What the Pope Said This Week

Jason Scott’s weekly review of Pope Leo XIV’s audiences

28 September 2025 — Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists

In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, entrusting the ministry to 39 new catechists from around the world. Drawing from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, he framed catechesis as a journey of faith and companionship.

“Catechists are not teachers of doctrine alone, but companions on the road of faith,” he said. “Like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, you walk with others, explaining the Scriptures and breaking bread, so that their hearts burn within them.”

He highlighted their role: “The name of your ministry comes from the Greek verb katēchein, which means ‘to teach aloud, to make resound.’ This means that the catechist is a person of the word—a word that he or she pronounces with his or her own life.” Pointing to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, he urged humility: “Serve as He served, guiding others with love.”

Noting global challenges, he observed: “At the doorstep of today’s opulence stands the misery of entire peoples, ravaged by war and exploitation.” He prayed for their mission: “May you always be sowers of hope, reaping joy in the harvest of souls.”

The full homily is worth reading: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2025/documents/20250928-omelia-giubileo-catechisti.html.

1 October 2025 — General Audience

In St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV continued his Jubilee catechesis “Jesus Christ our Hope,” reflecting on the Resurrection as an act of forgiving love.

“Jesus’ Resurrection is not a bombastic triumph, nor is it revenge or retaliation against his enemies,” he explained. “It is a wonderful testimony to how love is capable of rising again after a great defeat in order to continue its unstoppable journey.”

He described Christ’s visit to the Apostles: “The Risen One emerges from the underworld of death and does not take revenge. He does not return with gestures of power, but rather with meekness, he manifests the joy of a love greater than any wound and stronger than any betrayal.”

Showing his wounds, Jesus offered peace: “These are the proof that, even in the moment of our failure, God did not retreat. He did not give up on us.” With a breath, he granted authority: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”

The pope connected it to our call: “From that moment, the Apostles would no longer be able to remain silent… that God forgives, lifts up, and restores trust. We too are sent. The Lord shows us His wounds and says: Peace be with you.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, we too are sent,” he said. “Do not be afraid to show your wounds healed by mercy. Do not be afraid to draw close to those who are trapped in fear or guilt.”

As the month of October is dedicated to the holy rosary, Pope Leo invited the faithful “to pray it daily for peace in our world.”

The full text is worth reading: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-10/pope-leo-xiv-general-audience-1-october-2025.html.

2 October 2025 — Audience with CONFEMEL

Pope Leo XIV welcomed representatives of the Latin Ibero-American and Caribbean Medical Confederation (CONFEMEL), focusing on health as a mission of compassion and care.

He recognised their dedication: “Your work embodies the Church’s mission to heal and care, especially for the poorest and migrants, promoting hope amid suffering.”

He stressed its purpose: “In a world of inequality, medicine must be a tool of justice, welcoming the questions of real life and entering into history with compassion.”

He encouraged solidarity: “Be voices for the excluded, breaking barriers of isolation through humble listening and proximity to those who suffer.”

The pope tied it to faith: “Your service reflects Christ’s healing touch, fostering a culture of life and hope in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

The full address merits attention: https://exaudi.org/pope-leo-xiv-promotes-hope-and-solidarity-health-communication-and-migration/.

Closing Reflection

This week’s audiences from Pope Leo XIV weave a narrative of companionship: walking with the faithful, the Resurrection offering peace through love, and medicine serving the suffering. The Church is called to enter human struggles with Christ’s transformative presence.

Take-Away Points

Catechesis is a journey of faith, guiding others with the word lived out loud. The Resurrection shows love’s power to rise, bringing peace beyond betrayal. God’s wounds assure us of His nearness, enabling forgiveness in our mission. Medicine calls for justice, serving the vulnerable with compassionate care. Service reflects Christ’s healing, meeting people in their real struggles. We are sent to proclaim peace, lifting others with God’s restoring trust.