Vatican City:Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics around the world to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that humanity may build a more fraternal world where peace, understanding and hope can flourish among all peoples.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday, Pope reflected on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in the hearts of believers. In what was described as his final Regina Caeli address of 2026, Pope Leo invited the faithful to ask the Holy Spirit to “open all the doors that are still closed” in society, in the Church and within every human heart.
Under the bright morning sun at the Vatican, the Pope spoke warmly about the importance of rediscovering God as a loving Father. He said that such a rediscovery would help people create a Church where everyone feels welcomed and accepted, while also encouraging nations and communities to live in peace and fraternity.
The Pope based his reflections on the Acts of the Apostles, recalling the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples like a mighty wind at Pentecost. He said that this powerful image reminds Christians that the Spirit continues to act in the world today, giving strength and guidance in daily life.
Pope Leo explained that the first “door” the Spirit opens is the door to God Himself. According to the Pope, the Holy Spirit leads believers to a genuine and personal encounter with God through Jesus Christ rather than a faith based only on rules or external practices.
He said the Spirit helps people understand the deeper meaning of Scripture, recognize God’s presence in ordinary life and see others as neighbours deserving love and care.
“The Holy Spirit helps us to have a personal experience of God,” the Pope said, adding that faith becomes alive when people discover God’s presence in their everyday lives.
The Pope then turned his attention to the Church, describing it as the second “door” that needs to remain open. He warned against fear, isolation and resistance to change, saying that the Spirit calls the Church to be welcoming and open to all people.
Recalling the vision often expressed by Pope Francis, Pope Leo said the Church must become a place with “open doors,” where no one feels excluded.
He stressed that the Holy Spirit encourages Christians to overcome anxiety and hesitation when facing the challenges of the modern world. The Spirit, he said, pushes the Church to reach out to those who may have turned away from God, lost hope or feel distant from faith.
The Pope’s final reflection focused on the human heart. He said that true fraternity among people can only grow when hearts are opened by the Holy Spirit. He urged believers to overcome selfishness, mistrust and prejudice, which often create divisions between individuals and nations.
According to the Pope, the Spirit teaches humanity the “language of love,” a language capable of uniting people despite cultural, social and political differences.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, fraternity is born,” Pope Leo said, adding that love and harmony can overcome fear and division.
The Pope also encouraged the faithful to continue praying for Christians suffering in conflict regions, especially in the Middle East and China, while asking believers everywhere to become instruments of peace in their own communities.
As pilgrims applauded in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Leo concluded his message with a renewed appeal for openness to the Holy Spirit, saying that only through God’s grace can humanity move toward a future marked by peace, unity and hope.