Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

On the occasion of Sea Sunday, which falls on 12 July 2026, the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development sends a Message entitled  “Beyond goods and trade: the human face of the sea” , recalling the work carried out by seafarers throughout the world.

The following is the text of the Message, signed by the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, His Eminence Cardinal Michael Czerny:

Sea Sunday Message 2026

July 12, 2026

Beyond Cargo and Commerce:   The Human Face of the Sea

Dear brothers and sisters,

The life of the world continues to pass through the seas, rivers, lakes, and waterways of the world. Behind global trade, fishing industries, ports, inland navigation routes, and maritime networks are countless seafarers, fishers, port workers, and maritime communities whose labor sustains nations, connects peoples, brings livelihood, and supports families across continents. The crisis of the Strait of Hormuz has reminded the world of how deeply humanity depends on the sea and those who work upon it.

Much of what societies rely upon each day arrives quietly through perseverance, sacrifice, skill, and endurance of the people of the sea. On Sea Sunday, the Church remembers these men and women not merely for the work they perform or the goods they transport, but as human persons created in the image and likeness of God and endowed with inviolable dignity. Each carries a unique story shaped by hope and fears, burdens and resilience, relationships and dreams that deserve to be seen, honored, and cherished.

Today, many maritime workers continue to face growing uncertainty and hardship. The sea, which has long connected peoples and nations, is increasingly marked by tension, insecurity, war, and fear. Many crew members not only navigate the inherent dangers of the sea and waterways but have also recently been affected by armed conflicts that have resulted in their virtual confinement on board, food shortages, and even fear for their lives. This has heightened their sense of loneliness, their isolation from society at large, their separation from loved ones, and their emotional exhaustion.

Paradoxically, even in an age of greater digital communication, many seafarers experience deeper isolation. Human closeness is becoming rarer. Reduced crew size, shorter shore leaves, demanding schedules, and the constant pressure of modern maritime life often leave little space for rest, fraternity, or genuine human encounters. In such realities, people need more than efficient systems or distant words. They need a presence. They need to know that they are remembered, welcomed, heard, and loved.

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, technological and economic systems must never reduce the human person to “data, a cog in a machine or a commodity” (n.180). Rather, they must always safeguard the dignity, freedom, and humanity of every individual. A ship, therefore, must never become a place of silent isolation or indifference, a modern Babel where people live side by side yet remain unseen and unheard. Instead, maritime life can stand as a living witness that people of diverse nations, cultures, and beliefs are still capable of fraternity, solidarity, mutual respect, and peaceful interdependence.

In many ways, the sea itself teaches humanity that we belong to one another. Oceans do not divide people; they connect them. Each day, those who work across seas and waterways become bridges between nations, cultures, religions, and economies. In a world wounded by conflict and fragmentation, their lives bear witness to the enduring possibility of cooperation, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence. Through her pastoral presence, the Church seeks to remind every seafarer, fisher, and maritime worker that they are never forgotten and never alone.

At the same time, the sea calls humanity to deeper reflection. The oceans are not merely routes of commerce or sources of economic wealth; they are part of God’s creation, entrusted to human responsibility and care. They nourish populations, sustain livelihoods, and remind us of both the beauty and fragility of our common home. Yet today, the seas increasingly suffer from pollution, exploitation, environmental degradation, and the consequences of irresponsible human activity. When the oceans suffer, humanity suffers with them - especially fishers, coastal communities, and all those whose lives depend directly on the health of marine ecosystems. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us in Magnifica Humanitas, authentic progress can never be measured solely by efficiency, technological advancement, or profit, but must always be guided by the dignity of the human person, the common good, and responsibility toward future generations (nn. 12, 92). These words speak powerfully to the maritime and inland navigation world, where many seafarers, fishers, and maritime workers quietly endure loneliness, fatigue, danger, and prolonged separation from their families and usual places of worship while faithfully carrying out the essential work that sustains countless lives and communities across the globe. In this context, care for the sea can never be separated from care for the human person. Protecting marine life, promoting ethical and sustainable practices, defending the dignity and safety of maritime workers, and fostering a spirit of global responsibility are not competing priorities but dimensions of a single moral commitment to the common good and to the flourishing of both people and our shared marine environment.

This commitment is rooted in the Gospel itself, which offers an image that continue to speak powerfully to the maritime world today. Amid the storm, while fear overtook the disciples and the waves threatened the boat, Jesus remained with them: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Christ did not remain safely on the shore. He entered the vulnerability of those crossing troubled waters. Even today, the Lord accompanies all who live and work at sea, walking beside those who face uncertainty, fatigue, danger and separation from families.

Because the Church is called to continue Christ’s mission in the world, She too cannot remain distant from the lived experience of maritime workers. The Lord who entered the boat with his disciples continues to draw near to those who navigate the seas and inland waterways of our time, and the Church is called to make that closeness visible through her presence and ministry. She is called to enter the boat: to accompany, to listen, to console, to defend human dignity, and to become a visible sign of hope and home amid the storms of human life. Through chaplaincies, maritime ministries, and a humble human presence rooted in the long tradition of the Apostleship of the Sea (Opus Apostolatus Maris), locally known in many places under names such as Stella Maris, the Church seeks to remind every seafarer, fisher, maritime worker, and inland navigation worker that they are remembered, valued, and never alone. Within this broad mission of service and accompaniment, our Catholic port chaplaincies throughout the world welcome men and women of all nationalities and creeds. At the same time, we are especially grateful for the opportunity to provide prayer, pastoral care and the sacraments to Catholic seafarers, who constitute a significant portion of the crews and officers arriving in ports far from their homes, families, and usual places of worship.

I express deep gratitude to all seafarers, fishers, and maritime workers and their families throughout the world. I thank you not only for what you do but for who you are. Your sacrifices sustain global trade, food security, and the well-being of countless communities. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to chaplains, volunteers, maritime welfare organizations, and pastoral workers who faithfully continue to bring friendship, prayer, listening and practical support to ports and ships around the world. May this Sea Sunday renew in all of us a deeper commitment to closeness, solidarity, care for creation and care for all the people of the sea and inland waterways. Entrusting them to the care of Mary, Star of the Sea, we pray for safety, dignity, peace, and hope for all who journey and work upon the waters.

Card. Michael Czerny, S.J. Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

“Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration” 23-24 June 2026

Some prominent religious leaders, academics, scholars and representatives of Christianity and the Dharmic religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism) gathered in Rome from 23-24 June 2026 at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), for a conference on the theme: “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration.”

Promoted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in continuity with its previous initiatives, the conference brought together individuals committed to strengthening human fraternity through interreligious dialogue and cooperation in Europe. Conducted in a cordial atmosphere and in a spirit of respect and openness, the conference offered to all participants an opportunity for mutual listening, learning and enrichment.

The participants reflected on the challenges facing contemporary societies and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and collaboration as means of fostering understanding, solidarity and hope. In this context, they acknowledged the foundational role of fraternity for building cohesive and peaceful communities.

They also underlined that believers, while serving as credible witnesses of their morals and faith convictions, must never shy away from contributing to the flourishing of fraternity through concrete actions that promote peace, harmony and the wellbeing of all. In addition, they highlighted the importance of strengthening mutual respect, cooperation and engagement today, while remaining rooted in their respective religious traditions.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to nurturing a culture of encounter and collaboration for the common good. Participants expressed their hope that such collaboration will continue to inspire the wider society and contribute to the building of fraternity and peace

The following is the text of the message that Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sent—on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV—to the participants in the Caritas Internationalis Health Gathering, which will take place in Castel Gandolfo (Rome Metropolitan Area) from 24 to 25 June 2026:

[  EN  ]

Message of the Holy Father

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends cordial greetings and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those attending the Conference on Health, focused on “A holistic approach to health in the Caritas Confederation.” He prays that the deliberations will contribute to a new impetus for cooperation and solidarity in your efforts to improve healthcare to the sick based on Gospel values. Indeed, Scripture often portrays Jesus as the Divine Physician, who brings  salus  to the infirm by healing a wide range of mental, physical and spiritual afflictions that caused them to suffer pain, humiliation and isolation. His Holiness recently affirmed in  Magnifica Humanitas  that the ontological “dignity that belongs to every human being simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created and loved by God” ( 52 ), therefore transcends his or her individual circumstances. By restoring their health, Jesus reveals this inherent dignity (cf.  Gen  1:26) and thus points to our eternal salvation in God. The Holy Father encourages you to continue your contribution to the mission of the Church as she proclaims the Kingdom of God through her presence among the sick, demonstrating that salvation is not an abstract idea but begins with the concrete action of healing the wounds of those who suffer (cf.  Dilexi Te , 52). In this way, he trusts that your work will always be directed to bringing God’s compassion and goodness to those most in need. With these sentiments, Pope Leo XIV willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, strength and joy in the Lord upon all of you and your collaborators. 

 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State

On 25 April 2026, the Holy Father appointed the Most Excellent Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, as His Special Envoy for the centenary of the canonical erection of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lithuania, which will be celebrated on 27 June 2026 at the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Kaunas.

The following is the text of the Letter of the Holy Father to the Special Envoy, the Most Excellent Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher:

Letter of the Holy Father

Venerabili Fratri

PAULO RICHARDO GALLAGHER

Archiepiscopo titulo Hodelmensi

Secretario Sectionis Secretariae Status

de Rationibus cum Civitatibus et Institutis Internationalibus

Sollicitudo Ecclesiae pro populis non modo ad catholici nominis incrementum, sed etiam ad ipsam rei civilis prosperitatem confertur, ut per bona, quae cunctis Evangelium affluenter largitur, de Christi inexhausto fonte amoris cordibus ardore perfusis, omnes virtutes, quavis divisione sublata, in hominum societate firmentur ad opus iustitiae, inspirante caritate, perficiendum (cfr Miss. Rom., Pro variis necessitatibus, 29).

Haec considerantes, valde laetamur de centesimo celebrando anniversario a creatione Provinciae ecclesiasticae Kaunensis in Lituania, quae de eadem archiepiscopali Sede una cum suffraganeis dioecesibus Telsensi, Paneve­zensi, Vilkaviskensi, Kaisiadorensi et Praelatura Klaipedensi tunc constabat, die IV mensis Aprilis anno MCMXXVI constitutae, quo Resurrectionis Domini Nostri Iesu Christi tunc temporis celebrabatur sollemnitas, ut iure ergo meritoque, quae in difficilibus adiunctis est constituta et asperrima transiit, indefessi pastorum laboris gratia saeculum expleret, virtutem sibi comparans prudentiae primae suae annorum pulchrae vetustatis.

Tantam proinde recolentes memoriam, ut inter sollemnia perfrui possent christifideles praesentia ac verbo alicuius Praesulis in ecclesiastica dignitate constituti, qui Nostras vices ibi gerat Nostramque erga istam communitatem manifestet dilectionem, Venerabilis Fratris Gintaras Grušas, Archiepiscopi Vilnensis et Conferentiae Episcoporum Lituaniae Praesidis, humanissimae petitioni concedentes, ad Te, Venerabilis Frater, mentem Nostram vertimus, qui adiuncta Ecclesiae in illis Europae regionibus atque humani divinique cultus et pastoralis operis inde propagati admodum comperis, ut hodie peraptus videaris ad Ecclesiae sollicitudinem per hoc ministerium tuum significandam. Idcirco, hisce Litteris Te Missum Extraordinarium Nostrum nominamus ad sollemnia, quae die XXVII mensis Iunii huius anni in cathedrali Kaunensi agentur ad centum honorandos transactos annos ab eiusdem ecclesiasticae Provinciae constitutione.

Libenter tibi potestatem facimus, dum celebrationi Eucharistiae praeside­bis, clerum et populum, necnon publicas auctoritates atque universos chri­stifideles Nostro nomine salutandi ac benedicendi, quos cohortaberis, ut his tempestatis temporibus iustitiam diligant, concilient pacem ac tueantur cari­tatem, quae praecipuum vitae christianae firmamentum continent, sine qui­bus aut nullae omnino sunt aut fructu vacuae virtutes, in virtutum chri­stia­narum palaestram praesidium disponentes salutis civitatis (cfr Leo PP. XIII, Litt. enc. Sapientiae christianae).

Dum gravissimum Nostrum ministerium precibus committimus commu­ni­tatum istius ecclesiasticae Provinciae illic congregatarum, tibi, Venerabilis Frater, Benedictionem Nostram Apostolicam impertimur omnibus, qui cele­brationi intererunt, trasmittendam, legationem tuam ardentibus precibus co­-mi­tamur, a Deo misericordiae suppliciter exposcentes, ut coetus hic fide­lium, hunc laetitiae diem affectu sedulo celebrans, quod recordatione percur­rit semper teneat in opere.

Ex Aedibus Vaticanis, die XXVIII mensis Maii, anno Domini MMXXVI, Pontificatus Nostri secundo.

LEO PP. XIV

This morning, in the room adjacent to the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience a group of writers, on the occasion of the centenary of the Libreria Editrice Vaticana (Vatican Publishing House).

The following is the text of the speech that the Pope addressed to those present during the meeting:

[  EN   -  IT   -  PT  ]

Buongiorno, good morning everyone, and welcome!

I am pleased to welcome you, writers from many parts of the world, who have gathered in Rome to mark the centennial of the founding of  the Libreria Editrice Vaticana , the Holy See’s publishing house, which was established in 1926.

This is an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of books and of writing — a form of human expression in which you, with your variety of styles and languages, serve as teachers and as role models.

Writing, as you know, is an act of truth, of revelation, for it reveals who we are, what we believe and hope for, the world we strive toward and the future of which we dream. In this pursuit of truth, we sense that truth is subtle, revealing itself to us in our inner dialogue with God and in our open and respectful dialogue with our neighbors. Moreover, “truth is not a territory to be defended, but a good to be shared” ( Magnifica Humanitas , 25). We are never masters of the truth; if anything, it is the truth that “conquers” us. That is why I hope you will inspire others to be drawn to the truth, because you yourselves are drawn to it.

Furthermore, writing is an act of humanity. As the ancient author Terrence observed, “I am a human being, and I do not regard anything human as alien to me” ( The Self-Tormentor , I, 1, 25). Literature, then, encompasses the full spectrum of human experience, so much so that  Pope Francis  highlighted its formative value: “Reading a literary text places us in the position of ‘seeing through the eyes of others’ [C.S. Lewis] thus gaining a breadth of perspective that broadens our humanity. We develop an imaginative empathy that enables us to identify with how others see, experience and respond to reality. Without such empathy, there can be no solidarity, sharing, compassion, or mercy. ( Letter on the Role of Literature in Formation , 34).

When you write stories and develop your characters, you identify with them; you grasp their points of view, their emotions, their feelings, their attitudes. This is the great training ground of humanity that you allow your readers to experience, because, in a sense, readers “live” many lives in addition to their own. This helps us to discover different perspectives, to avoid treating our own views as absolute and to piece together, as in a mosaic, the outline of that truth which always transcends us.

Finally, writing concerns God. It may seem a bold claim to make, but several theologians have reflected on and written about the harmony between the art of writing and the revelation of the biblical God. It is the very structure of Revelation that gives us the authority to do so.  As Cardinal Radcliffe wrote, “For Christians, nothing human is alien to Christ. Every attempt to grapple with the fundamental questions of our lives — how to love, how to be just, how to be free, how to face suffering and death — helps us to understand Christ, the one who is most human of all.” (T. Radcliffe,  Alive in God. A Christian Imagination , London 2019, p. 15).

When we delve into the very depths of our humanity, we are not far from God; for there, in the midst of very human stories, God reveals himself. The God of the Bible manifests himself in liberation from slavery, in the birth of a son when all hope seemed lost and in merciful and faithful love. He speaks through events and encounters, faces and stories. “God works in our lives through what we do and who we are and through the many people we meet” ( Free Under Grace , Vatican City 2026, 83).

That is why I repeat to you, who are writers, what Saint Paul VI said to all artists: “We need you” ( Homily , Mass with Artists, 7 May 1964). We need your imagination, your narrative creativity and your lively thinking. We need these to create spaces of freedom and authenticity, within which divine grace can make the promise of consolation and peace resound. I thank you for every time you have sown seeds of reconciliation, of encounter and of friendship.

For this reason, I encourage you in your work and gladly invoke the Lord’s blessing upon you and your loved ones. Thank you.