NATION/WORLD

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for June, a month devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is "that the world might grow in compassion." "Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his heart, learn to have compassion on the world," the pope prays in English in his first contribution to "The Pope Video," a monthly reflection published by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. The video, released June 3, also includes an original prayer people can recite daily during the month.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although Pope Francis already set Aug. 3 as the date to declare the sainthood of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pope Leo XIV will hold a meeting with cardinals to approve his canonization and that of seven other people. The meeting, known as an "ordinary public consistory," is scheduled for June 13, the Vatican announced.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a world marked by wars and where people are disconnected and numb with indifference, Pope Leo XIV prayed that the Holy Spirit would "open borders, break down walls" and dissolve hatred so everyone can live as children of one human family. "The Spirit breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred" because he teaches and encourages "the commandment of love that the Lord has made the center and summit of everything," he said.

This week, something historic is unfolding for the Diocese of Phoenix.   Eight young adults and four mentors have embarked on a two-week trip to Nairobi, Kenya, as the inaugural participants of Engage Your Equal (E.Y.E.), a new diocesan initiative created by Bishop John Dolan to foster global solidarity, faith-based leadership and cross-cultural dialogue — all along equipping young adults to embody the universality of the Catholic Church.   Catch up on part one of the coverage here.  

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As conflict in the Middle East escalated with Israeli airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iran and retaliatory drone attacks on Israel, Pope Leo XIV appealed for restraint and renewed the church's calls for nuclear disarmament and peaceful dialogue. Speaking to pilgrims at the end of a special Jubilee audience June 14, the pope expressed deep concern over the "seriously deteriorating" situation in the Middle East, warning of the consequences of further escalation. "I want to strongly renew an appeal to responsibility and reason," he said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Scientific discovery and knowledge are meant to benefit all of humanity, Pope Leo XIV told young astronomers. "Be generous in sharing what you learn and what you experience, as best you can and however you can," he told them during an audience at the Vatican June 16. The pope spoke to dozens of young astronomy students and scholars who were taking part in a monthlong summer school sponsored by the Vatican Observatory and held at the observatory's headquarters in Castel Gandolfo, outside of Rome.

ROME (CNS) -- People must work together to find solutions to today's conflicts, Pope Leo XIV said. Renewing an appeal for peace, he underlined the importance of trying "at all costs to avoid the use of weapons and seek dialogue through diplomatic means" during a brief interview with the Italian state television station, RAI Uno. "We can come together to look for solutions. So many innocent people are dying, and we need to always promote peace," he said June 19, responding to a journalist's question about current world crises.

ROME (CNS) -- In carrying Jesus through the city streets in a Corpus Christi procession, Christians are called to be witnesses of his love, sharing both their material and spiritual gifts, Pope Leo XIV said. A procession with the Eucharist is a way to present Jesus "to the hearts of those who believe, so that they may believe more firmly" and "to the hearts of those who do not believe, so that they may reflect on the hunger present within them and the bread that alone can satisfy it," the pope said in his homily June 22.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A bishop is a man of deep faith who is filled with hope and stays close to his people, Pope Leo XIV said. He is "not offering easy solutions," but rather, he is helping his flock be a community that strives "to live the Gospel in simplicity and solidarity," he said in a reflection with bishops celebrating the Jubilee of Bishops June 25. The heart of a bishop "is open and welcoming, and so is his home," he said. But he "must be firm and decisive in dealing with situations that can cause scandal and with every case of abuse, especially involving minors, and fully respect the legislation currently in force."

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a world marked by growing tension, priests need to build peace and unity together by serving others, Pope Leo XIV said. When hearts are united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they are capable of resolving "not only our inner conflicts but also those that are tearing apart the world in which we live," he said in a written message to the world's priests, released June 27, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.