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Pope Leo XIV Urges Solidarity and Peace in Angelus Address
Confirmed
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 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.
The pope emphasized the importance of God’s generosity, which overturns human calculations of merit and reward, and challenged those who see themselves as having earned their place or accomplishments.
Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the role of laypeople and religious in shaping Catholic social teaching and called for formation in public life rooted in solidarity, justice, and peace.
The pope also used his remarks to emphasize the importance of historical memory, recalling the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America.
Pope Leo XIV renewed his prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day, inviting everyone to pray that the Lord will bestow his gift of peace upon the world.
The pope 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.
Pope Leo XIV’s address also included a call to abandon warped ways and return to the Lord, who is mercy and forgiveness, echoing Isaiah’s invitation to turn away from sin.
The pontiff held an audience with the Federation of Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy on Sept. 21, emphasizing the Church’s role in spreading the Gospel of mercy, consolation, and peace.
Pope Leo XIV’s first ever 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
The full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus address given Sept. 13, 2026, is available in multiple outlets, providing a comprehensive account of his reflections and appeals.
The newsworthiness of the event lies in Pope Leo XIV’s first public comments to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and his call for international solidarity with Somalia.
Background
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.
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.
- Mt 20: 1–16 ) — some for a full day, some for only a few hours, and some only as the sun was setting.
- (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.
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.
- Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Sept.
- 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.