Vatican City: Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel of John during Sunday’s Angelus, urging Christians to embrace God’s Word as their compass and source of certainty. Speaking on the Solemnity of Christ the King, he invited the faithful to listen to the voice of Christ, the King who became a servant to illuminate and transform our lives.

Drawing from the passage (John 18:33-37), the Pope highlighted Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate, focusing on the profound transformation of two key terms: king and world. Pilate, viewing kingship through a worldly lens of power and dominance, failed to grasp Jesus’ divine kingship rooted in truth and sacrificial love. The Pope emphasized that Christ’s kingship is not of this world—a world marred by inequality and oppression—but one that brings grace, truth, and eternal salvation.

Jesus’ kingdom, Pope Francis explained, embodies forgiveness, peace, and justice, revealing God’s merciful love. Pilate’s inability to accept this truth, even when standing face-to-face with Jesus, contrasts with the invitation extended to all believers to hear and follow the voice of the King who transforms hearts.

The Pope called on Christians to reflect on whether they let Christ’s Word guide their lives and recognize in Him the compassionate face of God. “Listening to the Lord,” he said, “brings light into our hearts and lives.”

He concluded with a prayer, invoking Mary, the servant of the Lord, as a model of hope and trust in awaiting God’s kingdom.