Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer Oct. 25 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, placing love of God and neighbor at the center of his address.

Reflecting on the Gospel passage from Matthew 22:34-40, the pope said the first commandment calls believers to love God with their whole heart, soul and mind. He also recalled the second commandment, love of neighbor as oneself.

Pope Leo XIV said love for God must extend outward into concern for other people. He quoted the commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He also quoted Jesus’ teaching, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Appeal for Yemen and Jordan

The pope appealed for an end to hostilities in Yemen. He said the population of Taiz lacks food, water and medical care.

He also prayed for those killed or injured in a terrorist attack last Friday at the Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hamoud, Jordan. Pope Leo XIV called for dialogue and peace.

Assisi gathering

Pope Leo XIV referred to a planned gathering of heads of churches and religious leaders in Assisi on Oct. 27. The meeting was scheduled to mark the 40th anniversary of an encounter convened by Saint John Paul II.

The pope also welcomed pilgrims and groups from Spain, Ireland and Poland. Among those named were Centro Académico Romano Fundación, Saint Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley and “Saint John Paul II” schools of the Diocese of Opole.

He greeted heads of protocol from Italian ministries and government departments, the “Solidarietà in Buone Mani” Association from Castiglion Fiorentino, and a group from Concorezzo celebrating their 70th birthdays.