Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV led the Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on the Second Sunday of Advent and urged the faithful to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ, whom he described as the “just Judge.”
Reflecting on the Gospel reading about John the Baptist, Pope recalled the call to conversion: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”* He reminded those present that every time Christians pray the Our Father and say *“Thy kingdom come,” they express a desire for God’s reign to transform the world.
“The course of history is not controlled by the powerful of this world,” he said. “Let us use our thoughts and energy in the service of the God who comes not to dominate, but to free us. This is the true good news.”
While acknowledging the challenging tone of John the Baptist’s words, Pope Leo XIV said they offer a reminder to live with purpose and responsibility. He encouraged everyone to prepare for the encounter with Christ, who judges not by appearance but by actions and intentions.
Pope reflected on the prophecy from Isaiah, comparing Jesus to a small shoot growing from a tree that appears lifeless. He said Jesus came not with force or destruction, but with renewal, mercy, and new beginnings.
He also recalled the Second Vatican Council, which concluded sixty years ago. Pope said its spirit continues to inspire the Church to move forward in unity and hope toward God’s Kingdom.
“The world greatly needs this hope,” he said. “Nothing is impossible for God. Let us prepare ourselves and welcome His Kingdom.”
Pope Leo XIV ended his message with an invitation to embrace the Advent spirit with simplicity, joy, and watchfulness.
“The streetlights around us remind us that each of us can be a small light if we welcome Jesus, the shoot of a new world,” he said before leading the traditional Marian prayer.