Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, highlighting the Blessed Virgin Mary’s enduring role as a source of joy and hope for humanity, particularly where human happiness falters. In his homily, the Holy Father described Mary as the “mother of love,” whose life exemplifies openness to God and transformative grace.
“In the Gospel, we witness Mary welcoming the world into her life, allowing it to be shaped by divine love,” the Pope reflected. He emphasized that, from the moment of the Annunciation, Mary radiates joy and brings it to places where human joy is scarce. “This is what we see in Guadalupe,” Pope Leo noted, “where Mary awakens in the inhabitants of America the joy of knowing they are loved by God.” By speaking to St. Juan Diego in his own language, she connected intimately with the people, offering comfort and reassurance amid struggles and suffering.
The Pope underlined that Mary’s message remains deeply relevant today: “In the midst of ongoing conflicts, injustices, and human suffering, Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us: ‘Am I not here, I who am your mother?’” Mary’s presence, he explained, is a voice that sustains faith and hope when life feels unbearable, a guiding light through darkness and adversity.
Pope Leo also reflected on the faithful response to Mary’s maternal guidance. As she instructs believers to “do whatever [Jesus] tells us,” humanity is called to respond with devotion: “Yes, Mother, we want to be your true children. Show us how to persevere in faith when our strength falters and shadows lengthen. Teach us that with you, even the coldest winter can bloom with roses.”
In a prayerful exhortation, the Pope invited Mary to intercede for the world: to foster unity where division prevails, guide young people in steadfast faith, reach those who have drifted from the Church, and strengthen families. “Holy Virgin,” he said, “may we, like you, keep the Gospel in our hearts, for wherever the Gospel is lived, life is renewed, restored, and made beautiful.”
Concluding his homily, Pope Leo entrusted his Petrine ministry to Mary’s guidance, asking for her support in shepherding the faithful along “the one path that leads to the blessed Fruit of your womb.” He prayed that, trusting in her maternal protection, all may grow closer to Jesus and one another, advancing toward the eternal home prepared by God, where Mary awaits her children.
The Mass underscored the enduring spiritual significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, portraying Mary as both a source of comfort and a beacon of divine love, whose presence brings joy and hope to a world often burdened by trial and division.