Pope Leo XIV has expressed joy and enthusiasm about his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Latin America, as the Holy See Press Office confirmed his visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru on November 6-17. In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo expressed his hopes that the visit to Latin America will strength Christians’ commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. “I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life," said the Pope. "May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.” The Pope’s doctors report that his recovery is progressing well, with recent tests confirming his good health, which will allow him to undertake his upcoming Apostolic Journey. "Dr. Luigi Carbone confirms that the Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," said the statement.

Pope Leo XIV highlights how peace must become once again the "guiding star for all our choices," in a video message to the participants in the International Meeting "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" in Assisi. Forty years ago, Pope St. John Paul II had gathered religious representatives in the Italian town to pray for peace. "Precisely in these times marked by a 'culture of power,'" Pope Leo continued, "there is a need to cultivate the spirit of Assisi, which entails a rejection of the religious justification of war, a spirit of mediation and dialogue, and contemplative reflection combined with creative action in the service of a future of peace."

During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the greatest commandment, stressing that love is the essence of faith and must become a gift for those around us. vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/…

Pope Leo XIV encourages ecclesial movements to help young people discover Christ’s love, as he meets with the Jesus Youth movement on Saturday. “Young people need to know that their lives are great and beautiful because they are part of God’s greater plan.”