What the Pope Said this Week

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

16 November — Angelus: “The darker the hour, the more faith shines like the sun”

At the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the closing of the liturgical year and the trials of our times:

“When you hear of wars and insurrections … do not be terrified.”

“The darker the hour, the more faith shines like the sun.”

He acknowledged the daily news of conflicts and disasters, yet drew from Christ’s words (Lk 21:5-19) a message of endurance and witness. He invited believers to stand with those who suffer and to transform darkness into a bold affirmation of hope.

17 November — Message to the “Building Communities That Safeguard Dignity” Meeting

In his message to participants in the meeting promoted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Leo addressed consecrated life and the Church’s responsibility to the vulnerable:

“Dignity is a gift from God … it is not something obtained by merit or effort … On every human face, even when marked by weariness or pain, there is the reflection of the Creator’s goodness, a light that no darkness can extinguish.”

“Care and protection for our neighbour also arise from a gaze able to recognise, a heart able to listen.”

He called for communities marked by trust, dialogue and accountability, reminding the Church that safeguarding is integral to its mission.

19 November — General Audience: Easter Spirituality and our Relationship with Creation

During his weekly audience, the Pope turned to the theme of hope rooted in the Resurrection and our stewardship of creation:

“Mary Magdalene … thought she had encountered the gardener! Indeed… she had to hear her own name again and understand her task from the new Man.”

“An ecological culture cannot be reduced to a series of urgent and partial responses… there needs to be a distinctive way of looking at things, a way of thinking, policies, an educational programme, a lifestyle and a spirituality which together generate resistance.”

Leo connected the Paschal event with integral ecology, elevating environmental concern to the level of Christian identity and hope.

20 November — Address to the Italian Bishops at Assisi

In the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi, closing the Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, the Pope urged pastoral leaders to place Christ at the centre amid fragmentation:

“The first thing we too are called upon to do is to look at Jesus… In a time marked by divisions … technological omnipotence compresses freedom; loneliness consumes hope, while numerous uncertainties weigh heavily on our future.”

“We are called to become artisans of friendship, fraternity, authentic relationships… developing a culture of encounter and thus becoming prophets of peace for the world.”

His strong words framed bishopric ministry as communion, encounter and mission—not distance or administration.

Take-Away Points:

• The Angelus reminds us that faith shines most in the darkest hours—hope remains when the world falters.
• Safeguarding isn’t an add-on: dignity, care and listening lie at the heart of Christian communion.
• The General Audience placed ecology alongside Easter: creation isn’t secondary—it’s linked to redemption.
• Leadership in the Church is relational: bishops aren’t managers but artisans of fraternity, called to incarnate the Gospel.
• Across the week, Pope Leo weaves together suffering, protection, creation and leadership into a coherent pastoral vision for the Jubilee of Hope.

Sources:

16 November – Angelus: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/angelus/2025/documents/20251116-angelus.html

17 November – Message for “Building Communities That Safeguard Dignity”: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/pont-messages/2025/documents/20251115-messaggio-incontro-tutela-minori.html

19 November – General Audience: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/audiences/2025/documents/20251119-udienza-generale.html

20 November – Address at Assisi: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/november/documents/20251120-assisi-cei.html