Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged people to rediscover the essential core of the Christian message while carrying out their duties with an upright conscience. He made the appeal during a meeting at the Vatican with members of Rome’s Carabinieri, the national law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining order and security in the capital and surrounding province.
Pope thanked the officers for their service, especially during the Jubilee Year, which has brought large numbers of pilgrims to Rome. He noted that the presence and faith of pilgrims had strengthened and uplifted everyone living in the city, including those responsible for public safety.
Reflecting on the early days of Christianity in Rome, Pope Leo said the Good News of Jesus spread in many settings, including within the army. He described the message as a new way of living and thinking that revealed a God of love, mercy and forgiveness, and promoted fraternity among all people beyond social and ethnic differences.
Pope observed that the Carabinieri understand hierarchy, command and obedience, values also present in the historical development of Christian communities. He explained that the Gospel influenced civilizations not through violent revolution but through peaceful transformation from within, shaping consciences and converting hearts.
According to the Pope, this transformation introduced a renewed understanding of God and the human person, grounded in respect for life, dignity for every individual and worship directed to God alone.
He asked whether such renewal can still take place in today’s complex world and answered that it can and must. He pointed to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the witness of recent Popes as guidance for bringing the spirit of the early Church into modern society. Quoting Scripture, he reminded those present that Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today and forever.
In closing, Pope Leo thanked the Carabinieri for their dedication, especially their service around the Vatican and throughout Rome. He encouraged them to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and fidelity to their regulations, and as Christians to act according to the Gospel so that every intention and action is guided by charity.
He entrusted the officers and their families to the protection of Mary, Virgo Fidelis, and imparted his apostolic blessing on their work.