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Pope Leo XIV Urges Solidarity and Peace in Angelus Address

1:04 PM ETConfirmed

Faith Desk

In Short: In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV called for international solidarity with Somalia and a renewed commitment to peace, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, called for a renewed commitment to peace and forgiveness in his Angelus address on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Before the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel account of the laborers called to work in the vineyard, emphasizing God’s generosity and the importance of historical memory.

The pope recalled Isaiah’s invitation to turn away from sin and return to the Lord, saying, “the prophet’s call, which is more relevant than ever, is that we abandon our warped ways and return to the Lord, who is mercy and forgiveness.”

Pope Leo XIV also used his remarks to emphasize the importance of forgiveness, noting that Christ taught forgiveness and bore witness to it even on the cross.

Speaking in English after praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope renewed his prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.

Pope Leo XIV also appealed for greater international assistance to Somalia, where violence and extreme weather are worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, particularly for women and children.

In his Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the parable of the vineyard workers, saying God’s generosity overturns human calculations of merit and reward.

The pope’s address also included a call to action for people across the globe, urging them to learn from the mistakes of the past and to pray for peace.

Pope Leo XIV’s first book of his writings before he became pope was published in English, a collection of his homilies, messages, and addresses from his 12 years as the head of the Augustinian Order.

Campbell Wharton, senior vice president and publisher of Penguin Random House Christian, said, “It’s our great privilege to present this inspiring book to readers. Each chapter is a window into the spiritual depth and vision of the man who would eventually become Pope Leo, with an urgent message of love and service to address the challenges of the world today.”

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for greater international assistance to Somalia, where violence and extreme weather are worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, particularly for women and children.
• Before the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the day’s Gospel account of the laborers called to work in the vineyard, some for the entire day, others for only a few hours and still others near the end of the day.
• “Jesus’ parables describe the newness of what God has in store for us; yet they also reveal the resistance we generally offer to a more generous justice and greater love,” the pope said.
• The pope said the parable also challenges those who see themselves as having earned their place or accomplishments.
• In his Sunday Angelus catechesis, the pontiff reflected on the parable of the vineyard workers, saying God’s generosity overturns human calculations of merit and reward.
• The pope also used his remarks after the Angelus to emphasize the importance of historical memory.
• The pope recalled Isaiah’s invitation to turn away from sin and return to the Lord, saying “the prophet’s call, which is more relevant than ever, is that we abandon our warped ways and return to the Lord, who is mercy and forgiveness.” Turning to the Gospel parable, Leo said its central moment comes when the vineyard owner pays the workers.
• (OSV News) — The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus address given Sunday, Sept.
• This first year of a special commemoration in Italy gave Pope Leo a chance to repeat one of life's most important lessons: learn from the mistakes of the past.
• Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the town of Pescantina, Italy, after praying the midday Angelus on September 20, assuring the residents of his blessing and making a call to action to people across the globe.
• Speaking in English after praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 13, the pope recalled the 25th anniversary of the attacks, which was observed two days earlier.
• “Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America. I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day. At a time when conflict and violence afflict so many of our brothers and sisters, I invite everyone to pray that the Lord will bestow his gift of peace upon the world,” he said.

What's still developing

• Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that “the external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast” ( Homily for the Solemn Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry, 24 April 2005).
• The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation celebrated by the Church on Sept.
• Mt 20: 1–16 ) — some for a full day, some for only a few hours, and some only as the sun was setting.
• The Chicago-born pope made his first public comments to commemorate 25 years since the attacks, speaking in English at the end of his traditional Sunday noon blessing from his studio window overlooking St.
• Prevost was elected superior of the entire order on Sept.
• Vatican News on Sunday republished excerpts of his first homily as superior, delivered on Sept.
• ‘We are the Church of Christ, his body, his members called to spread his Gospel of mercy, consolation and peace throughout the world, through that spiritual worship that must shine forth above all in our witness of life.’ The pontiff held an audience with the Federation of Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy on Sept. 21.

Sources

• Catholic Standardlink
• EWTN Newslink
• OSV Newslink
• aleteia.orglink
• Ewtnvaticanlink
• OSV Newslink
• Cbcpnewslink
• Cruxnowlink
• Ncregisterlink
• CBS Newslink
• Ftlsomalialink
• Thegoodnewsroomlink
• Ewtnnewslink
• Heraldmalaysialink
• Zenitlink
• WarpBeat — background on Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace and Solidarity in Angelus Address link
• Catholic News World — video link