Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to place their hope in Christ during times of war, suffering and uncertainty, saying that Jesus shares the burdens of humanity and never abandons people in their struggles.
Speaking during the Sunday Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope reflected on the suffering present across the world and explained that Christ offers freedom, hope and forgiveness to people facing different forms of pain.
“In slavery, Christ is liberation. Amid the scourge of war, Christ is hope. In the hour of sin, Christ is forgiveness,” Pope Leo said.
The Pope said the message of Christ is especially important at a time when many people are affected by conflict, violence, fear and other difficulties. He explained that true Christian wisdom is not based on pride or human power, but on humility, love and service to others.
According to Pope Leo, Jesus teaches humanity by becoming close to people and sharing their suffering. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ reveals the truth about God and human life, while showing people a path towards freedom and hope.
Reflecting on the Gospel passage from Matthew Chapter 11, verses 25 to 30, Pope Leo spoke about the invitation of Jesus to those who are tired and carrying heavy burdens. He said that the cross people carry can become easier and lighter because Christ carries it with them.
The Pope stressed that this does not mean human suffering disappears immediately. Instead, faith gives people the strength to face difficult situations with the knowledge that they are not abandoned in their pain.
Pope Leo described Jesus as a true teacher who takes upon himself a humanity wounded by evil. Christ does this in order to heal, care for and restore people, the Pope said.
He explained that the cross of Jesus gives Christians a deeper understanding of suffering and offers comfort in the darkest moments of life. The wisdom received from Christ is a message of salvation, he said, adding that the teaching of Jesus helps people rise again after failure and difficulty.
The Pope also said that following Christ should not be understood as a journey that destroys human joy or freedom. Instead, he described Christian discipleship as a school of freedom that takes the struggles of human history seriously and helps people understand them, particularly during difficult times.
Pope Leo said that Christians find the deepest answer to evil in the cross and suffering of Jesus. He explained that the passion of Christ brings consolation and redemption to people who feel exhausted by the burdens of life.
Another major part of the Pope’s message focused on humility. He warned that people can sometimes become so confident in their own ideas and knowledge that they fail to recognise the presence of God.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Pope Leo said Jesus praised the Father because divine truth was revealed to the simple and humble while remaining hidden from those who considered themselves wise and intelligent.
The Pope warned that human wisdom can turn into arrogance when people become too attached to their own ideas. He said that even religious teaching can lose its true purpose when it becomes a source of pride instead of a way to love and serve others.
In contrast, Pope Leo said the true wisdom of God is seen in the humility of the Incarnation, through which Christ entered human life and became close to humanity.
He said the message of Jesus is especially addressed to people who are struggling, tired or carrying heavy burdens. The invitation of Christ to come to him remains open to everyone seeking comfort, strength and meaning in difficult times.
According to the Pope, going to Jesus means responding to his love and sharing in his life, including the sacrifice represented by the cross. He explained that the yoke of Christ is based on giving oneself in love for others.
Pope Leo concluded his reflection by presenting the Christian message as one of hope even during the darkest periods of history. His words encouraged the faithful to see Christ as a source of freedom for those who are oppressed, forgiveness for those burdened by sin and hope for a world suffering from war and violence.
At a time when conflicts and human suffering continue to affect communities around the world, the Pope’s Angelus message placed humility, compassion and shared responsibility at the centre of the Christian response. He reminded the faithful that the path of Christ is not one of pride or isolation, but of love that enters into the suffering of others and helps carry their burdens.