The Church in North Macedonia

Pope Leo XIV called on the Diocese of Rome to begin a pastoral evaluation process during an assembly at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran on September 18, 2026. The Pope suggested that parishes evaluate their activities through listening and discernment to do less but better in service to the community and the city.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates his 71st birthday on September 14, 2026.

The Italian Episcopal Conference sent messages of prayer and thanks to the Pope, with bishops expressing gratitude for his ministry and his paternal spirit in accompanying the Italian Church. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of the diocese of Rome, also shared wishes of gratitude on behalf of the diocese of Rome.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV was elected in May 2025 as the 267th successor of Peter. He is the first pope from the United States and the first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to Rome's Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, to offer greetings to the Jewish community for the autumn holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

In his message, the Pope expressed hope that the celebrations would bring blessings from the Almighty and serve as a source of joy. He specifically wished for a peaceful and prosperous new beginning during Rosh Hashanah, inner peace and light during the silence of Yom Kippur, and joy and gratitude during the festival of Sukkot.

The Pope also expressed his respect and that of the Church, asking for continued growth in mutual friendship within Rome and throughout the world.