Vatican: Addressing pilgrims at Saturday’s Jubilee Audience, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the power of hope in times of uncertainty, drawing inspiration from the fifteenth century thinker Nicholas of Cusa.

“You have reached the goal of your pilgrimage,” Pope said, “but now, like the disciples of Jesus, we must learn to dwell in a new world.” He reminded the faithful that the Jubilee transforms pilgrims into bearers of hope, urging them to see life through the light of the Crucified One, where salvation is found.

Using Nicholas of Cusa as an example, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of maintaining hope even without having all the answers. In a turbulent era when the unity of the Church and the prospect of peace seemed distant, Nicholas retained faith in humanity and understood that God’s mystery unites opposing forces. “Nicholas knew that he did not know, and thus came to understand reality ever more deeply,” Pope said.

Pope Leo called this approach “a great gift for the Church” and “a call to the renewal of the heart.” He encouraged the faithful to learn from Nicholas the art of making space, holding opposites together, and hoping for what is not yet visible.

Turning to contemporary challenges, the Pope acknowledged the many questions facing the Church today from young people, the poor, women, and those marginalized or silenced. He said, “The Church becomes an expert in humanity when she walks with humanity and carries in her heart the echo of its questions.”

Recognizing that not all answers are known, Pope Leo insisted, “To hope is not to know… But we have Jesus. We follow Jesus. And so we hope for what we do not yet see.” He concluded by inviting everyone to move forward as explorers into “the new world of the Risen One,” framing this journey as one of shared hope for the Church and all humanity.