Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV extends cordial greetings to all participants in the  AI for Good Global Summit 2026,  organized by the  International Telecommunication Union  (ITU), in partnership with other UN agencies and co-hosted by the Swiss Government. As you are convening to reflect upon AI, which raises some of the major questions of our time regarding the future of humanity, the Holy Father would like to assure you of the Holy See's presence and openness to dialogue, especially in this epochal turning point.

In his recent Encyclical Letter,  Magnifica Humanitas ,  dedicated to the safeguarding of the human person in the age of AI, Pope Leo XIV expressed his desire to engage in dialogue with all men and women of our time, so as "to identify new paths for the common good and for promoting a dignified life for all".  Magnifica Humanitas   was born from his listening "to scientists and engineers who work with sincere enthusiasm on technologies capable of alleviating immense suffering; to political leaders and public officials who have perseveringly sought just rules; to parents and teachers who are deeply concerned for the future of younger generations". However, at the same time, it was also impelled by troubling accounts of the potential misuses of algorithms and by the loss of human agency in critical areas.  [1]

While wishing you to engage in constructive and enriching discussions, the Holy Father willingly assures you of his prayers in your efforts "to serve humanity".

Cardinal Secretary of State

_______________________________

[1] Leo XIV,  Address at the Presentation and Promulgation of the Encyclical Letter "Magnifica Humanitas"   ,  Vatican, 25 May 2026.

The following is the text of the letter that the Holy Father Leo XIV sent on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America:

Letter from the Holy Father

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward — through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.

Among the most cherished of these principles is religious freedom — the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear. In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.

This same freedom has permitted the Catholic Church to take root and flourish within the United States, to the advantage not only of her own members, but of the entire nation. As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, Catholics are called to imbue every dimension of their existence with the charity of Christ (cf.  2 Cor  5:14), living out the Gospel in the circumstances of daily life. Such a way of living has given rise to the many benefits that the Church has provided over the years to the development of this nation. In particular, I bring to mind her service in areas of education, the preferential care of the poor, healthcare and basic social services, to name a few.

In the Encyclical  Sapientiae Christianae ,  my predecessor  Pope Leo XIII  wrote that “no better citizen is there… than the Christian who is mindful of his duty” (no. 7). In fact, faith — far from standing in opposition to the responsibilities of citizenship — lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift bestowed by the Creator. Saint Paul himself encouraged the early Christians to pray for those in positions of authority in order to live a peaceful life in accord with the will of God (cf.  1 Tim  2:2). In this regard, it is in the faithful fulfilment of duty — to God and country — that Catholics are called to continue to serve the nation, as leaven for the growth of a civilization of love (cf.  Mt  13:33).

Also among the principles that have guided the development of this country is the God-given dignity of every human life, each person being endowed with an inherent worth that calls for reverence, protection and care. In this spirit, a full understanding of this dignity leads to recognizing the importance of safeguarding human life from its beginning at conception until natural death, and of building a society in which the vulnerable, the suffering and the forgotten are always met with compassion, solidarity and love.

Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning. In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation’s character. To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.

In my recent Encyclical Letter,  Magnifica Humanitas , I wrote about working together for the common good. “Building a world in which everyone can flourish requires shared responsibility and courage. No one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing” ( no. 13 ). We need one another, and we need to work together in unity to confront the challenges that the world is facing today.

May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy. May Americans honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences and working together toward a more perfect union.

Congratulations on this extraordinary national anniversary. May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future. In assuring all of you of my prayers in your renewed efforts to strengthen the nation in the principles that guided its Founding Fathers, I entrust you to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this country, that she will continue to watch over America and protect all who dwell therein.

From the Vatican, June 25, 2026

LEO PP. XIV

 

 

 

 

The following is the text of the Video Message “Pray with the Pope”, with the prayer intention for the month of July, distributed via the  Pray with the Pope  initiative of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, on the theme  For respect for human life.   Let us pray for respect and the defense of human life at every stage, recognizing it as a gift from God.

Videomessage

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.

Lord of life,

You created us in love and called us to live in fullness.

Each person is a sacred gift that reflects your face,

from the first instant of existence

to the final breath of their journey on earth.

Today we ask for the grace to recognize and protect

the unique and unrepeatable value of every human being.

May we learn to welcome life unconditionally,

to tenderly care for fragility,

to accompany each stage with respect,

and to bravely defend those who have no voice.

Forgive us, Lord,

when we fall into indifference or the culture of discard,

when we fail to see in others a being worthy of love.

Give us a new heart, always ready to choose life,

and generous hands that protect it through concrete actions.

Make your Church a living witness of the Gospel of life,

an open home where every life is celebrated,

where no one feels unwanted,

and where dignity is always honored and protected.

Lord Jesus,

may we love life as You love it:

with tenderness, fidelity, and self-giving.

May we proclaim, in words and actions,

that every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.

Amen.

 

Appointment of the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton (England)

The Holy Father has appointed the Rev. Stephen Wang, of the clergy of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Westminster, until now Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome, as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton (England).

Curriculum Vitae

The Most Rev. Stephen Wang was born in London on 8 November 1966. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge, he earned a Licentiate in Philosophy at the Venerable English College in Rome and a Licentiate in Fundamental Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

He was ordained a priest for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Westminster on 3 January 1998.

He has held the following positions and pursued further studies: Parochial Vicar at Dollis Hill (1998–2001); Parochial Vicar and Catholic Chaplain at Fisher House University Chaplaincy , Cambridge (2001–2003); Doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge (2001–2005); Formator and Professor (2005–2013), and Dean (2009–2013), at Allen Hall Seminary ; Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Reading (2007–2009); University Chaplain for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Westminster (2013–2021); Director of Vocations (2019–2021); Since 2021, Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome.

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- H.E. Mr. Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego, President of the Republic of Colombia, and Entourage

- His Eminence Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, S.J., Metropolitan Archbishop of Córdoba (Argentina)

- His Grace Joseph Mar Barnabas, Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church

- H.E. Most Rev. Michele Di Tolve, Titular Bishop of Orrea, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome

- H.E. Most Rev. Salvatore Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World)