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Pope Leo XIV highlighted two significant occasions on May 24: the Day of Prayer for Catholics in China and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical. During an address following the "Regina Coeli" prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square on May 25, Pope Leo noted that the feast of Mary Help of Christians coincided with these events.
He expressed solidarity with Chinese Catholics, stating, "In churches and shrines throughout China and around the world, prayers were offered to God as a sign of concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church." He prayed for them to receive "the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials."
Pope Leo also marked the anniversary of Pope Francis' signing of “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.” He remarked that it has had an "extraordinary impact," inspiring many initiatives. On social media, he urged renewed dialogue about sustainable development.
Additionally, Pope Leo made key appointments: naming Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as titular bishop of Albano, Italy, and designating Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah as his envoy to celebrations at Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in France. Cardinal Tagle's appointment aligns with tradition associating high-ranking cardinals with suburbicarian dioceses near Rome.
Cardinal Sarah was appointed to represent Pope Leo at events commemorating St. Anne's apparitions in Brittany, France. This appointment is notable given Cardinal Sarah’s past criticisms of decisions by Pope Francis.
