Pope Leo XIV at the Angelus: Walking Joyfully with Christ

Pope Leo stated, during his weekly Angelus message, that we, as members of Christ's Church, the Body of Christ, have been called to share Jesus' gospel of mercy and compassion across the world, and should do this by primarily manifesting our spiritual worship through our lives.

On the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran on Sunday, Pope Francis used this moment as an opportunity for all Catholics to consider how important it is to be a part of the one Church and in communion with the Church of Rome, who have the responsibility for helping all Christians to grow in their faith.

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran and Its Significance

The Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, which is where Peter's successor resides, displays the "unbelievable historical, artistic, and religious importance" of the Cathedral by teaching us that it "embodies the most basic essence of the faith which was given to and protected by the Apostles, and that it will continue to be taught from age to age."

With respect to how the magnificence of this structure played into the transcendent nature of its mystery, he remarked that the twelve large figures of the Apostles are all present together on the main church floor level and also actet as spiritual Vice-Presidents of The Faith; thus inviting a more spiritual their physical being and representing for those who believe in the Outside. This perspective will allow for greater understanding that, while it does contain tangible elements as the church is made from living material; it is much more than just a physical entity.

God’s Temple in Jesus Christ

God's temple is ultimately located within Jesus Christ. Pope Leo the Great noted that the authentic temple of God, according to the gospel story about Jesus' cleansing the temple in Jerusalem, is the person of Jesus, who was both crucified and risen again from the dead.

As the one and only mediator of salvation, the only Redeemer, He is our access through our union with Him in our humanity and the power of His love to the Father.

Living Stones of the Church

Through His grace, we are "living stones" of spiritual building for the Church of Christ and spread His message of the Gospel and mercy through all we do in everyday life. Pope Leo XIV said that being with Christ means we are living stones of His Body, which is the Church.

Embracing the joy of belonging to God's sacred community.

"Dear brothers and sisters," he urged, "it is essential that we cultivate our hearts to embrace this spiritual perspective.

The Holiness of the Church

According to the Pope, there are many ways that "the flaws and failings of Christians, together with many clichés and prejudices" make it difficult to appreciate the great mystery of the Church. "The Church’s holiness is, in fact, not dependent upon the merits we possess," he said, but rather derives from the "Gift of God, which can only be denied to us after it has been given to us;" and there will always be "the Hand of God outstretched toward us in a loving manner that is paradoxical," as written by Pope Leo concerning his apostolic visit to St. Benedict.

In conclusion, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV commended us to "rejoice in being the holy people chosen by the Lord; and we can call on Mary, Mother of the Church, to help us accept Christ." He asked us for her blessings through his intercession.