Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians not to be held back by fear or difficult situations, but to trust in God’s timing and to bring the Gospel into every part of human life.
   
Speaking during the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope reflected on the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He focused on when Jesus began to preach and where he chose to do so.

Pope noted that Jesus started his mission after John the Baptist was arrested, a moment marked by tension and uncertainty. He said this may seem like the wrong time to act, yet it was exactly then that Jesus announced the Good News, saying that the kingdom of heaven was near.

Pope Leo said this message speaks directly to believers today. Many people, he explained, hesitate to make decisions or to share their faith because they feel the moment is not right or the situation is too difficult. He warned that such thinking can lead to paralysis and fear.

He reminded the faithful that God is always at work and that every moment is God’s time, even when people do not feel ready or when circumstances seem unfavourable.

Turning to the place where Jesus began his ministry, Pope pointed to Galilee and the town of Capernaum. He said this was a region shaped by trade and cultural diversity, with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. By choosing this place, Jesus showed that his mission had no narrow limits.

Pope said this reveals a God who comes close to everyone and excludes no one. Jesus, he explained, did not avoid complex human situations but entered fully into them.

From this, Pope Leo urged Christians not to withdraw into isolation. He said the Gospel must be lived and proclaimed in every setting and should act as a force for fraternity and peace among people of all cultures, religions and nations.

In his concluding words, the Pope encouraged the faithful to respond with joy to God’s call, just as the first disciples did. He said every time and every place in life is filled with God’s presence and love.