As the Church enters 2026, Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a demanding year that will shape the early direction of his pontificate, marked by major liturgical moments, governance decisions, and signs of renewed pastoral outreach.
The year will open with the formal conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, which began under Pope Francis in December 2024. On Jan. 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Leo XIV will preside at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and carry out the ritual closing of the Holy Door. According to Catholic News Agency, the Jubilee was described in the papal bull Spes non Confundit as “a time of grace and hope” for the universal Church, an emphasis Pope Leo has continued to affirm as he brings the holy year to its close.
Immediately following the Jubilee’s conclusion, the pope will convene an extraordinary consistory of cardinals from Jan. 7–8. Such gatherings are typically reserved for matters of broad importance to the life of the Church. According to Catholic News Agency, the timing reflects the pope’s intention to reflect on the Jubilee experience while setting priorities for the years ahead.
January will also see significant activity within the Vatican Museums, where conservation experts will begin extraordinary restoration work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. According to Catholic News Agency, the project is scheduled to continue through March and is expected to conclude before Holy Week, addressing preservation concerns caused by the constant flow of pilgrims and visitors. The fresco, created by Michelangelo, remains one of the most iconic artistic expressions of the Church’s teaching on judgment, mercy, and eternity.
In early February, attention will turn to the Vatican’s judicial system. An appeal hearing in the case involving Cardinal Angelo Becciu is scheduled for Feb. 3. According to Catholic News Agency, the appeal will be heard by a three-judge panel presided over by Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, dean of the Roman Rota. Cardinal Becciu was convicted in December 2023 on charges related to the Secretariat of State’s purchase of a London property and was barred from public office.
Later in the year, Pope Leo XIV will once again place children and families at the center of the Church’s pastoral vision. The second World Children’s Day will be celebrated in Rome from Sept. 25–27. According to Catholic News Agency, the event is being organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life and will gather families from around the world for prayer, encounter, and a shared commitment to peace and the dignity of children.
While no official travel calendar has been released, the pope has expressed openness to several international visits in 2026. According to Catholic News Agency, possible destinations include Algeria, reflecting the Church’s historic ties to St. Augustine, as well as Argentina and Uruguay. Extended visits to Peru and Mexico are also under consideration, with particular interest in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the Church’s most important Marian shrines. Spain has likewise been mentioned as a potential destination.
Together, these events point to a year that blends spiritual renewal, institutional responsibility, and global pastoral engagement. As Pope Leo XIV continues to guide the Church beyond the Jubilee of Hope, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining chapter in his young pontificate.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
