Leo XIV: openness to Christ, antidote to sadness and despair

"Today we celebrate the liturgical memorial of St. John Paul II. Exactly 47 years ago, in this square, he exhorted the world to open itself to Christ. This appeal is still valid today: we are all called to make it our own." This is what Pope Leo XIV said in the Audience today, as he addressed the Polish-speaking pilgrims and the entire St. Peter's Square. 

In his words, has encouraged to look to "the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This central event of our faith, the Pontiff stressed, "can cure one of the illnesses of our time, which is sadness. It is a feeling of sorrow and emptiness that leads us to lose the meaning and strength of life, causing desolation and hopelessness in our hearts". 

How Jesus heals: story of the disciples of Emmaus

But we have "an example of how Jesus heals our sadness. We can find it in the story of the disciples of Emmaus. After Jesus' death, they leave Jerusalem. On the way, the Lord comes to meet them, listens to their affliction and, since sadness does not allow them to recognize him, he explains the Scriptures to them, so that they may understand the mystery of the cross and their hearts may be opened to hope". 

For this reason, despite the fact that night is falling, the disciples ask him to stay with them and, recognizing him in the breaking of the Bread, joy is reborn. "Jesus is risen and that changes everything," Pope Leo recounted in his catechesis. "He has saved us and saves us, instilling a new hope in our lives."

"Let us ask to know how to recognize their presence".

Then, in his greetings to pilgrims of different languages - the catechesis is in 9 languages, including Arabic and Chinese, for example - he has taken up the idea in different ways.

For example, to the Spanish-speaking people, he said: "Let us ask the Lord that we may know how to recognize his presence on our life's journey, especially in moments of sadness and darkness, and that the joy of Easter may be the hallmark of our missionary commitment".

In English: "Sadness and despair overwhelm countless people". 

But perhaps it was when he addressed the many English-speaking faithful and pilgrims that his message was most extensive. The Pope read these words in English, as he usually does.

In our catechesis on the Jubilee theme 'Jesus Christ, Our Hope,' "today we will consider the transforming power of the Resurrection," he said. 

"In our society, sadness and despair overwhelm countless people struggling to find meaning in their lives. On the road to Emmaus, we see that the disciples were also discouraged, for they had just witnessed the apparent destruction of their hope. 

After breaking bread with them, the Lord disappeared from their sight, which flooded their souls with an unexpected and joyful realization: Christ is truly risen!" 

The Lord desires to do the same for us, dispelling any sadness and despair we may feel, he encouraged. "Let us therefore contemplate the glorious wounds of Jesus that bear witness to his merciful love for us and let us allow ourselves to be renewed by the joy of the Resurrection."

‘Friends of the Holy Father' from Great Britain donate a portable studio

He then thanked the group 'Friends of the Holy Father' from Great Britain, who donated the portable studio for use by the Vatican News Services. 

I hope that the Jubilee will continue to be for all of you," he said, "a time of spiritual renewal and growth in the joy of the Gospel. On you and your families I joyfully invoke God's blessings of wisdom, strength and peace".

"He alone makes the impossible possible!"

In conclusion, the Successor of Peter said: "Sisters and brothers, let us remain vigilant every day in the wonder of the Easter of the Risen Jesus, who alone makes the impossible possible! It is an idea that he had launched to the French-speaking pilgrims, along with this advice: "Let us pray often to Our Lady of the Rosary in this month of October dedicated to Her".

Before the Blessing, Pope Leo said that the month of October invites us to renew our active cooperation in the mission of the Church. "With the strength of prayer, with the potential of married life and with the fresh energies of youth, know how to be missionaries of the Gospel, offering your concrete support to those who dedicate their existence to the evangelization of peoples. To all my blessing!".