Pope Leo XIV has opened 2026 with a plea for peace.
He is singling out in particular countries "bloodied by conflict" and families wounded by violence.
Leo celebrated a New Year's Day Mass on Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica.
He then delivered a special noontime prayer from his studio overlooking the piazza, which was full of pilgrims and tourists on the bright, chilly day.
Leo noted that Jan. 1 marks the church's World Day of Peace and used the occasion to issue a prayer for peace, both among nations and within families.