Vatican City: Ahead of his Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV met with the directors, staff, and family members of the Vatican’s florist office and building services, offering heartfelt thanks for their often unseen but invaluable contribution to the life and mission of the Church. He encouraged them to remain rooted in faith and prayer, reminding them that these give true meaning to all human work.
Addressing those responsible for maintaining order, beauty, and safety within Vatican City, the Pope praised their dedication and professionalism. He noted that their commitment was especially evident during the recently concluded Jubilee Year, a period marked by an extraordinary flow of pilgrims and major liturgical events.
Because of their careful planning and tireless service, Pope Leo said, millions of faithful were able to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in a peaceful and well-organized atmosphere. This allowed pilgrims to participate meaningfully in liturgical celebrations, papal audiences, and other significant gatherings without disruption or confusion.
While expressing appreciation for past efforts, the Pope also looked ahead, encouraging continued dedication to future projects. He referred in particular to the ongoing enhancement of technical and logistical services, as well as the careful upkeep of Vatican spaces, especially those set aside for meetings with the Pope and moments of prayer.
He explained that the dignity and preservation of these spaces go far beyond aesthetics or infrastructure. Their deeper purpose, he said, lies in supporting the prayer life of the faithful and advancing the pastoral mission of the Church.
Pope Leo gave special attention to St. Peter’s Basilica, describing it as a sacred space that must be safeguarded above all as a place of silence, reflection, and spiritual awe. Likewise, St. Peter’s Square, with its embracing colonnades, stands as a visible sign of the Church’s openness and welcome to all who arrive seeking hope and peace.
Inviting the staff to see their daily responsibilities in a spiritual light, the Pope encouraged them to remember and pray for all those who pass through the spaces they care for. Faith and prayer, he said, bring depth and purpose to even the most routine tasks.
He also acknowledged that their work, though discreet, plays a vital role in supporting the Pope’s apostolic mission. Their service, he added, forms an integral part of the wider responsibilities of the Vatican Governorate and the Directorate for Infrastructure and Services, which he praised for their careful coordination and oversight.
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo reminded everyone that each person, regardless of role, belongs to one body united in Christ. Especially during challenging times, he said, this shared identity calls all to bear witness to the Gospel, following the guidance of the Lord, the Good Shepherd and Head of the Church.