«I express my deep appreciation for those who, at every level, are committed to building peace in the various regions marked by war». With these words, pronounced from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV opened one of the most intense passages of his Sunday Angelus. The Pope wanted to remember, on the day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, not only the spiritual value of the Church as the “living house of Christ”, but above all the duty of every believer to defend human life and dignity even in the darkest times.
“In recent days we have prayed for the deceased”, he said, “and among these unfortunately there are many killed in the fighting and bombings, even though they were civilians, children, elderly, sick”. Then the appeal, simple and direct, which contains all the drama and hope of the moment: “If you really want to honor their memory, cease fire and put every effort into the negotiations.” An invitation that resonates in a world now accustomed to war news. Without mentioning specific conflicts, Leo
In the rest of his reflection, the Pontiff called the faithful to look beyond the surface of divisions and human failures: “The Church is made of living stones – he recalled – and we are those stones, called to bring the Gospel of mercy and peace”. Citing Joseph Ratzinger, he added that the holiness of the Church “does not reside in our merits, but in the gift of the Lord”, who continues to use human frailties to carry out his work. After the Marian prayer, Leo But it is on the topic of peace that his voice has become firmer. In his words we could sense the world’s tiredness for endless conflicts, but also the trust, still intact, in the possibility of a different future. «Let the fire cease», reiterated the Pope, «and put every effort into the negotiations». A message that goes beyond politics and touches consciences: the only worthy memory of the victims is the peace that is still waiting to be born.
Below is the full text of the Pontiff’s words.
Brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
On the day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica we contemplate the mystery of unity and communion with the Church of Rome, called to be the mother who carefully takes care of the faith and journey of Christians scattered throughout the world.
The Cathedral of the diocese of Rome and the seat of the successor of Peter, as we know, is not only a work of extraordinary historical, artistic and religious value, but also represents the driving force of the faith entrusted and guarded by the Apostles and of its transmission throughout history. The greatness of this mystery also shines in the artistic splendor of the building, which in the central nave houses the twelve large statues of the Apostles, the first followers of Christ and witnesses of the Gospel.
This refers us to a spiritual gaze, which helps us to go beyond the external appearance, to grasp in the mystery of the Church much more than a simple place, a physical space, a building made of stones; in reality, as the Gospel reminds us in the episode of the purification of the Temple of Jerusalem carried out by Jesus (see John 2,13-22), the true sanctuary of God is the dead and risen Christ. He is the only mediator of salvation, the only redeemer, the One who, by binding himself to our humanity and transforming us with his love, represents the door (cf. John 10.9) which opens wide for us and leads us to the Father.
And, united with Him, we too are living stones of this spiritual building (cf 1Pt 2,4-5). We are the Church of Christ, His body, His members called to spread His Gospel of mercy, consolation and peace throughout the world, through that spiritual worship which must shine first and foremost in our testimony of life.
Brothers and sisters, it is in this spiritual gaze that we must train our hearts. Many times, the frailties and errors of Christians, together with many clichés and prejudices, prevent us from grasping the richness of the mystery of the Church; his holiness, in fact, does not reside in our merits, but in the “gift of the Lord, never retracted”, who continues to choose “as a container of his presence, with paradoxical love, even the dirty hands of men” (J. Ratzinger, Introduction to ChristianityBrescia 2005, 331).
Let us then walk in the joy of being the Holy People that God has chosen and invoke Mary, mother of the Church, to help us welcome Christ and accompany us with her intercession.
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After the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters!
I am close to the people of the Philippines hit by a violent typhoon: I pray for the deceased and their families, for the injured and the displaced.
Today the Church in Italy celebrates Thanksgiving Day. I join the Bishops’ message in encouraging responsible care of the territory, the fight against food waste and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. We thank God for “our mother earth” (St. Francis, Song of Creatures) and for those who cultivate and look after it!
I cordially greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims coming from Italy and from many parts of the world, in particular the young Polish Jesuits, the faithful who have come from Warsaw and Gdansk in Poland, Newark and Kearny in the United States of America, Toledo and Galapagar in Spain and London, as well as the choir of Regensburger Domspatzen.
I greet the members of the Catholic Action of the Archdiocese of Genoa and the parish groups of Cava Manara, Mede, Vibo Marina, Sant’Arcangelo di Potenza, Noto, Pozzallo and Avola, Cesenatico, Mercato San Severino, Crespano del Grappa and Noventa Padovana. I greet the group of the Historical Demonstrations of Lazio and the volunteers of the Food Bank, who will be collecting food next Saturday, the eve of the World Day of the Poor.
I express my deep appreciation for those who, at every level, are committed to building peace in the various regions marked by war. In recent days, we have prayed for the deceased and unfortunately among these there are many killed in the fighting and bombings, even though they were civilians, children, elderly, sick. If you really want to honor their memory, cease fire and put every effort into negotiations.
I wish everyone a good Sunday
