Pope Leo XIV Reaffirms 2-state Solution for Holy Land, Warns of Escalating War in Ukraine

Pressed on whether rearmament in Europe is necessary, the pope declined to weigh in directly: “These are political matters, also influenced by external pressure on Europe. I prefer not to comment.”

Regarding Vatican diplomacy, he explained: “We are in constant dialogue with ambassadors. We also try to speak with heads of state when they come, always seeking a solution.”

Rosary for peace in October

At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics around the world to dedicate October to praying the rosary for peace.

“Dear brothers and sisters, the month of October is now approaching, and in the Church it is dedicated in a special way to the holy rosary. Therefore, I invite everyone, every day of the coming month, to pray the rosary for peace: personally, in the family, in the community,” he said.

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The pope asked Vatican employees to join in this prayer daily at 7 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica. He also announced that on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m., he will lead a rosary in St. Peter’s Square during the vigil for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, marking as well the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Catechesis: Christ descends to the depths

Continuing his catechesis for the Jubilee of 2025 on the theme “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” the pope reflected on the mystery of Holy Saturday and Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead.

“Today, again, we will look at the mystery of Holy Saturday. It is the day of the paschal mystery in which everything seems immobile and silent, while in reality an invisible action of salvation is being fulfilled: Christ descends into the realm of the dead to bring the news of the Resurrection to all those who were in the darkness and in the shadow of death,” he said.

“This event, which the liturgy and tradition have handed down to us, represents the most profound and radical gesture of God’s love for humanity,” the pope said. “Indeed, it is not enough to say or to believe that Jesus died for us: It is necessary to recognize that the fidelity of his love sought us out where we ourselves were lost, where only the power of a light capable of penetrating the realm of darkness can reach.”

He noted that Christ’s descent is not just a past event but one that touches every believer today: “The underworld is not only the condition of the dead but also of those who live death as a result of evil and sin. It is also the daily hell of loneliness, shame, abandonment, and the struggle of life. Christ enters into all these dark realities to bear witness to the love of the Father. Not to judge, but to set free. Not to blame, but to save.”

The pope concluded: “Dear brothers and sisters, to descend, for God, is not a defeat but the fulfillment of his love. It is not a failure but the way by which he shows that no place is too far away, no heart is too closed, no tomb too tightly sealed for his love. This consoles us, this sustains us. And if at times we seem to have hit rock bottom, let us remember: that is the place from which God is able to begin a new creation.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

As a journalist, Victoria Cardiel has specialized in social and religious news. Since 2013, she has covered the Vatican for various media outlets, including Europa Press and Alfa and Omega, the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Madrid.