What the Pope Said This Week

Pope Leo XIV greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile as he rides around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience Oct. 8, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Jason Scott’s weekly review of Pope Leo XIV’s audiences –
5 October 2025 — Holy Mass for the Jubilee of the Missionary World and Jubilee of Migrants
In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of the Missionary World and the Jubilee of Migrants, drawing thousands in a celebration of faith’s outward call. Reflecting on the readings, he urged the Church to embrace her missionary essence with unwavering zeal.
“We are here because, at the tomb of the Apostle Peter, each one of us should be able to say with joy: the entire Church is missionary,” the Holy Father proclaimed. “It is urgent – as Pope Francis affirmed – that we ‘go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear’ (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 23).”
He honoured those aiding migrants: “There are many missionary men and women, but also believers and people of goodwill, who work in the service of migrants, and promote a new culture of fraternity on the theme of migration, beyond stereotypes and prejudices.” Pope Leo emphasised shared responsibility: “This precious service involves each one of us, within the limits of our own means. As Pope Francis affirmed, this is the time for all of us to let ourselves be ‘permanently in a state of mission’ (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 25).”
On divine silence in suffering, he drew from Benedict XVI: “Pope Benedict XVI, who had reflected on these questions during his historic visit to Auschwitz, returned to the theme in a catechesis, affirming: ‘God is silent and this silence pierces the soul of the person praying, who ceaselessly calls but receives no answer …’” This mystery, like Aquinas’s contemplation of divine providence, invites trust in God’s hidden work amid trials.
It was a profound exhortation to mission rooted in mercy. The full homily is worth reading: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2025/documents/20251005-giubileo-mondo-missionario.html.
8 October 2025 — General Audience
In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV continued his Jubilee catechesis “Jesus Christ our Hope,” meditating on the Resurrection’s inner fire, drawing from the Emmaus disciples’ burning hearts (Lk 24:32).
“Were not our hearts burning within us?” he echoed. “In our catechesis on the Jubilee theme of ‘Jesus Christ our Hope,’ today we will continue our consideration of the Resurrection.”
He unpacked the Lord’s presence: “The Risen Lord walks with us unrecognised, yet his presence ignites the heart. This burning is the Holy Spirit’s gift, turning despair to joy and sending us forth as witnesses.” As Bellarmine might note in defending the sacraments, this grace perfects nature, illuminating Scripture and Eucharist.
Greeting those in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life: “In greeting with particular affection the religious and consecrated who are participating in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, I encourage you to look to the Blessed Virgin Mary who is ‘the sublime model of consecration to the Father, union with the Son and openness to the Spirit’ (Vita consecrata, 28). God bless you all!”
The pope blessed pilgrims, invoking hope’s enduring light. The full text is worth reading: https://www.osvnews.com/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-oct-8-2025-general-audience/.
9 October 2025 — Audience with Aid to the Church in Need
Pope Leo XIV received members of Aid to the Church in Need, praising their defence of religious freedom and support for persecuted Christians worldwide.
“I am pleased to welcome you and to express my gratitude for your commitment to upholding religious freedom, an essential element in the search for and living out of truth,” he said. “Your work aids the Church in places where faith is tested, ensuring the Gospel’s proclamation amid adversity.”
He highlighted solidarity: “In this Jubilee of Hope, we remember that true freedom flows from Christ, who liberates us from sin and fear. As St. Thomas Aquinas teaches in his Summa, grace builds upon nature, enabling the faithful to persevere in virtue even under persecution.”
The pope called for renewed efforts: “Continue to be instruments of providence, fostering unity and peace where division reigns.” This address underscored the Church’s enduring mission.
The full discourse is worth reading: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-10/pope-leo-xiv-aid-church-need-international-religious-freedom.html.
10 October 2025 — Audience with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
Pope Leo XIV met with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, focusing on the family’s role as the domestic Church in the Jubilee Year.
“The family is the cradle of life and faith, where the Gospel is first lived and transmitted,” he stated. “In this Jubilee of Hope, we renew our commitment to supporting families amid modern challenges, fostering vocations to marriage and consecrated life.”
He urged formation: “Lay faithful, families, and consecrated persons together build the domestic Church, echoing the early Christian communities in Acts. Let us defend the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, promoting a culture of encounter over division.” Echoing Augustine’s emphasis on charity, this builds communal bonds rooted in divine love.
The pope highlighted synodality: “Through listening and dialogue, as in the Synod on Synodality, we discern God’s will for families today, ensuring the laity’s active role in the Church’s mission.” He blessed their endeavours.
The full address is worth reading: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/10/10/251010b.html.
Closing Reflection
Pope Leo XIV’s reflections this week call the Church to her core: missionary outreach to all, especially migrants; Resurrection’s transformative grace; solidarity with the persecuted; and family’s foundational witness. Each draws from Scripture and tradition, urging fidelity amid trials.
Take-Away Points
– The Church is missionary by nature: Proclaim the Gospel boldly, without fear or hesitation.
– Aid to migrants fosters fraternity, overcoming prejudices through shared service.
– God’s silence in suffering deepens prayer, revealing His providential care.
– The Resurrection ignites hearts: Christ’s presence turns despair into witnessing joy.
– Consecrated life emulates Mary: Total surrender to the Trinity renews the faithful.
– Families as domestic Church: Defend life and vocations through discerning dialogue.
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