ROME (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his prayer intention for the month of May to one of humanity’s most persistent challenges: hunger.

In a video message released on April 30 by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the pope called on Catholics worldwide to confront the problem of food insecurity with both prayer and concrete action.

Pope Leo XIV prays in front of a fresco of Our Lady of Good Counsel at the shrine named after the image in Genazzano, Italy, southeast of Rome, May 10, 2025. In a video message released April 30, 2026, by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the pope called on Catholics worldwide to confront the problem of food insecurity with both prayer and concrete action. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

“Today we recognize with sorrow that millions of brothers and sisters continue to suffer from hunger, while so many goods are wasted at our tables,” the pope said in the video, recorded inside the Church of San Pellegrino in Vatican City.

At least 318 million people are expected to face food crisis conditions or worse this year, according to the World Food Program’s 2026 Global Outlook. The ongoing war in the Middle East could push an additional 45 million people into severe hunger before mid-year. In 2025, two famines were recorded in parts of Gaza and Sudan.

At the same time, the U.N. Environment Program reports that more than 1 billion tons of food are wasted globally every year, a contrast the pope addressed directly in his message.

Pope Leo called for a shift away from what he described as “the logic of selfish consumption” and toward “a culture of solidarity,” urging Catholic communities to take up practical measures including food banks, awareness campaigns and simpler, more responsible lifestyles.

“May our communities promote concrete gestures,” the pope said, adding that believers should approach every meal with gratitude, consume simply and “share with joy” in the knowledge that the fruits of the earth are “destined for all, not just a few.”

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, also known as the Apostleship of Prayer, releases a prayer intention from the pope each month as part of its mission to unite Catholics in prayer for the Church’s global concerns.

Father Cristóbal Fones, director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the intention is a deeply personal concern for the pope.

“This intention comes from the pope’s heart. It pains him deeply that so many people in the world cannot access something as essential and human as food,” Father Fones said. “This is why he is asking everyone not to remain indifferent but to take decisive action, first with prayer, then with concrete gestures of solidarity.”

 

Seated from left: Donna Barbetti, Kitchen Advisory Board President; Anna Millett and Emilia Williams, Scranton Preparatory School; Teddy Michel, Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Standing: Rob Williams, Kitchen Executive Director; Michael J. Cummings, Host for a Day Campaign Chair; Rob Walls, Sysco Foods; Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton.

Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen celebrated the successful culmination of its 2026 Host‑for‑a‑Day campaign with a special event at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on April 29. Contributors to the 48th annual campaign gathered for food, fellowship and to hear how their support enables the Kitchen to feed and clothe those in need.

Also two members of the Kitchen’s Advisory Board were recognized for their service, and three institutions – the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Sysco Foods and Scranton Preparatory School – received the Presidential Award for continued support of the Kitchen’s mission.

Donations of $100 or more to the Host‑for‑a‑Day campaign can still be made by calling the Kitchen at 570-342‑5556, sending a check to Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Avenue, Scranton PA 18509, text SFAK to 26989 or via the buttons below. 

 

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, as follows:

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS: 

Reverend David P. Cappelloni, to Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy, effective May 1, 2026.  Father Cappelloni will continue to serve as Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Dunmore, and Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore.

Reverend Mark J. DeCelles, to Academic Dean, St. Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.  Father DeCelles will continue as Sacramental Minister, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, and Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation.  Father DeCelles will be in residence at Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton. 

Reverend Ryan P. Glenn, S.T.L., from Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy, effective May 1, 2026.  Father Glenn to Vocation Director, effective June 1, 2026. Father Glenn will continue to serve as Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Archbald.

Reverend Alex J. Roche, S.T.L., from Pastor, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin and Vocation Director, to Rector, Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.  Father Roche will continue as Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation and Director of Seminarians. Father Roche will be in residence at St. Pius X Propaedeutic House, Scranton.

Reverend Brian VanFossen, V.F., to Head Spiritual Director, Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.   Father Van Fossen will continue to serve as Pastor, Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke.

PASTORS: 

Reverend Michael S.  Drevitch, from Assistant Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston, to Pastor, Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin, effective June 1, 2026.

PAROCHIAL VICARS:

Reverend Benito Hierro Aquino, CSMA, from Parochial Vicar, St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, to return to ministry with the Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel, effective April 6, 2026.

Reverend Wojciech Jasionek, from ministry in the Diocese of Warsaw-Prague, Poland, to Parochial Vicar, St. Luke Parish, Stroudsburg, effective June 1, 2026.