Cardinal Francis Leo urges Catholics in Toronto to focus on the Sacred Heart of Jesus during June instead of adopting symbols promoted by political movements

June is a month full of meaning for many people across North America.

For the Catholic community, it’s a time to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that has deep roots and rich significance.

Meanwhile, June is also widely recognized as Pride Month, filled with celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, Archbishop of Toronto Cardinal Francis Leo weighed in on how Catholics should approach symbols during this meaningful time.

Honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cardinal Leo reminded the faithful that June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the solemn feast day falling on June 27 this year.

He described the Sacred Heart as “loving, burning, sacrificial, and life-giving,” calling it one of the most profound and enduring symbols in Catholic life.

“The Sacred Heart helps us connect deeply with our faith, shaping not only our prayers but also the way we live and make decisions,” Leo explained.

“Symbols act as bridges between the physical and spiritual worlds and reveal Gospel truths to us.”

A Month of Different Celebrations

At the same time, June is widely known for Pride Month, where thousands gather in parades and parties celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

This cultural recognition brings a lot of diverse symbolism and messages into the public eye.

Cardinal Leo addressed this directly, encouraging Catholics in Toronto to choose symbols that align with their faith during this month.

Choosing Symbols That Reflect Catholic Beliefs

Leo urged the community to avoid adopting symbols “borrowed from ideological forums, promoted by lobby groups, or endorsed by political movements” that don’t align with Catholic teachings.

“We should honor and respect our traditions without compromising the integrity of our faith by using symbols that conflict with God’s divine revelation,” he said.

He also warned that adopting such symbols could cause confusion about what the Catholic faith truly teaches about the human person, human nature, and natural moral law.

Telling Our Story Through Faithful Symbols

The cardinal emphasized the importance of using symbols that tell the Catholic story clearly and truthfully.

“It’s good to use our own symbols to share our story instead of turning to trendy or misleading ones that don’t represent us as Catholics.

Using the right symbols helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the faith’s teachings clear.”