While taking a short summer break in the peaceful hills of Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV didn’t take a break from his spiritual mission.
On July 15, he chose to celebrate Mass not at the Vatican but at the local Carabinieri station’s chapel—bringing faith, reflection, and unity to the very people responsible for keeping the peace.
The Carabinieri, Italy’s military police force, welcomed the Holy Father into their modest chapel, where he offered both a homily and heartfelt words of encouragement during his time away from Rome.
A Family Beyond Blood
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew 11:20–24, Pope Leo shared a moving message: there is a connection between people that runs even deeper than blood—one rooted in Christ.
He reminded those present that, “We are truly brothers and sisters of Jesus when we do the will of God.”
That means living in love, not just talking about it—choosing compassion, mercy, and kindness in the way God asks us to.
God’s Family Is a Gift
The Pope expanded on this idea by painting a beautiful picture of divine relationship.
He said that God doesn’t keep his love to Himself.
“When his only Son becomes our brother, his Father becomes our Father, and the Holy Spirit, who unites them, comes to dwell in our hearts,” he explained.
It’s not just about following rules—it’s about embracing a relationship that transforms the way we live and see others.
Mary’s Role as Our Spiritual Mother
From the Castel Gandolfo chapel, Pope Leo also spoke about Mary, Jesus’ mother—not just as a biblical figure, but as someone who plays a living role in our spiritual lives today.
He reflected on how Jesus, in his final moments on the cross, gave Mary to the world as our mother too.
According to Pope Leo, Mary embodies perfect faithfulness to God’s word.
“She listened with love, welcomed it into her heart, and lived it out faithfully,” he said.
Carrying the Word of Life
Pope Leo reminded the congregation that Mary didn’t just receive the Word—she literally carried it in her womb and then shared it with the world.
Her entire life, from her ‘yes’ to the angel to her quiet strength at the cross, was a testimony of deep, unwavering trust in God.
Her example serves as a powerful reminder to Christians that faith isn’t just something we believe—it’s something we live, share, and carry forward.
A Final Encouragement: Hope Over Evil
Before concluding the Mass, the Pope left the Carabinieri with an uplifting message: never give in to the temptation of believing that evil can win.
Despite how dark the world might seem at times, he urged everyone to hold fast to faith, goodness, and the conviction that love always triumphs.