Pope Leo XIV: Jesus' Words Free Us from the Prison of Despair

"Even when bound in chains, a prophet maintains the capacity to raise his voice in the quest for truth and justice.

Pope Leo XIV's Angelus Reflection on John the Baptist

Pope Leo XIV began his Sunday Angelus reflection with a strong image in much the same way as John the Baptist’s ordeal when he was imprisoned for preaching about God’s Word. Even though John was imprisoned, he had hope and still asked questions. This made John a symbol that the Word of God will be here forever (i.e., it will not be quenched) even when the prophets have been deprived of their freedom.

The statement made by Pope Leo while in prison was that John the Baptist learned about what Jesus was doing. He was surprised that what Jesus was doing was not what he thought would happen. He therefore asks, “Are you the one who is going to come, or should we be looking for someone else?” This question continues to be asked by all people who “search for the truth and for justice, yearn for freedom and for peace,” and with their search are always searching for who Jesus is.

Pope Leo: Flowers can bloom even in prisons

Christ's self-revelation

Jesus offers no theoretical definition of himself, but instead invites others to examine the works He does. Pope Francis emphasised that “the least of us, the poor and sick” serve as representatives of Jesus. The Gospel tells us that anyone who can see His miracles—healing the blind, making the mute speak and the deaf hear—will know Him through those acts of kindness and mercy.

God's image is also being returned to its original wholeness after being scarred through sickness and being separated from others. Even those who have died—who were "totally dead"—will be rise again! And that is the part of the gospel, so says the Pope: "When God returns to earth, you can tell!"

Liberated from feelings of discouragement

"The teachings of Jesus liberate us from the confines of despair and suffering. In Him, every prophecy achieves its anticipated realization.

The Pope added that through Christ, humanity has the ability to see the splendour of Deity—God's ability to give people consciousness—through the oppressed that have been made voiceless due to abuse and hate and through the ability of God to elevate people above their own beliefs which cause people to be blinded by truth; and through God's ability to correct people's misunderstandings of humanity's intended purpose.

The meaning of Gaudete Sunday

The season of Advent represents an opportunity to reflect upon and to anticipate that which is coming. The Holy Father has encouraged people to develop two specific attitudes: "to look forward"—i.e., to anticipate the birth of Jesus; —and "to be aware" — i.e., looking for God's presence in our world today.

The Pope went on to share his reflections about the deep meaning behind the "Gaudete Sunday,” the 3rd Sunday of Advent. This is known as Joyful Sunday. In expressing joy, one must not look away from or avoid challenges but continue to find joy, especially if life appears to have no way of making sense and everything looks dark.