During Sunday’s Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, highlighting how the boundless love of God transformed the cross once a cruel instrument of death into a beacon of life and salvation. Following the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the Holy Father also commemorated the upcoming anniversary of the establishment of the Synod of Bishops.
Addressing the faithful, Pope Leo asked, “What does it truly mean for us today to celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?” Drawing on the day’s Gospel, he recalled Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, who sought light, guidance, and understanding. The Pope explained that Jesus welcomed Nicodemus, revealing that the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that all who believe in Him may attain eternal life. Though Nicodemus may not have grasped the full meaning at that moment, Pope Leo noted that he would later comprehend it at the Crucifixion, recognizing that God became man and suffered on the cross to redeem humanity.
The Pope elaborated on Jesus’ reference to the bronze serpent, made by Moses to heal the Israelites from poisonous bites. He drew a parallel, emphasizing that God, in His saving love, offered Himself to humanity as companion, teacher, healer, and friend even becoming the Bread broken in the Eucharist. The cross, though one of humanity’s cruelest inventions, was transformed by divine love into a symbol of life, teaching that nothing can separate humanity from God and that His love surpasses all sin.
Concluding his Angelus reflection, Pope Leo invited the faithful to pray through the intercession of Mary, that God’s saving love may take root in their hearts and inspire them to give themselves selflessly to others, just as Christ gave Himself fully to all.
Turning to the 60th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, established by Pope St. Paul VI on September 15, 1965, the Holy Father reflected on the prophetic vision of Saint Paul VI, which aimed to enhance communion among bishops and the successor of Peter. Pope Leo expressed hope that this milestone would renew the Church’s commitment to unity, synodality, and its mission in the world.