Pope begins 2026 with plea for peace in countries ‘bloodied by conflict’

Pope Leo celebrated Mass on New Year’s Day in St. Peter’s Basilica (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

The Pope has opened 2026 with a plea for peace, singling out in particular countries “bloodied by conflict” and families wounded by violence.

Leo celebrated a New Year’s Day Mass in St Peter’s Basilica and then delivered a special noon prayer from his studio overlooking the square, which was full of pilgrims and tourists on the bright, chilly day.