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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
- Which part of the Pope’s message do you find most relevant for modern leaders?
- Why do you think people are often inspired by leaders who admit mistakes?
- In your opinion, what makes a person a good guide for others?
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3. Vocabulary
- archbishopa senior bishop who leads a large area of the Church
- palliuma narrow white woollen band worn by some archbishops as a sign of their office
- shepherda leader who protects, guides, and cares for others
- flockthe people under a religious leader’s care
- unitya state of being joined together and acting as one
- repentancethe feeling of regret for a mistake and the wish to change
- charitywarm, generous love shown through practical help
- witnessa person who shows a belief through words and actions
- humilitya modest attitude; not behaving as if you are superior
- communiona close relationship, shared life, or sense of unity
- faithfulpeople who believe in and follow a religion
- entrustto give someone responsibility for something important
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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
- Wrong: He should to listen more carefully.
- Correct: He should listen more carefully.
- Wrong: They musts work together.
- Correct: They must work together.
- Wrong: She have to be kind.
- Correct: She has to be kind.
- Wrong: Leaders can to inspire others.
- Correct: 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:
- A good manager ____ communicate clearly.
- We ____ follow the rules in a formal ceremony.
- You ____ take time to understand other people.
- 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
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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.
should
must to
can to
would
2.
For this role, the archbishops ____ wear the pallium during the ceremony, because it is part of the rite.
can
must
should
might
3.
A good shepherd ____ listen carefully before deciding how to guide others.
has to
should to
mustn't
can to
4.
Church leaders ____ be expected to promote peace even when opinions differ.
are
should
can be
be
5.
When a mistake is made, a leader ____ admit it and continue serving responsibly.
must not
should
can
have to
6.
In this homily, the Pope suggested that Christians ____ work for unity instead of division.
can
ought
should
must to
Answer key (teachers only)
Students do not see this. Add or update questions and answers below the activity.
- Q1A. should
- Q2B. must
- Q3A. has to
- Q4C. can be
- Q5B. should
- Q6A. can
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6. Listening
Listen to the news report and answer the questions.
Comprehension questions
- What event is the report mainly about?
- How does the Pope describe the role of the new archbishops?
- What does the report say about Peter’s leadership?
- How did Paul’s life change, according to the report?
- What is the meaning of the pallium in the report?
- 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.
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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?
They should act as good shepherds and care for the people entrusted to them.
They should focus mainly on building new church buildings.
They should avoid public service and work quietly in private.
They should leave local decisions entirely to government leaders.
2.
Why are Peter and Paul mentioned in the homily?
They are presented as examples of faith, service, and unity for Christians to follow.
They are described as the first two archbishops to receive the pallium.
They are used to explain a historical conflict between Rome and Jerusalem.
They are mentioned because they wrote the same letters to the early Church.
3.
What does the Pope say about Peter?
Peter was perfect, so he never needed to change.
Peter made mistakes, but he repented and continued his mission.
Peter avoided responsibility when the Church faced division.
Peter became a leader only after Paul corrected him.
4.
What happened to Paul, according to the summary?
He was transformed from a persecutor into a messenger of peace and the Gospel.
He became a ruler of Rome after the Mass.
He was chosen to replace Peter as the first Pope.
He stopped travelling and stayed in one city for the rest of his life.
5.
What is the pallium described as in the listening?
A white woollen sign of a shepherd’s responsibility and self-sacrifice.
A book of prayers used only on feast days.
A crown given to every priest during ordination.
A special chair reserved for visiting dignitaries.
Answer key (teachers only)
Students do not see this. Add or update questions and answers below the activity.
- 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
- What qualities help a person guide others well in a difficult situation?
- Why do you think humility can make leadership more trustworthy?
- In your opinion, what is the difference between admitting a mistake and losing authority?
- Should public figures explain their errors quickly, or is it sometimes better to stay silent? Why?
- What can happen when leaders refuse to accept criticism?
- How can someone repair trust after making a public mistake?
- Which is more difficult: leading a team or serving a team? Explain your answer.
- 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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Answer key (teachers only)
Students do not see this. Add or update questions and answers below the activity.
- 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?
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14. Word ordering
Teacher preview — use the slider to move between sentences and try the task as students see it.
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
Answer key (teachers only)
Students do not see this. Add or update questions and answers below the activity.
- 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.
archbishop
a high-ranking bishop who oversees a large area of the Church
pallium
a white woollen band worn by certain archbishops as a sign of office
shepherd
a leader who guides, protects, and cares for others
flock
the group of people under a religious leader’s care
unity
a state of being joined together and working as one
repentance
sincere regret for a mistake and a desire to change
charity
kind, generous love shown through actions toward others
witness
someone who shows a belief or message through words and actions
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16. Dictation
Listen and type the sentence you hear.
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. Audio is generated with OpenAI text-to-speech when you generate this block. Students need at least 18 typed words to complete when required.
Answer key (teachers only)
Students do not see this. Add or update questions and answers below the activity.
- 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.
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