Pope Leo Urges Trust and Engagement in Gospel Witness
Pope Leo XIV urged Christians to resist fear and withdrawal, saying the Gospel calls believers to trust and act even amid uncertainty and difficult circumstances. Speaking before the recitation of the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, the Pope reflected on the Gospel passage from Matthew describing the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He noted that Christ began preaching at a moment that appeared unfavorable, following the arrest of John the Baptist, yet it was precisely then that the proclamation of hope emerged. Pope Leo warned that excessive caution and fear can leave individuals and Church communities paralyzed by indecision, preventing them from responding faithfully to the call of the Gospel. He said that unfavorable conditions should not be seen as reasons to delay witness, but as moments in which trust becomes essential.
Reflecting further on the Gospel setting, Pope Leo highlighted Galilee as a region marked by cultural diversity and religious plurality. He said Jesus’ decision to begin his ministry there reveals a mission that transcends boundaries and excludes no one. According to the Pope, the Gospel is meant to be lived in the complexity of real human situations, not protected within spaces of isolation or purity. He cautioned against the temptation to retreat from society, urging Christians instead to live their faith openly and consistently. The Pope said the Christian presence in the world should act as a leaven for fraternity and peace among individuals, cultures, religions, and peoples, emphasizing that engagement rather than withdrawal is central to authentic discipleship.
After the Angelus, Pope Leo recalled that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is dedicated to the Word of God, a celebration introduced to encourage deeper familiarity with Sacred Scripture throughout the Church. He also marked the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, noting that he would later preside at vespers with representatives of other Christian traditions. Turning to global concerns, the Pope expressed renewed alarm over the situation in Ukraine, where continued attacks have left civilian populations exposed to winter conditions. He called for intensified efforts to bring the conflict to an end, stressing that peace must be pursued with urgency and determination.
The Pope also commemorated World Leprosy Day, expressing closeness to those affected by the disease and gratitude to those who care for them. He offered particular thanks to organizations and volunteers dedicated to accompanying patients and their families. Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo invited prayers for peace not only in Ukraine but also in the Middle East and in all regions affected by armed conflict. He emphasized that wars driven by interests disconnected from the well being of peoples undermine human dignity, reaffirming that lasting peace is built on respect for nations and communities.
