Vatican City: Reflecting on the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension during the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV said the mystery of Christ ascending into heaven continues to remain close to the lives of believers today, drawing humanity toward communion with God and spreading peace in the world.
Speaking to around 20,000 pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Pope explained that although Jesus’ Ascension may appear to be a distant event from the past, it is in fact a living reality for Christians everywhere.
Pope noted that in many countries the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension on Sunday. He said believers are united with Christ as members of one body joined to its head, and through this bond Jesus continues to lead humanity toward “full communion with the Father.”
Reflecting on the meaning of the feast, Pope Leo described Christ’s entire earthly life as “a movement of ascent.” Through His humanity, he said, Jesus embraced the whole world and lifted human beings from sin and suffering toward redemption and hope.
Pope explained that Christ brought light where there had once been darkness, forgiveness where injustice prevailed, and hope where people experienced despair. Recalling the Easter liturgy, he said the victory of Christ over death continues to renew the life of the world.
According to the Pope, the Ascension also reminds Christians that they are called to look beyond earthly limits and direct their thoughts, actions and relationships toward God’s love. He said the living connection between Christ and humanity already raises believers toward heavenly glory while they continue their journey on earth.
Pope Leo stressed that Jesus showed the path toward this spiritual ascent through His teachings, His example and His sacrifice. He added that Christians can also learn from the witness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, whose lives reflected closeness to God and service to others.
Pope also recalled the words often used by Pope Francis about the “saints next door.” He said holiness can be seen in ordinary people such as fathers, mothers, grandparents and people from every walk of life who sincerely try to live according to the Gospel with joy and dedication.
Encouraging the faithful to support one another through prayer and solidarity, Pope Leo said Christians can gradually learn to “ascend day by day toward heaven.” Referring to the teachings of Saint Paul, he invited believers to focus their lives on what is true, just and worthy of love.
Pope concluded by saying that the divine life received through Baptism should continue growing within people and communities, helping spread the “precious fruits of communion and peace” throughout the world.