Vatican City: In a spiritually profound celebration at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV presided over the Mass for the Jubilee on Marian Spirituality, urging the faithful to see in the Blessed Mother a model for turning to and following her Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Father emphasized that Marian devotion is always centered on Christ, guiding believers to live the Gospel fully and to participate in God’s saving work.
In his homily, the Pope reflected on the nature of Marian spirituality, likening it to Sunday, the day that opens each week in the radiance of Christ’s Resurrection. “Remember Jesus Christ,” he said, “this alone matters; this is what distinguishes human spiritualities from the way of God.” He explained that devotion to Mary is not an end in itself but a path that draws the faithful closer to the heart of the Gospel.
Pope Leo highlighted that Marian spirituality teaches believers to join Mary in becoming true disciples of Jesus, meditating on life’s events in which the Risen Lord continues to call each of us. He said that devotion to Mary immerses the faithful in God’s saving history, helping them to uphold mercy, lift the lowly, and share God’s love with those in need.
Reflecting on Mary’s Magnificat, the Pope noted that her “yes” to God was not a single moment, but a daily renewal of commitment, inviting all to a continuous response to God’s grace. He drew attention to the Gospel account of the ten lepers, reminding the faithful that God’s grace can heal, yet remain unacknowledged if hearts fail to respond.
Pope Leo cautioned against religious practices that isolate believers or harden hearts, warning that such devotion can prevent encounters with neighbors and hinder acts of mercy. He urged the faithful to avoid exploitation of faith that labels the poor or different as enemies, emphasizing that true spirituality, like Mary’s, brings believers closer to the marginalized.
Mary’s life, the Pope said, always leads to Jesus and to acts of service for the needy, the suffering, and the sinners. He underscored that authentic Marian devotion reflects God’s tenderness in the Church, citing Evangelii Gaudium to show how humility and gentleness are strengths that do not require dominating others.
Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to let devotion to Mary inspire social transformation and justice, reminding that her praise of God for “casting down the mighty” and “sending the rich away empty” exemplifies active compassion. He described the Jubilee as a call not only for celebration, but for conversion, reflection, and renewal, urging Christians to let Marian devotion shape hearts, communities, and society.
Concluding the homily, Pope Leo prayed, entrusting the Church and its mission to the Blessed Mother: “May Mary Most Holy, our hope, intercede for us and continue to lead us to Jesus, the crucified Lord, in whom there is salvation for all.”
The Marian Jubilee Mass thus served as both a celebration of devotion and a call to live the Gospel actively, reminding the faithful that true Marian spirituality always points toward Christ and compassionate service to humanity.