Pope Leo XIV

Before sprinkling ashes on the heads of participants, a sign of mortality, the pope said the ashes could represent "the weight of a world that is ablaze, of entire cities destroyed by war."

"On this annual occasion of painful remembrance, I ask the Almighty for the gift of a world with no more antisemitism," Pope Leo said.

Leo, the first US pope, said the weakness of international organizations in the face of global conflicts was "a particular cause for concern."

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

Leo, the first US pope, said the story of Jesus being born in a stable showed that God had "pitched his fragile tent" among the people of the world.

The Illinois bill, which takes effect next September, gives terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less the option to request a medical prescription to end their lives.

"Such a pause would show a decent regard for the humanity of these families. Now is not the time to be callous toward the suffering caused by immigration enforcement," the bishops wrote.

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

The pope expressed his pride in Israel’s diverse and thriving Christian communities, who will gather at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem for an annual festive meeting in the coming weeks.

"It has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion," said the pope.