Pope Leo XIV publicly called on the leaders of Sudan’s warring factions to negotiate an end to the violence and to ensure aid can reach desperate civilians.

Pope Leo XIV turns 70 on Sept. 14, and OSV News is celebrating by gathering a host of prayers into a very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” for the Holy Father. The best part? Everyone can participate.

The human longing for love is not a sign of weakness but demonstrates that no one is completely self-sufficient and that salvation comes from letting oneself be loved and assisted by God, Pope Leo XIV said.

Participating in the ecumenical Season of Creation, Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of September is “for our relationship with all of creation.”

Pope Leo XIV offered his prayers for the dead after days of heavy rain triggered a landslide in a remote area of Sudan, and he prayed for all involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Pope Leo XIV met privately Sept. 1 with Jesuit Father James Martin, an author and editor known for his ministry with LGBTQ Catholics.

Twelve years after ending two terms as prior general of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV encouraged his confreres in the order to pray to the Holy Spirit for the gifts of listening, being humble and promoting unity.

True Christian charity respects the person being assisted and sets no conditions for receiving help, Pope Leo XIV said.

Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s eastern region, which killed hundreds and injured thousands.

Pope Leo XIV, praying publicly for the victims of the school shooting in Minneapolis, also prayed for an end to the “pandemic” of gun violence.