On the morning of December 26, 2025, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Stephen, Protomartyr, Pope Leo XIV recited the Angelus from the window of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, before a crowd of faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.
During his address, the Pontiff centered his reflection on the figure of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose liturgical solemnity follows immediately after the celebration of Christmas. Leo XIV explained that, for the early Christians, martyrdom was understood as a “being born into heaven”, a vision that connects directly with Christ’s full self-giving in his Incarnation and Passion.
Martyrdom as a Testimony of Coherence
The Pope highlighted that Saint Stephen was not indifferent to history or to faith, but faced it with love until giving his life for Christ. According to Leo XIV, the martyr’s face seemed “that of an angel”, precisely because he did not avert his gaze from following Jesus, even in the face of the violence that led to his death.
The Pontiff emphasized that Stephen’s self-giving is not a past event without echo, but a current call for today’s Christians: to be coherent with the Gospel even when it means confronting the difficulties of the world.
Forgiveness as a Deeper Force than Weapons
One of the most highlighted passages of the Angelus was the reflection on forgiveness. Leo XIV stated that “forgiveness is a more authentic force than that of weapons”, contrasting the logic of martyrdom with contemporary violence and highlighting that the Christian, even if suffering, has no enemies but brothers and sisters, even when there is no mutual understanding.
This message emphasizes the Christian perspective of reconciliation: Stephen’s martyrdom is not only an act of suffering, but an offer of love and forgiveness that opens to eternal life, according to the Church’s teaching.
Invitation to Fraternity and Care for Neighbor
The Pope also linked Stephen’s testimony to current Christian life, urging the faithful to see in hope, attention, and recognition of the neighbor a force that transforms human relationships. In his intervention, Leo XIV evoked the importance of looking at the other not as a rival or adversary, but as a brother welcomed by God’s mercy.
To conclude, the Pontiff invoked the protection of the Virgin Mary, asking that she guide the Church toward a joy capable of dispelling fear and threats, remembering the centrality of faith amid contemporary challenges.
Source: Vatican News