Rome:  Pope Leo XIV met with the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Rome on Thursday, urging them to continue their mission with faith, hope, and charity during the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Addressing the members, the Pope highlighted the Order’s historic roots in pilgrimage and service, noting that its original mission to protect the Holy Sepulchre and care for pilgrims continues today through their “humility, dedication, and spirit of sacrifice.” He expressed gratitude for the Order’s longstanding support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which includes seminaries, schools, universities, and charitable initiatives, especially during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing regional conflicts.

“Protecting the Tomb of Jesus means supporting a Church made of living stones which remains a sign of Easter hope,” the Pope said.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized three dimensions of hope. The first, hopeful expectation, calls members to demonstrate that life conquers death, love conquers hatred, forgiveness conquers vengeance, and mercy conquers sin, all rooted in a strong spiritual life of sacraments, Scripture, and prayer.

The second dimension, hope in service, mirrors the care shown by the women who visited Jesus’ tomb. Pope noted that the Order’s charitable work in the Holy Land brings light to those facing hardship, transforming people’s needs into signs of hope.

The third aspect, hope directed toward the goal, encourages members to view their pilgrimage not as an end but as part of a journey toward full communion with God, inspired by Peter and John running to the tomb on Easter morning.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on the Knights and Dames to continue their work with determination and faith. “Be guardians of the Tomb of Christ,” he said, “with the hopefulness of expectation, the zeal of charity, and the joy of those who walk in hope.” He closed with a quotation from Saint Augustine: “Advance in goodness. Do not stray from the path, do not turn back, do not stop.”

 Pope’s message reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to service, pilgrimage, and spiritual witness, underscoring its vital role in sustaining hope and faith in the Holy Land.