“If peace has imposed itself as an urgent priority because of the multiplication of senseless conflicts and the progressive erosion of international law, the unity of the Church is a thread that runs through the entire magisterium of the Bishop of Rome,” said Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication.

“The way in which Pope Leo has repeated his appeals for the unity of believers, in Christ,” Tornielli added, “is particularly significant and has nothing to do with a demand for ‘normality’ or a tranquility that dulls differences and perhaps waters down contrasts.”

The investigation is being conducted under the terms of Vos Estis Lux Mundi (You Are the Light of the World), Pope Francis’s apostolic letter on addressing sexual abuse.

“The Holy See emphasizes the importance of the universalization of the Treaty and of enhancing common efforts and commitments to ensure the non-proliferation and the progressive elimination of nuclear weapons, Msgr. Robert D. Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, stated on May 5.

“The Holy See further reaffirms the value of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones as important regional instruments for advancing non-proliferation and strengthening international peace and security,” Msgr. Murphy added. “The establishment of additional zones, particularly in regions of persistent tension, especially the Middle East, remains a priority.”

On March 25, Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Gerardo Saco, Jr., administrator of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, as diocesan bishop. In withdrawing from accepting the appointment, Father Saco said that his decision “comes from a deep awareness of my own human limitations and inadequacies.”

As he concluded his one-day pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples, Pope Leo XIV addressed the citizens of Naples late this afternoon in the Piazza del Plebiscito.

Pope Leo XIV received Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising, Germany, on May 7, amid public disagreement between the Vatican and the cardinal over the blessings of same-sex couples and couples who have remarried outside the Church.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass this morning outside the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii (video), after greeting disabled persons and venerating the relics of the shrine’s founder, St. Bartolo Longo (video).

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, the president of the episcopal conference, said on May 6 that “I have held several working sessions with the Pope—including one just last week—during which we drafted a preliminary itinerary. His visit would provide an opportunity to share with the Pope the current life of our Church in France and to draw encouragement from his words.”

The trip could take place in late September and include visits to Paris and Lourdes, according to the episcopal conference.

Pope Leo XIV visited Naples Cathedral this afternoon and encouraged priests to care for their spiritual life and be brothers to one another (video).