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Based on a current news article (native English source)

Students will explore a news story about Pope Leo XIV’s message to new archbishops and the examples of Saints Peter and Paul. They will practise leadership vocabulary, modal verbs for advice and obligation, and respond through discussion, listening, reading, writing, and speaking tasks.

B2 Upper intermediate60 minutesEnglishTeacher

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1. Image

Teacher note: Show the news article cover image and source details.

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2. Text

News context

This article comes from Vatican News and reports on Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in St. Peter’s Basilica. You can read the original source here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/pope-leo-xiv-mass-homily-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-2026.html

Short summary

During a special Mass celebrating Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV spoke about leadership, unity, and service. He reminded the faithful that both saints had weaknesses, but they still became powerful examples of faith. Peter once failed, yet he repented and continued his mission. Paul also changed completely after his conversion, moving from violence to peace. The Pope said the new archbishops receiving the pallium should follow this example by caring for people patiently and responsibly, like shepherds guiding a flock. He also encouraged Christians to help build unity and to serve others with charity.

Discussion questions

  1. ·Which part of the Pope’s message do you find most relevant for modern leaders?
  2. ·Why do you think people are often inspired by leaders who admit mistakes?
  3. ·In your opinion, what makes a person a good guide for others?

Teacher note: A short reading summary of the Vatican article, with context and discussion questions for B2 adults.

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3. Vocabulary

  • archbishop
    a senior bishop who leads a large area of the Church
  • pallium
    a narrow white woollen band worn by some archbishops as a sign of their office
  • shepherd
    a leader who protects, guides, and cares for others
  • flock
    the people under a religious leader’s care
  • unity
    a state of being joined together and acting as one
  • repentance
    the feeling of regret for a mistake and the wish to change
  • charity
    warm, generous love shown through practical help
  • witness
    a person who shows a belief through words and actions
  • humility
    a modest attitude; not behaving as if you are superior
  • communion
    a close relationship, shared life, or sense of unity
  • faithful
    people who believe in and follow a religion
  • entrust
    to give someone responsibility for something important

Teacher note: Vocabulary set for the Vatican news lesson, focusing on Church leadership, service, and unity language at B2 level.

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4. Grammar

Modal verbs for advice, duty, and recommendation

We use should, must, have to, and can to talk about what is a good idea, what is necessary, and what is possible.

1) should — advice or recommendation

Use should when you think something is a good idea, but not a strict rule.

  • It is often used for suggestions, moral advice, and expectations.
  • Structure: subject + should + base verb

Examples:

  • Church leaders should listen carefully to the people they serve.
  • A public speaker should choose clear and respectful language.
  • We should remember that leadership is also about responsibility.

2) must — strong obligation or necessity

Use must when something is very necessary, important, or strongly required.

  • It can sound firm, official, or urgent.
  • Structure: subject + must + base verb

Examples:

  • Leaders must act with honesty.
  • We must respect different views in a community.
  • A person in authority must not ignore mistakes.

3) have to — external obligation or rule

Use have to when the obligation comes from a rule, duty, or situation.

  • It is similar to must, but often feels a little more neutral.
  • Structure: subject + have/has to + base verb

Examples:

  • New archbishops have to learn the needs of their communities.
  • Employees have to follow safety rules at work.
  • In many jobs, you have to be patient and organized.

4) can — ability, permission, or possibility

Use can to talk about what is possible, allowed, or achievable.

  • Structure: subject + can + base verb

Examples:

  • Good leaders can build trust over time.
  • A person can admit a mistake and still continue to serve.
  • We can learn from people who lead with humility.

Quick comparison

  • should = good advice
  • must = strong necessity
  • have to = rule or duty
  • can = ability, permission, or possibility

Common mistakes

  • ✕
    He should to listen more carefully.
    • ✓
      He should listen more carefully.
  • ✕
    They musts work together.
    • ✓
      They must work together.
  • ✕
    She have to be kind.
    • ✓
      She has to be kind.
  • ✕
    Leaders can to inspire others.
    • ✓
      Leaders can inspire others.

Remember

After should, must, have to, and can, use the base form of the verb:

  • listen
  • serve
  • guide
  • respect
  • learn

Mini practice

Choose the best modal:

  1. A good manager ____ communicate clearly.
  2. We ____ follow the rules in a formal ceremony.
  3. You ____ take time to understand other people.
  4. A volunteer ____ help, but it is not always required.

Source

This lesson is based on a Vatican News article about Pope Leo XIV’s message to new archbishops. Read the original article here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/pope-leo-xiv-mass-homily-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-2026.html

Teacher note: Clear B2 grammar guide on modal verbs for advice, duty, and recommendation, using examples from the article’s theme of leadership and service.

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5. Grammar practice

Choose the best option for each sentence.

1.

The Pope said the new archbishops ____ treat the people entrusted to them with patience and care.

2.

For this role, the archbishops ____ wear the pallium during the ceremony, because it is part of the rite.

3.

A good shepherd ____ listen carefully before deciding how to guide others.

4.

Church leaders ____ be expected to promote peace even when opinions differ.

5.

When a mistake is made, a leader ____ admit it and continue serving responsibly.

6.

In this homily, the Pope suggested that Christians ____ work for unity instead of division.

Teacher note: Six B2 grammar multiple-choice items on advice, duty, and recommendation in a church-leadership news context.

Answer key (teachers only)

Students do not see this. Each line is the expected answer for that item.

  • Q1A. should
  • Q2B. must
  • Q3A. has to
  • Q4C. can be
  • Q5B. should
  • Q6A. can

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6. Listening

Your browser does not support audio playback.

Listen to the news report and answer the questions.

Comprehension questions

  1. What event is the report mainly about?
  2. How does the Pope describe the role of the new archbishops?
  3. What does the report say about Peter’s leadership?
  4. How did Paul’s life change, according to the report?
  5. What is the meaning of the pallium in the report?
  6. What qualities does the Pope connect with Christian leadership?
Teacher audio script
Presenter: In St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV marked the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul with a message about leadership and service. He told the newly appointed metropolitan archbishops that they should care for the people under their guidance as good shepherds, with patience, responsibility, and humility.
Presenter: The Pope said that Peter and Paul remain important models for the Church because they were strong witnesses to the Gospel, even though neither man was perfect. Peter failed at times, but he admitted his weakness, repented, and continued his mission. Paul also changed deeply after his conversion, moving from violence to a life of peace and proclamation.
Presenter: During the ceremony, the archbishops received the pallium, a white woollen sign linked to their duty as shepherds. The Pope explained that this symbol points to a leader’s willingness to carry others, protect them, and work for unity. He urged Christians to follow the same path by serving truth with charity and helping the whole community grow in harmony.

Teacher note: A 2-minute news-style listening clip about Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for Saints Peter and Paul, with a formal tone and clear B2-level language. Students listen for the main message, examples of leadership, and the meaning of the pallium.

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7. Multiple choice

Listen to the summary and choose the best answer for each question.

1.

What is the main message Pope Leo XIV gives to the new archbishops?

2.

Why are Peter and Paul mentioned in the homily?

3.

What does the Pope say about Peter?

4.

What happened to Paul, according to the summary?

5.

What is the pallium described as in the listening?

Teacher note: Five B2-level listening comprehension questions about Pope Leo XIV’s message, the new archbishops, and the symbolism of Peter, Paul, and the pallium.

Answer key (teachers only)

Students do not see this. Each line is the expected answer for that item.

  • Q1A. They should act as good shepherds and care for the people entru…
  • Q2A. They are presented as examples of faith, service, and unity for…
  • Q3B. Peter made mistakes, but he repented and continued his mission.
  • Q4A. He was transformed from a persecutor into a messenger of peace …
  • Q5A. A white woollen sign of a shepherd’s responsibility and self-sa…

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8. Speaking

Class speaking activity — read, then practise aloud with your teacher or partner

Speaking: Leadership, Humility, and Owning Mistakes

Work in pairs or small groups. Take turns speaking and try to give real examples from work, community life, politics, sport, or family.

Warm-up

  • Think of a leader you respect. What makes that person effective?
  • Can a leader be strong and humble at the same time?

Discuss

  1. What qualities help a person guide others well in a difficult situation?
  2. Why do you think humility can make leadership more trustworthy?
  3. In your opinion, what is the difference between admitting a mistake and losing authority?
  4. Should public figures explain their errors quickly, or is it sometimes better to stay silent? Why?
  5. What can happen when leaders refuse to accept criticism?
  6. How can someone repair trust after making a public mistake?
  7. Which is more difficult: leading a team or serving a team? Explain your answer.
  8. In what ways can a leader protect people without being controlling?

Connect to the article

  • The article presents leadership as service, not status. Do you agree?
  • Peter and Paul were described as imperfect people who still had an important mission. What does that suggest about leadership?
  • What modern examples can you think of where a leader’s honesty helped the group move forward?

Useful phrases

  • In my view...
  • One example from real life is...
  • I partly agree, but...
  • What matters most is...
  • A good leader should...
  • If a leader makes a mistake, they ought to...

Mini task

C

Choose one setting

a company, a football team, a city council, or a family. Describe what a good leader would do in that situation, especially when things go wrong.

Teacher note: Guided pair/group speaking on leadership, humility, and admitting mistakes, connected to the article’s themes and real-life examples.

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9. AI conversation

Roles set by your teacherRole-play

Who is responsible for what

Stay in your role during the live voice chat. The AI partner follows the other role.

You (student)

Journalist

AI partner

Church spokesperson

What to do

  • Use your microphone and speak naturally.
  • Keep the conversation going for about 5 minutes.
  • Stay in role and stay on the topic of leadership, unity, charity, repentance, and the pallium.
  • If you need help, ask the AI to explain more simply.

Students connect here for a live 5-minute AI voice conversation.

Teacher note: AI conversation: Journalist interviews a Church spokesperson about Pope Leo XIV’s message to new archbishops.

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10. Writing task

Write a paragraph about what makes a good leader, using ideas from the Vatican article. Mention at least two of these words: unity, humility, shepherd, charity, repentance, responsibility. Include one personal example or opinion. Write 80–110 words.

Aim for at least 80 words.

Teacher note: Writing task focused on leadership and values from the Vatican article, with clear constraints and a personal example.

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11. Image

Read the key ideas from the Vatican News article in a simple study sheet. Use it to help you understand the main message before you read the original source.

Teacher note: Read the key ideas from the Vatican News article in a simple study sheet. Use it to help you understand the main message before you read the original source.

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12. True / false

Decide whether each statement is true or false.

  • Pope Leo XIV urged the new metropolitan archbishops to serve as good shepherds for the people under their care.

  • In the homily, Peter and Paul were presented as important examples of faith and church leadership.

  • The article says Peter never denied Jesus and therefore had no need to repent.

  • The pallium was described as a sign of the responsibility carried by archbishops.

  • The Pope encouraged Christians to put personal power above harmony and service.

Teacher note: Five factual true/false statements about Pope Leo XIV’s homily, the saints Peter and Paul, and the pallium.

Answer key (teachers only)

Students do not see this. Each line is the expected answer for that item.

  • 1. Pope Leo XIV urged the new metropolitan archbishops to serve as good sh…True
  • 2. In the homily, Peter and Paul were presented as important examples of f…True
  • 3. The article says Peter never denied Jesus and therefore had no need to …False
  • 4. The pallium was described as a sign of the responsibility carried by ar…True
  • 5. The Pope encouraged Christians to put personal power above harmony and …False

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13. Short answer

Answer each question in 1–2 sentences.

1.

What news source published this article, and where can readers find the original version online?

2.

Why did Pope Leo XIV refer to Saints Peter and Paul in his homily?

3.

In this article, what does the phrase 'good shepherds' suggest about the role of church leaders?

Teacher note: Short-answer practice on the Vatican News source, the Pope’s message, and the meaning of shepherd leadership.

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14. Word ordering

Put the words in order to make each sentence.

Sentence 1 / 4

Your sentence

Tap words to place them here

Word bank

Sentence 1 of 4: 0 / 14 words placed

Teacher note: Students reorder four short sentences about the Vatican article, focusing on Peter, Paul, the pallium, and unity.

Answer key (teachers only)

Students do not see this. Each line is the expected answer for that item.

  • Slide 1Pope Leo XIV said the new archbishops should be good shepherds for the faithful.
  • Slide 2Peter and Paul were described as two pillars of the Church.
  • Slide 3The pallium shows the responsibility of archbishops.
  • Slide 4The Pope called on Christians to build unity and serve others with charity.

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15. Flashcards

Flip the cards and review each term, then say the definition aloud before turning the card over.

Card 1 of 8

0 of 8 cards viewed

Teacher note: Eight flashcards on church leadership and unity, using lesson vocabulary from the Vatican article.

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16. Dictation

Dictation script (teacher)

Pope Leo XIV asked the new archbishops to be good shepherds and to serve the faithful with humility and charity.

Target script: 20–30 words · current: 20. Students need at least 18 typed words to complete when required.

Listen and type the sentence you hear.

Dictation audio will appear here after generation.

0 words typed18 words needed when required

Teacher note: Dictation practice based on the Vatican News article, with one clear sentence about Pope Leo XIV and the role of the new archbishops.

Answer key (teachers only)

Students do not see this. Each line is the expected answer for that item.

  • ScriptPope Leo XIV asked the new archbishops to be good shepherds and to serve the faithful with humility and charity.

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17. Voice message

Record a voice message of up to 60 seconds. Answer this question: What is one lesson from the article about leadership?

In your response, give:

  • one clear opinion
  • one real example from work, family, sport, school, public life, or your community

Try to speak naturally and connect your example to the idea of leading with service, responsibility, or humility.

Tap to record

Up to 60 seconds

Teacher note: Voice-message task focused on a short personal response about leadership, with one opinion and one supporting example.

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