In a moving Pentecost address, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Catholics around the world to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit as a powerful source of freedom and grace.
Speaking to a massive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope invited the faithful to follow “the way of the Beatitudes” — a path that leads to spreading the message of the Gospel with love and humility.
Tens of Thousands Gather for Jubilee Prayer Vigil at St. Peter’s Square
On June 7, around 70,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for a special prayer vigil celebrating the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities.
It was Pope Leo XIV’s first Pentecost as pontiff, and his words resonated deeply with the crowd.
He spoke of the spiritual bond shared through Baptism and Confirmation, reminding everyone that these sacraments unite believers to Jesus’ mission to renew the world.
Sensing the Fragrance of Christ in Our Lives
The pope poetically described how believers could “sense the fragrance of the chrism” anointing their foreheads — a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
“Just as love helps us feel close to those we care about, tonight we sense Christ’s presence in each other,” he explained.
This shared mystery, he said, should inspire reflection and wonder within the hearts of all.
Synodality: Recognizing Our Interconnectedness and Shared Weaknesses
Highlighting the importance of community, Pope Leo XIV spoke about synodality — the idea that everyone’s gifts and weaknesses are part of a larger whole.
“We must recognize both our own poverty and our riches,” he said.
“Without this shared connection, even the most unique spiritual gifts can wither away.”
He emphasized that creation itself depends on coexistence, sometimes messy or difficult, but always interconnected.
Living Together Despite Differences Is Our True History
Drawing on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the pope reminded listeners that history is essentially the story of living together — sometimes in conflict, but always in relationship.
“Our life in this world is defined by coexistence,” he said, encouraging believers to embrace unity amid diversity, as they journey forward in faith.