Pope Leo XIV at the Angelus: St. Stephen Taught Us That Martyrdom Is Being Born Again in the Light

The Catholic Church observes the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. On the Feast of St. Stephen, Pope Leo XIV challenged the faithful to consider martyrdom not as an end but rather as a new beginning - a "Birth into Heaven" and a way of finding out what it is like to enter into the Light.

In his message to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus, on what early Christians have always considered to be St. Stephen's "birthday," the Pope pointed out that "we don't only have one birth." Through the eyes of faith, he stated that death is transformed from a state of darkness; Martyrdom represents a new birth into heaven -- and a trip through love and light versus through fear.

The Face of an Angel: Stephen Before the Council

Pope Leo XIV’s reflections about what is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles reveal a vivid image of Stephen being presented before a council: “All who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (cf. ACTS 6:15). Pope Leo expanded on the meaning of this by saying it is “the face of one who does not pass through time indifferent to it, but rather loving it.” Furthermore, he stated that “the life of Stephen” and his “death” demonstrate the “divine love of God which was revealed to us by Jesus, the Light that shines upon us in our darkness.”

From Bethlehem to Martyrdom: Being Children of God

The Holy Father developed a single theme that spreads across the continuum from Bethlehem to martyrdom — being a child of God. He pointed out that the coming of the Son of God draws people to Him — for example, Mary and Joseph and the shepherds who exemplified humble hearts towards the right, good, and true. But he also noted that living such a beautiful existence will be met with rejection. "His attracting character, from the beginning, has created the response of those who are competing for power and of those whose lives are disturbed by the goodness of his life that exposes their injustices, and also exposes the dispositions of their hearts." (cf. Lk 2:35)

Pope Leo XIV believed that no one has ultimate power over God's work. Today, all over the world, there are people who "choose justice at great expense," putting the quest for peace above their fear and the needs of the poor before themselves. In this way, he felt that "hope then comes” and it becomes possible to celebrate despite adversity.

The Nonviolent Way of Jesus and the Martyrs

Confronting the harsh realities of today's world, the Pope faced an uncertain and painful world where it may seem like the pursuit of happiness is out of reach. People who speak for peace and walk “the nonviolent way of Jesus and the martyrs” are often ridiculed, excluded, and even accused of standing with the enemy. However, he stated that “there are no enemies among Christians; they are our brothers and sisters,” and though they may have times of misunderstanding, their dignity remains intact.

According to Pope Leo XIV's exposition, true joy is central to all members of the human family as they become manifestations of brotherhood toward one another and see in everyone, even their enemies, the everlasting value of being a son or daughter of God. Like Jesus, Saint Stephen forgave those who killed him, and through “a power greater than any weapon,” found in himself the ability to have this power exist in every individual and to share it with all other individuals whenever we learn to treat each other with love and respect.

Being Reborn into the Light

“The essence of being reborn, of emerging again into the light, is encapsulated in this experience,” stated the Pope. “This represents our ‘Christmas.’”

After closing his remarks, Pope Leo XIV turned over all of the faithful to Our Lady. He said that she is "blessed above all women who give parentage to life by countering a sense of pride through care, and through a lack of confidence by believing." In closing he offered everyone an invitation to reflect on her and he prayed that she continues to show the world her joy - "the kind of joy that displaces all fear and displaces all threats, as does the melting of snow when it is exposed to sunlight."

A Message of Peace for Christmas

"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, I offer heartfelt wishes of serenity and harmony during this special time. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the life of St. Stephen, the first martyr, whose prayers we seek to strengthen our belief and assist the communities facing the greatest challenges for their Christian witness. Through his example of humility, courage, and forgiveness, may he be an inspiration to those who are working toward peace through dialogue and reconciliation, even in times of struggle."

“May you have peace and serenity as we commemorate the Nativity of Christ, in service of St. Stephen, the first martyr, to ask him to strengthen our faith and help those communities who are enduring the greatest trials due to their Christian witness. May his humility, strength and willingness to forgive inspire those who have committed themselves to bring about dialogue, reconciliation, and peace on the basis of Truth even during a time of conflict.”