Vatican City: During his weekly General Audience in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the vital role of lay people in helping the Church reach all people and promote peace in society.
Continuing his catechesis on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope reflected on the 1964 document Lumen gentium. He said the contribution and witness of lay people are essential in spreading the Gospel along with justice, charity and peace.
Pope explained that the mission of lay people is not limited to Church activities but extends into everyday life. He noted that the Church becomes present in workplaces, in society and in human relationships whenever believers live out their faith through their choices and actions.
Quoting the vision of Pope Francis, Pope Leo said the Church must be outward looking and active in the world. He described it as a Church that is rooted in history and always open to its mission.
Reflecting on the dignity of all believers, Pope stressed that every baptized person shares equal dignity in Christ. He said the Council made it clear that before any distinction of roles, all members of the Church are united as children of God.
He also pointed out that lay people form the majority of the People of God, while ordained ministers serve them. Their role, he said, is grounded in baptism, which allows them to share in the priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of Christ.
Quoting Augustine of Hippo, the Pope described the Church as the whole Christ, a living and structured community rather than a formless group. He explained that both the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood work together in unity.
Pope also recalled the teaching of Pope John Paul II, who encouraged lay people to take an active role in the Church’s mission.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo invited the faithful to prepare for Easter by renewing their commitment to witness the Risen Christ in their daily lives, following the example of the first disciples.