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This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the communities of the Theological Faculty of Apulia and the Theological Institute of Calabria, to whom he delivered the following address:

 

Address of the Holy Father

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

Peace be with you!

 

Dear brothers, welcome!

I am pleased to meet you this morning, and to share with you some reflections regarding the path of formation offered by your respective institutions, the Theological Faculty of Apulia and the Theological Institute of Calabria.

Thinking of the two regions you come from, bathed in the beauty and the vastness of the sea, the words Pope Francis addressed to the community of writers of La Civiltà Cattolica come to mind, which may also be useful for you: “Stay in the open sea. The Catholic must not be afraid of the open sea, must not seek the shelter of safe harbours” ( Meeting with the writers of “La Civiltà Cattolica , 9 February 2017).

There is a great need for this attitude, especially in the contexts where the faith must be proclaimed and inculturated today. It is not a question of acquiring knowledge to fulfil academic obligations, but of embarking on a courageous voyage, a crossing of the high seas. This journey moves in two directions: on the one hand, it is a journey to descend into the depths, probing the abyss of the mystery of God and the different dimensions of the Christian faith; on the other hand, it is a journey to set sail and go further, to explore other horizons and thus find new forms and new languages in which to proclaim the Gospel in different situations throughout history.

This is an important point, which I would like to emphasize: theology serves to proclaim the Gospel , hence it is an integral and fundamental part of the Church’s mission. Theological formation is not destined for a few specialists, but is a call addressed to everyone, so that every person may explore the mystery of faith and receive useful tools to carry out with passion the “persevering commitment to a social and cultural meditation on the Gospel” (Apostolic Constitution Veritatis gaudium , Foreword, 3).

From this perspective, I wish to recall the precious journey of unity you have undertaken in your Regions, also by unifying realities, institutes and formation programmes that previously operated independently. This is a truly important synergy: a real historical step forward in which you are playing a leading role, promoting communion between dioceses, helping to overcome old parochialism and, above all, encouraging an ecclesial journey marked by unity and fraternity. On this path, it is possible to build a common horizon of thought and a convergence on pastoral challenges and the needs of evangelization.

Here, then, is my invitation: let us do theology together ! Formation that serves the proclamation of the Gospel is only possible together, sailing “on the open sea” but not as solitary navigators. And to do so, as we said, by leaving our safe harbour, going beyond our territorial and ecclesial boundaries, in encounter, in mutual listening and dialogue, in the communion between Churches that brings together resources, skills and charisms.

By doing theology together, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral horizons widen and merge, generating common perspectives and a more embodied ecclesial commitment in the territory, offering you the opportunity to renew the styles and languages of faith in the real context in which you find yourselves.

By doing theology together, you will discover you are a laboratory that prepares future priests and pastoral workers to live out ecclesial relationships in a synodal style, in which various subjects ministries and ecclesial charisms complete one another, overcoming all barriers.

Finally, by doing theology together, you will be more capable of welcoming the demands and the challenges of the social and cultural context. Indeed, the wealth of history from which you come, and the widespread religiosity of your people do not eliminate the many social problems, the crisis of employment, the phenomenon of emigration, and all those forms of oppression, slavery, and injustice that call for a new conscience and a bold commitment on the part of everyone. Theological formation contributes to generating critical and prophetic thinking, representing a cultural investment for the future capable of defusing the logic of resignation and indifference.

I encourage you to carry forward this project with enthusiasm and determination, and without letting yourselves be swayed by the temptation to turn back. I invite you to dream of an academic community in which the candidates to ordained ministry, consecrated men and women, and laypeople are formed together and help Christian communities to become a sign of the Gospel and workshops of hope.

Thank you, dear friends, for your commitment, for your generous service, for the patience and industriousness with which you are constructing this mosaic of unity and communion: this helps us to live in the world amid fidelity and creativity, tradition and newness, unity and diversity, always listening to what, even today, the Spirit of the Lord wants to say to the Churches and to the Church.

May Saint Francis of Paola and Mary Most Holy,  Regina Apuliae, protect you and intercede for you. Thank you!

Resignation and appointment of metropolitan archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the eparchy of San Gregorio di Narek en Buenos Aires” of the Armenians, Argentina

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the apostolic exarchate for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico for Brazil

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the apostolic exarchate for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico for Uruguay

 

Resignation and appointment of metropolitan archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the metropolitan archdiocese of Aparecida, Brazil, presented by Archbishop Orlando Brandes.

The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Mário Antônio da Silva as metropolitan archbishop of Aparecida, transferring him from the metropolitan see of Cuiabá.

Curriculum vitae

Archbishop Mário Antônio da Silva was born on 17 October 1966 in Itararé, in the diocese of Itapeva, São Paulo. After studying philosophy and theology at the Divino Mestre diocesan seminary in Jacarezinho-PR, he was awarded a licentiate in moral theology at the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy of Rome.

He was ordained a priest on 21 December 1991, and incardinated in the diocese of Jacarezinho.

He has held the following offices: spiritual director and then rector of the Nossa Senhora da Assunção Minor Seminary; vocational pastoral coordinator; diocesan pastoral coordinator; professor of moral theology; spiritual director of the Divino Mestre Major Seminary; parish priest of Sagrado Coração de Jesus in Jacarezinho-PR; chancellor of the diocesan Curia; second vice-president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and president of the Norte 1 Region of the same Bishops’ Conference.

He was appointed titular bishop of Arena and auxiliary of the archdiocese of Manaus on 9 June 2010, and received episcopal ordination the following 20 August. On 22 June 2016 he was appointed as bishop of Roraima, and on 23 February 2022, transferred as metropolitan archbishop of Cuiabá.

He is currently member of the Council for the National Shrine of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and president of Brazilian Caritas .

 

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the eparchy of “San Gregorio di Narek en Buenos Aires” of the Armenians, Argentina

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the office of apostolic administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the eparchy of “San Gregorio di Narek en Buenos Aires” of the Armenians presented by Bishop Vartan Waldir Boghossian, S.D.B., and has appointed Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva, metropolitan of Buenos Aires and ordinary for eastern faithful resident in Argentina and without a hierarchy of their own sui iuris Church, as apostolic administrator sede vacante of the same circumscription.

 

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the apostolic exarchate for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico for Brazil

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the office of apostolic exarch for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico presented by Bishop Vartan Waldir Boghossian, S.D.B., and has appointed His Eminence Cardinal Odilo Scherer, metropolitan archbishop of São Paulo, as apostolic administrator sede vacante of the same circumscription for Brazil.

 

Resignation and appointment of apostolic administrator of the apostolic exarchate for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico for Uruguay

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the office of apostolic exarch for faithful of Armenian rite resident in Latin America and Mexico presented by Bishop Vartan Waldir Boghossian, S.D.B., and has appointed His Eminence Cardinal Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, S.D.B., metropolitan archbishop of Montevideo, as apostolic administrator sede vacante of the same circumscription for Uruguay.

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Bishop David Arthur Waller, ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham;

- Bishop Steven Joseph Lopes, ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of The Chair of Saint Peter;

- Her Excellency Ms. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta, and entourage;

- Bishop Eduardo Horacio García of San Justo, Argentina;

- His Eminence Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, major penitentiary; with Bishop Krzysztof Józef Nykiel, titular of Velia, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary;

- Members of the Theological Faculty of Apulia and of the Theological Institute of Calabria;

- Bishop Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina of Morondava, Madagascar, president of the Conference of Bishops of Madagascar; Bishop Jean Pascal Andriantsoavina of Antsirabé, vice president; Bishop Jean Claude Rakotoarisoa of Miarinarivo, secretary general; and Fr. Séraphin Rafanomezantsoa, coordinator;

- Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl of Praha, Czech Republic.

This morning, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience the President of the Republic of Malta, Her Excellency Mrs Myriam Spiteri Debono, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, there was an exchange of views on the current international situation, with particular attention given to the Middle East and Ukraine.

Conversation continued highlighting the good bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation in various contexts between the Church and the State. Issues of common interest, including the themes of migration and the demographic situation, were also discussed.

From the Vatican, 2 March 2026

At midday today, Second Sunday of Lent, the Holy Father Leo XIV appeared at the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The following are the Pope’s words of introduction to the Marian prayer:

 

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today’s Gospel paints a radiant picture for all of us as it recounts the Transfiguration of the Lord (cf.  Mt  17:1-9). In this depiction, the Evangelist draws on the Apostles’ memories, portraying Christ between Moses and Elijah. The Word made flesh stands between the Law and the Prophets: he is living Wisdom, who brings every divine word to fulfillment. Everything that God has commanded to and inspired in human beings finds its full and definitive expression in Jesus.

Just as on the day of his baptism in the Jordan, so too today on the mountain we hear the voice of the Father proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son,” while the Holy Spirit envelops Jesus in a “bright cloud” ( Mt  17:5). The Gospel uses this unique expression to describe how God reveals himself. When he manifests himself, the Lord makes his abundance visible to our gaze: standing before Jesus, whose face shines “like the sun” and whose clothes become “as white as light” (cf. v. 2), the disciples behold the human splendor of God. Peter, James and John contemplate a humble glory, which is not displayed as a spectacle for the crowds to see, but in solemn intimacy.

The Transfiguration foreshadows the light of Easter: an event of death and resurrection, of darkness and new light that Christ radiates on all bodies scourged by violence, crucified by pain, or abandoned in misery. Indeed, while evil reduces our flesh to a commodity or an anonymous mass, this same flesh shines with the glory of God. The Redeemer thus transfigures the wounds of history, enlightening our minds and hearts: his revelation is a gift of salvation! Does this captivate us? Do we see the true face of God with a gaze of wonder and love?

The Father’s reply to the despair of atheism is the gift of his Son, the Savior; the Holy Spirit redeems us from the loneliness of agnosticism by offering us an everlasting communion of life and grace; and in response to our weak faith, the promise of the future resurrection is announced. This is what the disciples saw in Christ’s splendor, but it took time for them to understand (cf.  Mt  17:9), time in silence to listen to the word, time for conversion in order to enjoy the Lord’s company.

As we experience this during Lent, let us ask Mary, teacher of prayer and Morning Star, to guide us in faith.

_______________________

After the Angelus 

Dear brothers and sisters!

I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.

Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.

In these days, troubling news has also arrived of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I urgently appeal for a return to dialogue. Let us pray together that harmony may prevail in all conflicts throughout the world. Only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples.

I wish to express my closeness to those who have been severely affected by flooding in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. I pray for the victims, for the families who have lost their homes, and for all those involved in rescue efforts.

I extend a warm greeting to all of you, Romans and pilgrims from various countries, in particular the group of Cameroonians living in Rome, accompanied by the President of their Episcopal Conference, whom, God willing, I will have the joy of visiting in the month of April.

I welcome the faithful from the Diocese of Iași in Romania, from Budimir in Košice, Slovakia, from Massachusetts in the United States of America, and from the Confraternity of the  Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte  from Jaén, Spain.

I greet the faithful from Naples, Torre del Greco, and Afragola; from Caraglio and Valle Grana; from Comitini, Crotone, Silvi Marina, and the parish of Saint Luigi Gonzaga in Rome; as well as the scout leaders of the “Val d’Illasi” group near Verona, and the young people from Faenza who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

I wish everyone a happy Sunday.