Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV called on Christians around the world to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and become witnesses of peace, truth and unity during his Pentecost Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.
Celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope reflected on the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming human hearts and renewing the world. He said the Spirit continues to guide the Church and humanity by bringing hope, courage and reconciliation in times marked by fear, division and war.
Speaking before thousands of faithful gathered at the Vatican, Pope Leo recalled the Gospel account of the Apostles hiding in fear inside the Upper Room after the death of Jesus. He said Christ entered despite the closed doors, greeted them with peace and gave them the Holy Spirit, changing their fear into courage and mission.
The Pope explained that Pentecost is not only a remembrance of an event from the past, but a living reality that continues in the Church today. He described the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of peace,” the “Spirit of mission” and the “Spirit of truth.”
Reflecting on peace, Pope Leo said true peace begins with forgiveness and reconciliation. He noted that through Christ’s resurrection and the gift of the Spirit, humanity is invited to overcome hatred, selfishness and division. He reminded the faithful that God excludes no one from His love and mercy.
The Pope also stressed that every Christian is called to share the Gospel message. He said the Holy Spirit gives believers the courage to proclaim Jesus through acts of kindness, mercy and service. According to the Pope, the Church is not only responsible for guarding the Gospel but also for actively bringing it to the world.
He encouraged the faithful to see themselves as “light and salt of the earth,” saying this mission is possible not because of human strength, but because of God’s grace working through ordinary people.
Pope Leo acknowledged that modern society often experiences confusion, violence and false ideas that weaken human dignity and hope. However, he said the Holy Spirit continues to enlighten minds and renew hearts, helping people choose truth, compassion and unity over division.
Pope warned against attitudes such as hypocrisy, partisanship and temporary trends that can distance people from the true message of the Gospel. He stressed that the Spirit protects believers and helps them remain faithful to truth and justice.
During the homily, Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of the sacraments, saying the Holy Spirit remains active through Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist and Holy Orders. He said the Spirit continually gives gifts and strength to believers through prayer, charity and the study of God’s word.
Quoting Saint Paul’s teaching that the Spirit works for the “common good,” Pope said Christians are called to serve society and build unity among people.
Toward the end of the Mass, Pope Leo made a strong appeal for peace across the world. He prayed that humanity may be saved from the “evil of war” and said lasting peace cannot be achieved through power or weapons, but through love and understanding.
Pope concluded by asking the Holy Spirit to give people the same courage that inspired the Apostles on the first Pentecost, and entrusted the prayer to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.