Pope Leo XIV Says Authentic Parish Life Means Welcoming All and Disarming Hearts
Pope Leo XIV has said that a true parish is one that sincerely and joyfully welcomes everyone, including Catholics, non Catholics and those with no religious affiliation, stressing that authentic Christian community is marked by a spirit of hospitality rather than mere words.
During a pastoral visit to the Roman parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido, the Pope met parishioners, volunteers, families and young people before celebrating Mass. The visit marked his first to a parish in the Diocese of Rome since his election and highlighted his emphasis on grassroots community life within the Church.
Addressing members of the parish community, Pope Leo said that learning to say welcome must involve more than polite expressions. It requires opening doors and hearts to all who seek connection or support. He described this openness as a defining feature of an authentic Christian community, where every person is recognized as having something valuable to contribute.
In his homily, the Pope reflected on the need for interior conversion as the foundation of peace. The path to fulfillment, he said, begins with fidelity to God expressed through respect and care for others. Before peace can take root in society, it must be cultivated within the human heart. He warned that social evils often originate in coldness, envy and resentment, attitudes that erode mercy and lead to division.
Acknowledging challenges faced by residents in Ostia, including violence, substance abuse and the presence of criminal networks, Pope Leo encouraged the parish to continue spreading what he called the good seed of the Gospel. He urged parishioners not to resign themselves to a culture of abuse or injustice but instead to promote respect and harmony, beginning with their own language and daily interactions. Investment in education, especially for children and young people, he said, is essential for long term renewal.
Meeting young people gathered outside the church, the Pope reminded them that they themselves are signs of hope. He encouraged them to recognize the value of their lives and to respond generously to God’s call. In a nearby gymnasium, he greeted elderly residents, people with disabilities and Caritas volunteers, reinforcing his message that everyone belongs within the parish family.
He also met with members of the parish pastoral council, thanking them for their service while urging them not to become inward looking. A parish, he said, must not settle for those who already participate but should actively invite and accompany others.
Throughout the visit, Pope Leo returned to the theme of humility and meekness as antidotes to aggression and pride. In a world marked by tensions and competing claims to power, he said, Christians are called to witness to peace through patient perseverance and open hearts.
