Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV, during a deeply symbolic celebration of the Jubilee of the Holy See, emphasized the need for spiritual integrity and holiness among the officials of the Roman Curia, declaring that their sanctity must be the source of strength and fruitfulness for the mission of the Holy See.

On Monday morning, the Pope joined Vatican employees and Curial officials for the Jubilee observance, which began with a reflective meditation led by Sister Maria Gloria Riva of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady. Carrying the Jubilee Cross, Pope Leo led a solemn procession through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the significance of the moment.

In his homily during the Mass that followed, the Holy Father spoke on the spiritual essence of the Apostolic See, reminding all that the Church draws her vitality not from power, but from her conformity to Christ and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He reflected that the Holy See lives in a sacred duality—“Petrine and Marian”—with Mary’s spiritual motherhood nurturing and sustaining Peter’s apostolic ministry.

Highlighting that the celebration coincided with the liturgical memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church—observed a day after Pentecost—the Pope pointed to the Gospel of John, where Christ entrusts His mother to the Beloved Disciple. This moment, he said, echoes across the Church's life, shaping its spiritual fruitfulness through love and sacrifice.

Pope Leo stressed that the sanctity of the Holy See is intimately linked to the holiness of its people. “The Apostolic See is safeguarded by holiness,” he said. “And she continues to live through the holiness of each of her members.” He urged every official—priests, religious, and laypersons alike—to pursue holiness in their vocation and daily tasks.

He cited examples of personal sacrifice and quiet perseverance—priests enduring heavy burdens, and lay officials managing difficult family lives—yet continuing their duties with love, faith, and commitment. Such fidelity, the Pope said, reflects the hidden fruitfulness of the Church, akin to Mary’s silent strength at Pentecost.

The Holy Father further noted that Mary’s presence in the Upper Room during Pentecost serves as a timeless model of maternal care and spiritual support for the early Church, a model that continues to animate the Church in every age.

As he concluded, Pope Leo XIV called upon Vatican officials to let the Word of God illuminate their paths and prayed that the Church, inspired by the love of Christ and guided by the Spirit, may flourish in holiness and unity. Echoing the liturgical Collect, he affirmed:
“May your Church, O Father, supported by the love of Christ, grow in holiness, rejoice in her children, and draw all of humanity into her embrace.”