Vatican City: On the occasion of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV delivered a profound reflection on the Church as a living, evolving “construction site,” urging the faithful to embrace patience, humility, and dedication in building a true community of faith. Celebrated on Sunday, November 9, the Mass brought together approximately 2,700 people, including 10 bishops and around 160 priests, along with Cardinal Baldassare Reina and Bishop Renato Tarantelli Baccari.
The Pope emphasized that the Church’s mission cannot be rushed or guided by the immediate demands of the world, which often seeks quick results without appreciating the wisdom of waiting. “Jesus changes us and calls us to work in God’s great construction site, shaping us according to His plan of salvation,” he said. Drawing from the millennial history of the Church, he encouraged believers to dig deeply within themselves and their communities, building “with humility and patience” in order to foster a living community capable of spreading charity, promoting mission, and proclaiming the Gospel.
Reflecting on the Basilica itself, Pope Leo XIV noted its origins under Emperor Constantine, with dedication by Pope Sylvester I. Yet, he stressed that the Basilica is far more than a historical monument. It is “a sign of the living Church, built with chosen and precious stones in Christ Jesus, the cornerstone.” Using the metaphor of construction, he reminded the faithful that just as builders dig deep to lay strong foundations, so too must Christians cultivate their spiritual depth, returning continually to Jesus Christ and being open to the action of the Holy Spirit.
Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, the Pope reflected on the story of Zacchaeus, whose humble effort to meet Jesus led to a transformative encounter. Pope Leo XIV highlighted that God’s call shapes and transforms each believer, urging them to actively participate in the Church’s ongoing construction. He described the image of the Church as a construction site as emblematic of activity, creativity, and dedication, acknowledging that growth often involves challenges, corrections, and effort.
The Pope lauded the efforts of countless individuals who have contributed to the life of the Church in Rome, noting that despite pauses and setbacks, the Church continues to flourish. He reminded the faithful that through acts of charity and participation in community, the Church reveals its true face as the “Mother of all Churches.” The ongoing Synod implementation was cited as an example of testing years of preparation and ensuring that matured efforts bear fruit in the lives of the faithful.
Pope Leo XIV underscored the centrality of liturgy, describing it as “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed, the source from which all its power flows.” Careful attention to liturgical beauty, adherence to tradition, and thoughtful inculturation, he said, are essential to fostering spiritual growth. Quoting St. Augustine, he noted that “beauty is nothing but love, and love is life,” emphasizing that liturgy should radiate God’s grace and inspire the faithful in their spiritual journey.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV’s homily invited believers to see themselves as active participants in God’s ongoing work as living stones in a grand spiritual edifice, built patiently, humbly, and with enduring faith. The Basilica of St. John Lateran stands not only as a historical landmark but as a living testament to the Church’s mission to cultivate a vibrant, charitable, and faithful community.