The Sixth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy opened in Vilnius on Sunday, with around 7,000 people taking part in a Eucharistic procession through the city’s streets, the Archdiocese of Vilnius said in a press release.
Pilgrims arrived in the Lithuanian capital from countries around the world, including Poland, the United States, Argentina, Kuwait, Myanmar, Pakistan and the distant islands of Wallis and Futuna.
A special highlight of the evening was a video message from Pope Leo XIV to participants in the congress.
“The Holy Father was pleased to greet all those gathered for the Sixth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, an initiative nurtured by Saint Pope John Paul II,” the archdiocese said.
In his message, the Pope noted that today’s world, marked by fear, tension and war, is in particular need of peace and mercy.
