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Pope Leo XIV Leads World Mission Rosary Live from Vatican
· Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV led a World Mission Rosary live from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Pope Leo XIV led a World Mission Rosary live from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. local time, with participating shrines joining via livestream.
The initiative, coordinated by the Dicastery for Evangelization, included shrines such as the Shrine of the Mother of God in Ukraine, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the Philippines, and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Portugal.
Bishop Sheen’s timeless counsel on the Rosary’s ability to strengthen and sanctify every soul was highlighted in the event.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., joined the worldwide rosary with a simultaneous livestream at 1 p.m.
Pope Leo XIV, who turned 70 on September 14, has been the subject of numerous prayers and celebrations, including a “spiritual birthday bouquet” from Catholic organizations.
The Holy Father’s call for peace around the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine, has been a recurring theme since the start of his pontificate.
Pope Leo XIV’s recent lung cancer surgery and recovery have garnered worldwide attention and support, with Catholics around the globe praying for his health and well-being.
The World Mission Rosary included five decades dedicated to different continents, each announced in Italian, English, and Spanish, and recited in two local languages for each continent.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Paris drew a massive crowd of 800,000 people, with the pope urging Catholics to openly share their faith in an increasingly secularized society.
The pope’s message for World Mission Sunday emphasized the importance of contributing to the mission of evangelization according to one’s own vocation and gifts.
Pope Leo XIV’s recovery from surgery was described as commendable, with his determination to recover quickly noted by his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
The pope’s visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris marked the first time since the 2019 fire that he had stepped inside the famous gothic cathedral.
What this adds
The World Mission Rosary was part of the 100th World Mission Day, which was first established by Pope Pius XI in 1927.
Background
Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to join him in praying a Rosary for peace on May 30, 2026, and will lead a World Mission Rosary live from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV after he underwent surgery for lung cancer.
What's confirmed
- As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the 100th World Mission Day on Sunday, October 18, Pope Leo XIV and the Church's mission will be entrusted to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the International Mission Rosary on Saturday, October 17.
What's still developing
- Siblings from family of 20 share what it was like being raised by a ‘Mother of the Year.’ Venerable Patrick Peyton’s prolific promotion of the Rosary highlighted in film.
- Pope Leo XIV turns 70 on Sept. 14, and several Catholic organzations are celebrating by gathering a host of prayers into a very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” for the Holy Father in which everyone can participate.
- “As Daughters of St. Paul, our mission is to bring Christ to the world through every means of communication,” Sister Tracey Dugas said.
- The effort also encourages participants, when possible, to pray together and then grab a slice of pizza in honor of one of the Chicago native’s favorite treats.
- Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pontifical Mission Societies, Sing the Hours and more are encouraging an outpouring of prayer for Pope Leo and his intentions leading up to his milestone birthday — and his first birthday as pope.
- “As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Pope Leo wrote in the October 14 message to clergy members and Catholics.
- Though international pop star Céline Dion was touring through Paris the same nights as the pope, Leo drew a bigger crowd and a fervor tantamount to that of a rockstar at the Stade de France, inciting passionate cheers and more than a few teary eyes from the spectators.
- PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV has added one of America’s leading Catholic educators with expertise in the connection between history and the faith to a key pontifical commission focused on preserving truth, at a time when the Holy Father is warning of how a failure to accurately understand history could lead to a politically and technologically more dangerous future for the world.
- The American pope greeted the flag-waving, cheering throngs from his popemobile during a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) parade along the grand boulevard leading to the Place de la Concorde for Mass, essentially the heart of Paris and a symbol of the French republic.
- The pope called on French Catholics not to keep that rich inheritance to themselves.
- "gave her the strength to overcome the illness."
- "normal daily activities completely on his own."