Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

The following is the telegram of condolence sent by the Holy Father Leo XIV to His Eminence Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the diocese of Rome, on the death on Tuesday 16 June 2026 of His Eminence Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar General emeritus of His Holiness for the diocese of Rome and Archpriest emeritus of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran, of the Title of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura :

 

Telegram of the Holy Father

HIS MOST REVEREND EMINENCE CARDINAL BALDASSARE REINA VICAR GENERAL OF HIS HOLINESS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ROME LATERAN PALACE 00120 - VATICAN CITY

THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF CARDINAL CAMILLO RUINI, VICAR GENERAL EMERITUS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ROME, EVOKES IN MY HEART FEELINGS OF DEEP SYMPATHY, TOGETHER WITH GRATITUDE TO THE LORD FOR THE GIFT OF THIS ESTEEMED MAN OF THE CHURCH, WHO LIVED HIS MINISTRY WITH GENEROSITY, FIRST IN THE DIOCESE OF REGGIO EMILIA-GUASTALLA IN VARIOUS FIELDS OF THE APOSTOLATE, THEN AS AUXILIARY BISHOP, AND FOR THE REST OF HIS LONG LIFE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THIS DIOCESE AND THE ITALIAN CHURCH. I WISH TO EXPRESS TO YOU, TO THE EPISCOPAL COUNCIL, TO HIS RELATIVES, TO THE ROMAN PRESBYTERY AND TO ALL THE FAITHFUL, MY SOLIDARITY AND MY CONDOLENCES. AS WE REMEMBER THIS EXPERIENCED AND WISE BROTHER, STRENGTHENED BY DEEP FAITH, ACUTE INTELLIGENCE AND FORESIGHT, WHO SERVED WITH DISCRETION AND SELFLESSNESS; I THINK OF HIS FRUITFUL WORK FOR THE ITALIAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE AND FOR A PRODUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE WORLD OF CULTURE. I ASK THE LORD, THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE VIRGIN MARY, TO WELCOME HIM INTO THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, AND I WARMLY IMPART THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING TO ALL THOSE WHO MOURN HIS PASSING, WITH A GRATEFUL THOUGHT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CARED FOR HIM WITH SUCH DEDICATION.

From the Vatican, 17 June 2026

LEO PP. XIV

NOTIFICATION

PAPAL CHAPEL FOR THE FUNERAL OF CARDINAL CAMILLO RUINI

On Thursday 18 June 2026, at 16.30, at the Altar of the Cathedra of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the funeral service will be held for Cardinal Camillo Ruini, of the Title of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura , Vicar General emeritus of His Holiness for the diocese of Rome and Archpriest emeritus of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

The funeral rites will be celebrated by the Holy Father Leo XIV, together with Their Eminences the Cardinals and Their Excellencies the Archbishops and Bishops.

The Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops who wish to concelebrate are invited to be present by 16.00 in the sacristy of Saint Peter’s Basilica in order to put on their liturgical vestments, bringing with them: the Cardinals, their white damask mitre; the Archbishops and Bishops, their simple white mitre.

* * *

In accordance with the Motu Proprio Pontificalis Domus , the members of the Pontifical Chapel who wish to participate in the liturgical celebration are requested to wear their own choral habit. The parish priests of Rome are to wear the red stole over their surplices. Everyone is requested to be at the Altar of the Cathedra by 16.00, in order to take the seats that will be assigned to them by the Pontifical Masters of Ceremonies.

Vatican City, 17 June 2026

By mandate of the Holy Father

✠ Diego Ravelli Titular Archbishop of Recanati Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Members of the Presidency of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia;

- Members of the “Centro de Investigacion y Formación de Protección al Menor” (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Formation for the Protection of Minors) (CEPROME).

This morning’s General Audience took place at 10.00 in Saint Peter’s Square, where the Holy Father Leo XIV met with groups of pilgrims and faithful from Italy and all over the world.

In his address in Italian, the Pope focused his catechesis on his recent Apostolic Journey in Spain (Reading: Jn 4:35, 38).

After summarizing his catechesis in various languages, the Holy Father addressed special greetings to the faithful in attendance. He then expressed satisfaction at the agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which is due to be signed on Friday, and invited everyone to pray for an end to the war in Ukraine.

The General Audience concluded with the recitation of the  Pater Noster  and the Apostolic Blessing.

 

Catechesis of the Holy Father: The Apostolic Journey in Spain

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome!

Today I would like to share some reflections on  the Apostolic Journey I made last week to Spain , visiting Madrid, Barcelona, the Abbey of Montserrat and the Canary Islands.

After  the long journey in four African countries , this time I found myself immersed in a European country with an ancient and very rich Catholic tradition. And it appeared evident that today in Spain, which has experienced significant social and cultural changes, the Pope was welcomed everywhere with enthusiasm and readiness to listen. For this I give thanks to God and to the entire Spanish people, the King and the civil authorities, the bishops and the ecclesial communities.

The people of God gave me great comfort through their joyful expression of their faith and affection. For my part, I confirmed the faithful and, as Bishop of Rome, I encouraged them to overcome every form of division and conflict by always promoting communion, dialogue and unity in diversity. This is the very service of the Successor of Peter, a service which finds a specific expression in Apostolic Journeys, each time adapted to the ecclesial and social situations of the countries visited.

In the case of Spain, I was able to observe with joy how much people of every age and situation were looking forward to the Pope’s visit: everywhere I found multitudes who welcomed me with great warmth. This fact was not to be taken for granted, and is worthy of reflection. Naturally such participation expresses, first of all, as I said, the faith of the Spanish people; at the same time, I believe it reveals a widespread need to find unity on a true and deep foundation, one that is neither ideological nor based on partial interests. That foundation which, in the final analysis, only Christ can ensure, and which the Gospel, through the necessary “inculturation”, can convey in the lives of peoples. It can do so because its message fully responds to both these needs: the search for truth and the thirst for justice.

In Madrid  and  Barcelona , we gathered in the great Cathedral as well as in modern stadiums.  We prayed the holy Rosary at the Abbey of Montserrat .  We celebrated at the  Sagrada Família , a majestic symbol, a symphony of stones and light that speaks of the Christian mystery to everyone. This encounter of ancient and modern, Catholic tradition and contemporary culture enabled me to perceive first-hand the very character of Europe, its inestimable wealth, as a living reality, not a thing of the past. It is a heritage to be safeguarded with care, so that it may be invested in today’s global world with its momentous challenges: peace, integral ecology, equitable and sustainable development, and respect for human dignity. They are challenges that the  Second Vatican Council  had already clearly recognized, and to which the subsequent Magisterium returned, up to me recent Encyclical  Magnifica humanitas , which aims to safeguard the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.

I grasped, through the various meetings, the need to listen through the Pope’s voice the Gospel of hope for today’s humanity, sorely tried by the negative consequences of a deceptive model of development. This need, which found expression in the many testimonies I was able to listen to – testimonies at times moving, at times edifying – I recognized also and above all in the faces of the little ones and the poor whom I met:  the child who read his letter to me in the parish ; some victims of abuse, who ask to be heard;  the inmates who were waiting for me in the prison ;  the young people full of anxiety and aspirations ; the migrants in the reception centres in the Canary Islands.

It was precisely there, in the Canary Islands – the final stop on our journey – that I was offered a comprehensive insight. It was offered to me, on the one hand, by the very geographical location of that archipelago; and, on the other, by the reality of a local Church which welcomes a large number of forced migrants, coming mainly from Africa. We know that the phenomenon of migration is complex, and requires organic and coordinated action plans. But this interpretation opens up a different, broader perspective: it enables us to understand how we are called to reread the Gospel in today’s world, exchanging with each other the gifts of our respective cultures, and in particular the results produced in them by the fruitfulness of Christ’s message. And one of these fruits is precisely the dialogue between people and between peoples, the encounter in a spirit of fraternity, which enables us to discover and appreciate one another’s values. This path is not easy; it requires goodwill and God’s help, but it is the path that leads to the civilization of love.

Dear brothers and sisters, the motto of this Apostolic Journey was “ Alzad la   mirada ”, “Lift up your eyes!” (cf.  Jn  4:35). These are the words of Jesus, addressed to the first disciples, to teach them to see in people and in the crowds the desire for life, truth, and fullness. The Lord repeats those words to me first, and by His grace I also experienced them during this Journey. Today I would like to share this invitation with you: let us lift up our eyes! Let us learn from Jesus to look at our neighbour, at people, at the world “through God’s eyes”, that is, with love, respect and compassion.

Finally, I want to thank all those who prayed for the success of this Apostolic Journey, especially the contemplative nuns, who in Spain, thanks be to God, are very numerous. Continue to pray, so that, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the seeds I scattered may bear abundant fruit. Thank you!

***

Appeal of the Holy Father

I welcome with satisfaction the agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which is to be signed on Friday, as an encouraging outcome of patient dialogue and negotiation. I express my gratitude to the countries that have worked to facilitate the meeting between the parties and make this agreement possible. I hope that this agreement may help to strengthen mutual trust, security and stability in the Middle East, by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation among peoples.

Meanwhile, distressing news continues to emerge regarding the war in Ukraine, which continues to escalate: so many innocent victims, aid workers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by fire. My thoughts are with those who are mourning their loved ones, with the injured, and with those who, amidst the violence, continue to serve life with courage. I invite everyone to pray for an end to this war. Let us ask the Lord to open pathways to dialogue, to extinguish hatred, and to make a just and lasting peace possible.

_________________

Greeting in English

I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from England, Cameroon, Taiwan, The Philippines and the United States of America. As the summer holidays begin for many, may this time be an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord through moments of prayer and to support one another through generous acts of charity. Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the peace and unity of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!

_________________ 

Summary of the Holy Father's words

Dear brothers and sisters,

In today’s catechesis, I would like to share some reflections with you on  my Apostolic Journey to Spain last week . Throughout the trip, I was comforted to see the joyful expression of faith and affection shown by the people of God, as well as the crowds that welcomed me with such warmth. During the various events, I sensed not only the deep-rooted faith of the Spanish people, but also a desire for the unity and hope that can only be found in Christ and in his love for us. The experience reminded me of the cultural wealth of Europe, its strong Catholic heritage and the role it can currently play in promoting peace, respect for human dignity and fraternal dialogue as we seek to build a true civilization of love. As you know, the motto of the Journey was “Lift up your gaze!” (cf. Jn 4:35), and I would like to extend this invitation to you as well: lift your gaze to the Lord. And let us learn from him to see other people and the world around us as he does. Thank you to everyone who prayed for the success of the Apostolic Journey. Please continue to pray that it bears much fruit.

This morning, in the study of the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the representatives of the “Centro de Investigación y Formación de Protección al Menor” - CEPROME (Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Formation for the Protection of Minors).

The following is the greeting addressed by the Pope to those present during the meeting:

 

Address of the Holy Father

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Peace be with you. Good morning and welcome.

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am pleased to welcome you this morning. You come from different countries across Latin America, yet who share a very clear common goal: to work to ensure that church communities are safe places for everyone, especially children, young people and the most vulnerable. Thank you for being here and for undertaking such an important task.

I would like to invite you to reflect on how the first disciples, from the moment they encountered Jesus Christ, were captivated, and how that moment marked their lives in such a way that they embarked on a journey of conversion, to the point of giving themselves to Him without reservation. But that experience is not a thing of the past: we are all called to have that encounter with the Risen Lord and the opportunity to undergo a process of identification with Him. This undoubtedly takes place through evangelization, and this is where your work comes in: for there to be a genuine experience of love with the Lord, we need safe spaces. The encounter with Christ leaves a positive mark on us and leads us towards a life full of love and freedom, whereas the exact opposite occurs in situations of abuse, causing traumatic wounds that hinder and undermine a person’s spiritual and human development.

It is on the Lord’s own warning that the mission you have chosen to undertake is founded, in response to Christ’s call, when He warns us to take care not to be a cause of scandal to the little ones (cf. Mt 18:6). During my recent apostolic journey to Spain, I spoke to the bishops about the pain of those who have been harmed by those who were supposed to care for them – situations to which “the ecclesial community is called to respond with listening, truth, justice, reparation and an ever more determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care” ( Address to the Bishops of Spain , 8 June 2026). This task, whilst being the primary responsibility of those of us called to be shepherds, is a mandate for everyone in the Church, and some, like you, have taken it on even in the professional sphere.

I thank you and, at the same time, encourage you to continue with this great work, strengthening the collaboration networks between local Churches and civil institutions, and promoting a culture of prevention and care for the most vulnerable. It is my hope that all spaces within the Church, whether physical or virtual, may truly be places for a fruitful encounter with Jesus Christ, free from fear, suspicion or mistrust.

Brothers and sisters, I commend you to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary so that you may continue to work towards this dream and, increasingly, involve the whole Church community in it. With these sentiments, I impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, which I extend to your families, friends and all your loved ones. Thank you very much.