LOOP POPE WATCH: Pope in English: 'Happy Mother's Day!'

SUNDAY, MAY 11 - POPE WATCH POPE LEO XIV TALKS VOCATIONS, MOTHER'S DAY DURING MASS AT ST. PETER'S TOMB  This morning, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Vatican crypt, presiding at the altar near the tomb of Saint Peter. He began his homily in his native English and ended it in Italian. In the homily, Pope Leo reflected on the need for vocations, encouraging Catholics to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He also recognized Mother's Day, saying: "One of the most wonderful expressions of the love of God is the love that is poured out by mothers, especially to their children and grandchildren." READ POPE CHANTS REGINA COELI IN LATIN, PUSHES VOCATIONS, CALLS FOR PEACE  Pope Leo delivered his inaugural Regina Coeli prayer from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica today, opting to chant the Regina Coeli prayer in Latin. In his address to an estimated 100,000 people, he called on young people to answer the call to serve the Church as priests and religious. He then made an impassioned plea for peace, specifically calling for a peace deal in Ukraine and for combatants to "cease fire immediately!" in Gaza. He also celebrated the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.  READ PAPAL APARTMENTS REOPENED FOR POPE LEO  The Vatican officially reopened the historic papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace this afternoon. For over a century, since Pope Pius X took up residence in 1903, the apartments have served as both the home and administrative center for successive popes. Pope Francis broke with this tradition to reside instead at Casa Santa Marta, a Vatican guesthouse. It is not yet known whether Pope Leo will choose to live in the papal apartments or follow his predecessor's novel practice.  READ PRAY WITH US  Please pray with us this short prayer for the new pope: Lord God, keep Pope Leo XIV close to Your Sacred Heart. Guide him in truth, strengthen him in grace, and let his every step draw the Church nearer to You. Amen. PRAY & SHARE Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127