On a finally sunny Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV he invited the faithful to look beyond the simple observance of the commandments and to discover the heart of Christ’s teaching.
«Not minimal justice, but great love, not a clear conscience but a heart capable of loving», the Pontiff said during the Angelus, underlining how the Law of Moses finds its true fulfillment only in the love of God and neighbor.
Referring to the Sermon on the Mount, which Jesus pronounces after having proclaimed the Beatitudes, Pope Leo explained that the precepts contained in the Law do not simply serve to “satisfy an external religious need and feel right before God”, but they must guide us to enter into an authentic relationship with Him and with others. The true justice that Christ calls us to live is “a superior justice”, which is not limited to respecting the rules, but opens us to concrete and daily love.
Loving in everyday life
The Pontiff clarified with strong and precise words what it means to live this superior justice: «Jesus teaches us that true justice is love and that, within every precept of the Law, we must grasp a need for love. Indeed, it is not enough not to physically kill a person, if I then kill them with words or do not respect their dignity. Likewise, it is not enough to be formally faithful to your spouse and not commit adultery, if this relationship lacks mutual tenderness, listening, respect, taking care of her or him and walking together in a common project. To these examples, we could add even more”, he added, “the Gospel offers us this precious teaching: minimal justice is not needed, great love is needed.”
Pope Leo thus highlighted that every precept of the Law brings with it a need for love and that true observance is not measured only with formal correctness, but with the ability to live authentic and respectful relationships, aimed at the good of others.
Finally, he recalled that the Law, given to Moses and the prophets, does not cease with Christ, but finds its fulfillment in Him: entering into relationships with God and with others as children of the Father and brothers among us, living a love that goes beyond simple formal correctness.
Closeness to the people of Madagascar and best wishes for the Chinese New Year
At the end of the Marian prayer, the Pontiff paid particular attention to those who suffer in the world. He expressed closeness to the populations of Madagascar hit by cyclones Gezani and Fytia: «’I pray for the victims and their families and for those who have suffered serious damage'”. Cyclone Gezani caused around 40 deaths and very serious damage in the city of Toamasina, while Cyclone Fytia caused seven victims and displaced more than 20 thousand people. Pope Leo recalled that the Church’s help and prayers join the efforts of international rescuers and local communities.
The Pontiff’s gaze then widened to Lunar New Year, which this year will be celebrated on February 17, addressing “‘billions of people'” in East Asia and the world: “‘May this joyful celebration encourage us to live family relationships and friendships with more intensity; bring serenity to homes and society; May it be an opportunity to look to the future together, building peace and prosperity for all peoples.”
In the afternoon, the Pope visits the parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido, first appointment of a cycle that will last a month and will take him, every Sunday, to visit a Roman parish.
