Pope Leo XIV Urges Rome Parish to Heal Neighborhood Wounds Through Goodness
Pope Leo XIV visited the Ascension of the Lord Parish in Rome’s eastern Quarticciolo district on Sunday, calling on residents to become a force for goodness and justice in a neighborhood facing social fragility and criminal challenges. The pastoral visit marked his third parish stop within the Diocese of Rome since becoming Bishop of the city.
The Pope was welcomed by Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, and local parish leaders. Quarticciolo, a suburban area that has experienced economic hardship and concerns related to drug activity and petty crime, provided the setting for a message centered on hope, unity, and responsibility.
During his visit, Pope Leo first met with children gathered in the parish courtyard. He encouraged them to respect one another and firmly reject drugs, acknowledging the difficulties some families face in the area. He also addressed the broader international context, expressing sorrow over renewed violence in the Middle East and reminding those present that peace requires personal and collective commitment.
Violence is never the right path, he said, urging prayer and unity as the foundation for social renewal.
The Pope later spent time with elderly and ill parishioners, emphasizing the importance of community bonds. He noted that authentic strength emerges when people come together in solidarity. According to the Holy Father, faith communities can generate resilience that extends beyond individual capacity, especially when rooted in love and mutual care.
In his homily during Mass, Pope Leo reflected on biblical readings that highlighted trust in God and perseverance in uncertain times. He described Christian life as a journey that demands courage rather than retreat. Temptations to withdraw or escape instability, he warned, can prevent believers from discovering deeper purpose and spiritual treasure.
He encouraged parishioners not to change direction when confronted by difficulty, but instead to offer their lives in service to others. True greatness, he said, is found in living for the good of others rather than seeking personal security.
Addressing the realities of Quarticciolo, the Pope invited residents to look at their neighborhood with eyes of faith. He urged collaboration with civil authorities to confront criminality while fostering a culture of dignity and justice. Communities marked by hardship, he suggested, can still become signs of renewal when individuals choose courage over resignation.
Young people received special attention in his remarks. The Pope challenged them to reject mediocrity and pursue authentic lives shaped by goodness and responsibility. He stressed that the Kingdom of God becomes visible through daily acts of compassion and integrity.
After Mass, Pope Leo met with members of the parish pastoral council, praising their commitment to charity and fraternity. He expressed gratitude for the vibrant faith he witnessed and reaffirmed his closeness as Bishop of Rome.
The visit concluded with a message of encouragement: even in places marked by social wounds, Christian communities can serve as a leaven of goodness, helping transform fragile neighborhoods into spaces of hope and renewed dignity.
