Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has released a new Apostolic Letter marking one hundred years since the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology was founded. In the document, he describes Christian archaeology as both a vocation and a form of love for the Church and humanity, highlighting its role in connecting faith with real events, places and people.
Pope explains that Christian archaeology is more than the study of ruins. It involves touching history through objects shaped by human hands and rediscovering the lives of people who lived the faith in earlier centuries. He says this discipline helps make visible the mystery at the heart of Christianity, reminding believers that God entered human history in a real and physical way.
Pope Leo writes that archaeology reveals how the Christian faith is rooted in concrete experiences and specific cultures. By uncovering ancient places, inscriptions and artifacts, archaeologists help the Church understand how the Gospel took form in different communities. He adds that nothing touched by faith is too small or insignificant to study, because every detail preserves a piece of memory and speaks to the prayer and hope of past generations.
The letter also highlights how modern technology is strengthening archaeological research, allowing new discoveries and fresh interpretations of earlier findings. Pope Leo says this makes archaeology a school of hope, showing that history continues to offer new insights and meaning.
He stresses that archaeology is closely linked with theology, church history and patrology, and should form part of basic theological education. By studying how early Christians lived and expressed their faith, the Church can better understand Revelation and recognize its wounds, signs and growth across the centuries.
Pope Leo also emphasizes the evangelizing mission of archaeology. He says it helps the Church recall its origins and share the story of salvation not only through words, but also through images, spaces and the physical evidence of the past. In a world where many people feel disconnected from their roots, archaeology can build bridges between cultures and generations, offering a shared memory and encouraging dialogue.
Reflecting on the founding of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology in 1925 during the Jubilee of Peace, the Pope notes that its centenary during the Jubilee of Hope is a call to openness and collaboration. He urges the Institute to avoid becoming an elitist body and instead work closely with other Catholic institutions and with the Christian East, where shared traditions and heritage can enrich mutual understanding.
Pope Leo describes Christian archaeology as a ministry of hope because it shows that the faith has endured crises, persecution and change, always finding ways to renew itself. He calls on bishops, educators and cultural leaders to encourage more young people, laypeople and priests to study the subject.
In closing, the Pope thanks those who dedicate their lives to Christian archaeology. He says their work is invaluable for the Church, helping make the Word of life visible and reminding the world that salvation has left a mark in history that continues to speak today.