In the heart of Vatican City, with sunshine spilling into St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV once again greeted thousands of faithful with his signature warmth and joy.

Riding in the popemobile, the pontiff waved to crowds gathered for his Wednesday general audience on June 18, 2025.

But beyond the smiles and cheers, his message this morning turned toward something deeply personal — how Jesus Christ remains the hope for those weighed down by painful pasts.

Moving Forward When the Past Feels Heavy

Continuing his ongoing catechesis series titled “Jesus Christ, Our Hope,” Pope Leo XIV focused on how the burdens of our past can often leave us feeling stuck.

Whether it’s regret, loss, or long-standing wounds, he acknowledged that many people reach points in life where they no longer feel strong enough to keep going.

But it’s precisely in those dark moments, he said, that Christ steps in.

Reaching People in Their Pain

Referring to the Gospel story in John 5:1–9 — where Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years — the pope emphasized that Jesus is the one who goes to meet people in their suffering.

At the time, the sick gathered at a pool called Betzatà, believed to have healing powers.

But because of their ailments, many couldn’t reach the water in time to be healed.

“These were people cast aside by society, excluded even from the Temple because they were seen as impure,” Pope Leo reminded the crowd.

And yet, it was Jesus who sought them out — not in places of power, but in their pain.

The Church as a True ‘House of Mercy’

The pope made a powerful comparison between that healing pool in the Gospel and the Church today.

“Betzatà” means “house of mercy”, and for Pope Leo, it serves as a beautiful image of what the Church is called to be.

He painted a vision of the Church as a place where those who are hurting — the poor, the sick, the spiritually paralyzed — are not only welcomed but healed.

“The Lord comes into our wounded lives to bring hope,” he said, urging the faithful to be open to that encounter.

Hope Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Lifeline

Pope Leo’s message was a reminder that hope isn’t just for the few or the fortunate.

It’s something Jesus offers to each of us, even when we feel like we have nothing left to give.

“When we feel like there’s no way out, Jesus opens one,” he said.

And in those moments when we feel weakest, his healing and mercy are most present — not because we’ve earned it, but because he meets us there with love.