Pope Leo appeared on from the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the customary Sunday recitation of the Angelus. In his address, he extended his best wishes to over 2 billion people celebrating the traditional Lunar New Year, the majority of whom are in China, South Korea, Vietnam, and several other Southeast Asian countries.

“May this joyful celebration strengthen family ties and friendships, bring peace to homes and society and provide an opportunity to look to the future together and to build peace and prosperity for all,” he said.

“With my best wishes for the New Year, I express to everyone my affection and invoke the Lord’s blessing upon each one of you,” the pontiff added.