Pope Leo XIV once again placed peace at the center of his Sunday message at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. On the last day of May, traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Pontiff recalled the great worldwide chain of prayer that in recent weeks has united thousands of the faithful to ask for an end to wars and once again entrusted to Mary the peoples suffering from conflicts.
The appeal comes just one day after the Rosary for Peace presided over by the Pope in the Vatican Gardens, which was joined by numerous Marian shrines from around the world. Leo XIV asked that divine Wisdom enlighten those who exercise authority so that they may work for a just and lasting peace. In his reflection before the Angelus, focused on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, he also emphasized that man’s vocation is communion and warned that divisions, polarizations, and contempt for diversity generate destruction, sadness, and barrenness.
Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s reflection before the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
With the solemnity of Pentecost, a week ago, the Easter Season concluded. By celebrating today the Mystery of the Triune God, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the journey we have made, starting from its center, which is the life of God that has been given to us in Jesus Christ. This life is a dynamic, inexhaustible, fruitful communion in which we now share: the Spirit who unites the Father and the Son has been poured into our hearts, so that in the world the Church takes shape, a sacrament of communion, a space of encounter, of love and of life in which heaven and earth already touch.
The Gospel of today’s liturgy (Jn 3:16-18) presents us with Nicodemus, a prominent figure in Israel who felt a deep attraction to Jesus. Indeed, he went to seek him—at night, so as not to be seen—eager to know this mysterious Teacher better and to ask him questions. In receiving him, the Lord gave importance to his search. He surprised him, suggesting that it is also possible for an adult to be reborn; he let him glimpse that the life of God could transform his life. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the Holy Spirit, illuminating his night with the truth that on this feast resounds in all our churches: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (v. 16). And also: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (v. 17).
Dear friends, in the Mystery of God, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, we are at home, just as Nicodemus felt at home with Jesus. The life of God is wonderful and captivating; it brings peace to our often restless hearts and enables us to meet one another as brothers and sisters in the joy of the Spirit. The Trinity makes us love everything and everyone; we discover that every creature is made for communion, relationship, encounter. And, by contrast, we understand why divisions, polarizations, and contempt for diversity bring destruction, sadness, and barrenness to the world.
Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin, the Council of the leaders of Israel. When he heard in the Sanhedrin words of contempt toward Jesus, he invited everyone to listen to him before condemning him. He had received from God, through Christ himself, the Spirit of communion, which opens the heart to new truth and true novelty. Whoever does not welcome this Spirit soon grows old, immersed in complaint; he finds himself alone, never in a festive spirit. Today, on the contrary, dear brothers and sisters, it is a feast. The feast of God is our feast. That is why Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor 13:11).
And now, with the Angelus prayer, we turn to the Virgin Mary; may our “yes” to the love of the Most Holy Trinity also blossom in her “yes” to the divine Will.
After the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters:
In this month of May, the whole Church has raised a unanimous invocation for peace. Especially through the prayer of the Holy Rosary, like an unbroken chain, it has entrusted to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the peoples tormented by war. May divine Wisdom enlighten the consciences of those who exercise authority and guide their decisions toward the sincere search for a just and lasting peace.
Today Italy celebrates the 25th Day of Relief. I accompany with heartfelt affection all the sick and those who care for them. I thank and encourage all who spread the culture of closeness and care.
To all of you, Romans and pilgrims, who have come today to St. Peter’s Square, I greet you with affection.
In particular, I welcome the bishop and the pilgrims of the diocese of Kumba, in Cameroon; as well as the parish choir of Dunajska Luzna, in Slovakia. I greet the Poles present here and also the participants in the great pilgrimage to the Shrine of Piekary, where Mary is venerated as Mother of Social Justice.
I greet the Alpine Group of Rivoli, the young people of San Zeno Naviglio, and the participants in the “Relay Race of Inclusion,” with some flags made by students of Italian schools.
I wish you all a happy Sunday.