Weekly summary in the Church

This week, the Catholic world has experienced events that reflect an active Church attentive to global challenges:

• Pope Leo XIV has revived traditions that had been on hold for more than a decade.

• A new Mass for the care of creation has been approved, in line with the Church’s ecological commitment.

• Bishops from Africa, Asia, and Latin America have joined their voices for climate justice.

• The Holy See launches an economic campaign to reduce its deficit.

• The Pope strengthens ecumenical ties with Constantinople and encourages Ukrainian Catholics amid the suffering of war.

• The prayer intention for the month focuses on Christian discernment.

1. Castel Gandolfo reopens its doors to the Pope

Leo XIV will resume the historic tradition of spending the summer at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to 20, a summer break not seen since 2013. The gesture marks a return to traditional customs and will have a positive impact on the cultural and economic life of the region:

👉  https://www.exaudi.org/en/castel-gandolfo-will-welcome-pope-leon-xiv-during-the-summer/

👉  https://www.exaudi.org/en/leon-xiv-visits-castel-gandolfo-a-few-days-before-his-transfer/

2. The Mass is born for the care of creation

The Vatican has approved a new liturgical celebration that invites us to pray and act for our Common Home, joining global initiatives against climate change. This is the 50th Votive Mass authorized by the Holy See:

👉  https://www.exaudi.org/en/seeds-of-peace-and-hope/

3. The bishops of the South call for climate justice

Representatives from Asia, Africa, and Latin America issued a joint statement calling for the abandonment of fossil fuels and the protection of the most vulnerable populations, demanding urgent action in the face of environmental degradation:

👉  https://apnews.com/article/34174d1ae3b62e33e0238e360ae6e67b

4. Unity and renewal in the world clergy

The Pope encouraged priests and bishops to live in humility and communion, and to renew vocations, especially where they are scarce, such as in Europe. A key message for this Holy Year:

👉  https://apnews.com/article/c4afe12b6ba88c107738b47a50df3676

5. Peter’s Pence: Transparency and New Methods

The Holy See launched a fundraising campaign to address its annual deficit (between $57 and $68 million), using videos, QR codes, and digital donations, following more modern models:

👉  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-06/leon-xiv-saint-peter-s-owl-is-a-sign-of-communion-with-the-pope.html

👉  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican/news/2025-06/st-peter-s-obolo-2024-income-increased.html

6. Peace and ecumenical communion

Leo XIV received the Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishops, encouraging them to maintain hope in times of war. He also renewed dialogue with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople during the traditional visit for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul:

👉  https://www.exaudi.org/en/the-pope-the-holy-mother-of-god-is-with-us-I-pray-that-peace-returns-to-your-homeland-as-soon-as-soon-as-possible/

7. July prayer intention: discernment

The Pope’s monthly prayer intention is dedicated to helping the faithful grow in spiritual discernment, asking the Holy Spirit for light to make wise decisions:

👉  https://www.exaudi.org/en/leon-xiv-reject-everything-that-leads-us-to-Christ/