Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics not to forget those suffering in war zones while many enjoy summer vacation. Speaking after the Angelus on July 19 from Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, he urged prayer and solidarity with people who cannot rest because of conflict. Aleteia reported the Pope’s remarks from the traditional Sunday address.
What happened
Pope Leo XIV delivered his weekly Angelus address from Castel Gandolfo, the historic papal residence in the hills outside Rome where Popes traditionally spend part of the summer. During his remarks, he acknowledged that many people, including himself, are taking time for rest during the summer months.
The Pope then pivoted to ask listeners not to forget those who have no such luxury. He specifically mentioned people living in war zones around the world who cannot enjoy peaceful rest or summer recreation because of ongoing conflicts.
Full details of the Pope’s remarks are available in Aleteia’s coverage.
Why this matters
The Pope’s message reflects a consistent theme of his early papacy: asking Catholics in peaceful, prosperous nations to maintain awareness of suffering elsewhere. Summer vacation is a cultural reality for much of Europe and North America, but not a universal human experience. By speaking from Castel Gandolfo, a symbol of papal rest, he used the setting to highlight the contrast.
The call to remember war victims during leisure time connects to the Church’s teaching on solidarity. The Catechism describes solidarity as “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (CCC 1942), which includes keeping the suffering of distant neighbors in mind even during personal rest.
For Catholic readers
Take one moment during summer rest this week to pray specifically for people in active war zones. Name a country if you can. The Pope’s request is simple: don’t let vacation erase awareness of those who cannot rest.
Sources:
1. Aleteia — original report
