On January 27, 2026, Pope Leo addressed an audience at the Vatican to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 and honors the memory of the millions of Jews and others who suffered during the Holocaust. Pope Leo emphasized the need for vigilance in combating antisemitism and all forms of persecution, urging the international community to build societies grounded in mutual respect and the common good. He characterized the remembrance of the Holocaust as an 'annual occasion of painful remembrance.' Moreover, he expressed a personal commitment to pray for peace amid rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing protests and violence in Iran. Pope Leo's message echoes the Catholic Church's ongoing commitment to reject antisemitism, as outlined in the Nostra Aetate declaration from the Second Vatican Council. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of dialogue over conflict in resolving issues at a time when the threat of violence looms large. His appeal for a world free of oppression and prejudice resonates with the urgent need for increased awareness and action against rising antisemitism globally. The pope's remarks serve as a timely reminder of the ongoing work needed to honor the victims of the Holocaust and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.