Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on May 31, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
On Saturday evening, at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, Pope Leo XIV led the Rosary and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to obtain “the gift of peace” that only the Lord can give. Joining him were around 2,000 people in the Vatican, while a further 100,000 faithful took part remotely from 200 Marian shrines around the world.
Today, on the final day of May, the Pope returned to the theme of peace during the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, where more than 20,000 people had gathered. Once again, he appealed for prayers for peace.
“Throughout the month of May, the whole Church has raised a united prayer for peace. Through the Rosary in particular, like an unbroken chain, the faithful have entrusted to the Virgin Mary’s intercession those peoples devastated by war. May divine Wisdom enlighten the consciences of those who hold authority and guide their decisions towards the sincere pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
Day of relief: Promoting a culture of care
Pope Leo XIV also noted that Italy is marking the 25th Day of Relief, which this year carries the theme: “I Take Care.”
“I am close to those who are ill and to all who care for them. I thank and encourage everyone who helps to spread a culture of closeness and care.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of relieving both physical and emotional suffering. Particular attention is given to palliative care, pain management, the humanisation of healthcare, and the training of volunteers who support patients and their families.
Greeting to pilgrims in Poland
Among the groups he greeted after the Angelus, the Pope also addressed participants in the annual pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Piekary in Poland, where Mary is honoured as the Mother of Social Justice.
The shrine has been a centre of Marian devotion since the seventeenth century. According to local tradition, a large pilgrimage for boys and men takes place each May, drawing tens of thousands of participants, while a corresponding pilgrimage for girls and women is held in August.
Source: Vatican News