“Happy party to all mothers!” Pope Leo XIV exclaimed with emotion from the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro this May 11, at the end of his first Regina Coeli as Pedro’s successor.
After encouraging young people not to be afraid and launch an energetic call for peace and the end of wars, the Holy Father dedicated a feeling words to the mothers who celebrate their day today.
Receive the main news of ACI Press by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social networks. Subscribe to our free channels today:
“Today, in Italy and in many other countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated,” recalled the pontiff, visibly moved.
“I send an affectionate greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them and those who are already in heaven,” he added with a tender smile, unleashing the applause of the faithful present in the Plaza de San Pedro.
Mildred Martínez, the mother of Pope Leo XIV, who was a key figure for his spiritual formation, died in 1990 when his son was 35 years old. Although it grew in Illinois, United States, its roots are Spanish.
Although in countries such as Spain and Mexico the festival is commemorated on the first Sunday of May, in other nations such as Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Uruguay this second Sunday is celebrated.
After a few moments greeting the crowd, who chanted “Long live the Pope!”, Leo XIV retired from the central lodge from where, just three days before, he had greeted the world for the first time as the new successor of St. Peter.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. It has been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News at the Vatican for two years and is currently a correspondent for Europe based on Spain.