved ones, of the victims of war, hatred, terrorism and violence, of those persecuted for their faith and for standing up for justice, of prisoners, of those who have lost their jobs or their homes, and of migrants who are not welcomed with humanity.
“The holidays should also be, for everyone, a time to take a break from daily tasks and worries, a time to enjoy genuine experiences of friendship and sharing, so that we may experience a foretaste of that brotherhood and communion which we can and will experience in the Kingdom of God.
“In particular, to Christians, to families, to parents and children alike, to both young people and the elderly, I hope that the summer will be an opportunity for fruitful social and religious experiences, for deepening our mission within the Church and in society. I also hope that, during these summer months, the sick will not be without the support of their families, volunteers and those who may choose to spend part of their holidays in a fraternal act of solidarity. To families I say: do not leave your elderly relatives alone. And to volunteers, young and old alike: commit yourselves to bringing humanity and hope to those who suffer, and you will see the fruits of grace; you will see how much love will fill your lives, how much joy, how much happiness.
“This is the advice I can offer to help us grow in our faith: use the summer months too to live out the Gospel of peace and mercy. Let us reflect on the privilege we have when we support the poor and bear witness to evangelical poverty. This is a service we render to Christ himself. And so, during the holidays, let us also avoid excess and waste, materialism and consumerism; let us cultivate a spirit of moderation. Let us always remember that the accumulation of wealth hinders evangelization.
“Let our holidays, too, be consistent with a Christian way of life. God’s love and grace reach us every day, always. Let us help one another, in every community, not to squander this precious heritage of humanity and peace, the only hope for giving a future to a world threatened by war. No earthly power will save the world, as I said at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii on 8 May, but only the divine power of love that Jesus, the Lord, has revealed to us and given us. Let us believe in Him, hope in Him, and follow Him!”