Montserrat: Pope Leo XIV called on Christians to reject hatred, division and harmful speech and instead nurture love, hope and peace during a prayer gathering at the historic Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat in northeastern Spain on Wednesday.
Speaking after leading the rosary at the famous Marian shrine, Pope urged the faithful to follow the example of the Virgin Mary, who always points people toward Jesus Christ and His message of mercy, reconciliation and compassion.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered at the abbey, Pope Leo said Mary teaches believers to avoid hurtful words, gossip, slander and quick judgments that damage relationships and communities. He encouraged people to promote love in families, workplaces, friendships, social media discussions, political debates and Christian communities.
“May we learn to cherish and nurture love so that hatred may give way to hope and peace,” the Pope said.
The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, located in the mountains about an hour from Barcelona, is one of Spain’s most important religious sites. It houses the revered image of Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. Managed by Benedictine monks, the monastery celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of its foundation in 2025.
Pope Leo was warmly welcomed upon his arrival, greeting crowds from the popemobile before entering the basilica. He was received by Bishop Xabier Gomez Garcia of Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Abbot Manel Gasch i Hurios. Around 7,000 people gathered inside and around the basilica for the event.
Before the rosary, Pope spent time in prayer in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and took part in the traditional welcoming ceremony. The celebration was enriched by hymns performed by the Escolania of Montserrat, Europe’s oldest boys’ choir school.
In his address, Pope Leo said he had come to Montserrat to entrust his Petrine ministry and the mission of the Church to the protection of the Virgin Mary at a time when the world is longing for justice and peace.
He reflected on the long history of faith connected with the shrine, saying that its walls could tell countless stories of devotion, gratitude and hope shared by pilgrims over many centuries.
Pope also recalled the conversion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who spent a night in prayer at Montserrat before deciding to abandon his military ambitions and dedicate his life to God. He said this example shows how Mary leads people to a deeper conversion of heart.
Referring to Mary’s words at the wedding feast of Cana, “Do whatever He tells you,” Pope Leo described them as a guide for Christian living. He said believers are called to listen to Christ, follow His teachings and allow themselves to be transformed by the Gospel.
Pope warned that violence is not only found in wars and conflicts but can also appear in everyday attitudes and speech. Criticism that humiliates, condemnation that destroys and aggression that divides are forms of hidden violence that often stem from fear, pain and personal wounds, he said.
Standing before the image of Our Lady of Montserrat holding the Child Jesus, Pope Leo invited the faithful to lay down the “armour” that hardens human hearts. He noted that the infant Jesus carried no armour and later gave Himself completely on the Cross, revealing the power of love rather than force.
Pope also reflected on the globe held by the Virgin Mary in her hand, saying it symbolizes her care for the whole world and her call for humanity to recognize one another as brothers and sisters.
Following the rosary, Pope Leo prayed before the image of the Virgin and later greeted the faithful from the basilica balcony. Thanking the people of Catalonia and visitors from many countries, he praised the spirit of faith and unity shown throughout his visit to Spain.
He said the country was filled with faith, gratitude and a desire to praise God, adding that the welcome offered by Catalonia demonstrated how people from different backgrounds can come together as one family under the loving care of the Virgin Mary.