Pope Leo XIV: Follow the Example of the New Saints

Pope at the Canonization Mass: Saints Uphold the Flame of Faith

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV gave an address to pilgrims who traveled to St. Peter's Square for the canonization of seven new Saints. He explained that Sunday's celebration was "an opportunity to recognise that the Church's communion consists of all believers no matter where they live or what language they speak. The Church exists to unite us as God's People, the Body of Christ, and to provide us with a living temple for the Holy Spirit."

The Pope described the new saints as loving Christ and each other completely, describing them as "radiant signs of hope." He also made clear that holiness is a calling for all of us.

Saint Ignatius Maloyan

Pope Leo began his reflection on the new canonized saints by recalling Bishop Ignatius Maloyan, a martyr from Armenia, whom he described as "a pastor who had the heart of Jesus". The Pope continued to elaborate on how Bishop Maloyan used his bishopric to help his flock rather than leave them when they were being persecuted. He also stated that when he had to choose between renouncing his faith or having their freedom, he chose God at the expense of his life and his blood.

While thinking about the Armenians, whom etch the cross in stone to show their strong and everlasting faith, Pope expressed a prayer for the intercession of Saint Ignatius to re-energise the zealousness of believers and develop reconciliation and peace.

Saint Peter to Decay

In looking to the recently canonized Saint Peter To Rot from Papua New Guinea, Pope Leo saw a beacon of perseverance, unwavering faithfulness. As a simple catechist, Saint Peter risked his life to continue unfinished pastoral care among his people from 1940–1945. In addition, he demonstrated tremendous courage in defending the sanctity of marriage against polygamy and apprising those in positions of authority when he felt that they were acting unjustly.

Pope Leo negood the statement made by the canonised saint when he said “We, too, have been thrown into times of great trouble and our hearts are full of fear, yet our father in heaven has always been there to help us.” By encouraging and encouraging the people of faith, he wanted to guide them through all the difficulties they were experiencing.

Saints of Venezuela

The Pope's message to followers during the canonizations of Saint Carlos José Hernández and Saint Carmen de Rendiles (both from Venezuela) were to emulate their virtuous characteristics of faith, hope, and charity. The followers were urged to find inspiration in these characteristics for their own lives today. Faith provides light to us and lights those around us in a very ordinary way. We need to have hope to keep from viewing our situations as short-lived. Charity requires us to give of ourselves to help those who have been placed in positions of need – the sick, the poor, and the outcast – due to God's grace.

Using this viewpoint, he encouraged the group to view each other as “brothers and sisters, called by God to the same holiness,” and joyfully contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom. St. Maria Troncatti, St. Vincenza Maria Poloni.

St. Maria Troncatti and St. Vincenza Maria Poloni

When developing Pope Leo’s message on the Salesian missionary Saint Maria Troncatti’s work in Ecuador, his message was that she healed people physically and spiritually by demonstrating love from her faith and prayer. He gave an example of this by referencing the work done by Saint Vincenza Maria Poloni, who founded the Sisters of Mercy. The Pope described how Saint Vincenza brought compassion to those who were sick or less fortunate. The Pope went on to explain that both Saints displayed how true holiness is demonstrated in serving people who are vulnerable.

Saint Bartolo Longo

In summary, he concluded by mentioning St. Bartolo Longo, who was once an outcast from church practice, but later gave himself over to acts of charity and helped many through his service to orphaned, poor and hopeless people. Pope Leo encouraged those present to reflect on this example and use it as a way to meditate upon Christ's mysteries with Mary's help.

In concluding his address, Pope Leo urged the faithful to return to their respective homelands “with hearts brimming with gratitude and a yearning to emulate the new Saints.”