Vatican City: At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to reflect on the Gospel passage of the “narrow door,” a striking image used by Jesus to teach that salvation requires more than superficial belief. The Pope emphasized that authentic faith cannot be reduced to external practices but must be rooted in words and actions that embody love, justice, and self-giving.
Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, the Holy Father recalled Jesus’ words: “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” While some may be unsettled by the notion of a narrow path to salvation, Pope Leo clarified that God does not wish to discourage His children. Rather, Jesus confronts those who presume they are already secure simply because of religious observance.
The Pope warned against the danger of complacency of believing that participating in rituals, reciting prayers, or being physically present at Mass is enough. “God is not satisfied with empty gestures,” he said. “What He desires is a heart that is transformed, a faith that is translated into acts of love toward our brothers and sisters.” Religious devotion that does not lead to compassion, justice, and service, the Pope stressed, is hollow.
In this light, the “narrow door” represents the challenging path of authentic discipleship. It is not enough to profess the faith with words or knowledge of Scripture alone. True faith demands that choices, priorities, and daily conduct be shaped by the Gospel. “It becomes real when it leads us to fight selfishness, to take risks for the good of others, and to remain steadfast in doing good even when evil seems stronger,” Pope Leo explained.
Acknowledging the difficulty of this path, the Pope pointed to Christ Himself, who never chose the easy road but walked a path of sacrifice and love. Following Him requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to go against the current. Yet, the Pope assured, those who strive to walk through the narrow door will discover the vastness of God’s mercy and the joy of eternal life.
Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo entrusted the faithful to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He prayed that she may help believers “to pass courageously through the narrow door of the Gospel and to experience the freedom and joy of living in the Father’s immense love.”