Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to use the summer season not only for rest and holidays but also as a time to grow in faith, show compassion and remember those who are suffering. He encouraged families, young people and volunteers to make the months of rest an opportunity to live the values of the Gospel through peace, mercy and service to others.
The Pope shared this message in the July and August edition of the Italian magazine Piazza San Pietro, where he responded to a letter from Maurizio, a man from Rome who asked how he could deepen his faith during the summer months.
In his letter, Maurizio reflected on the challenges of modern life, describing a world that is becoming faster and more efficient but is also increasingly distracted and superficial. He said that the many conflicts and uncertainties across the world have made him think deeply about how to develop a more meaningful spiritual life that is expressed through love, responsibility and respect for others.
As the holiday season approaches, Maurizio explained that he wanted to use the time not only to relax but also to rediscover his inner life and strengthen his relationship with God. He asked Pope Leo XIV for guidance on how to make the most of this period.
Responding to the letter, the Pope began by reminding readers that while many people are preparing for holidays, countless others cannot enjoy even a short period of rest because of the heavy burdens they carry in life.
He invited Christians to remember those who are sick, people who have lost hope, families grieving the death of loved ones, victims of war, hatred, terrorism and violence, as well as those who are persecuted because of their faith or their commitment to justice. He also mentioned prisoners, people who have lost their jobs or homes and migrants who are not welcomed with dignity and compassion.
Pope Leo XIV said that holidays should be a time when people can step away from the pressures of work and daily worries to enjoy genuine friendship, family life and community. He described such moments as a glimpse of the unity and peace that God desires for humanity.
He encouraged all Christians to use the summer months as a chance to live the Gospel through acts of peace, mercy and kindness. Addressing families, he expressed the hope that parents, children, young people and older adults would make good use of this season by taking part in meaningful social and religious activities while strengthening their role in both the Church and society.
The Pope also spoke directly about the importance of caring for vulnerable people. He said he hoped that those who are sick would continue to receive the support and companionship of relatives, friends and volunteers. He also urged families not to leave elderly members alone during the holiday period, stressing that their presence and care are deeply valuable.
He offered special encouragement to volunteers, inviting them to continue bringing hope and compassion to people who are suffering. He said those who dedicate themselves to helping others will discover that such service fills their own lives with love, joy and lasting happiness.
Pope Leo XIV also reflected on the Christian responsibility to serve the poor with humility. He reminded believers that every act of service offered to those in need is ultimately an act of love for Christ himself. At the same time, he encouraged people to reject excessive consumerism and materialism, choosing instead a simpler and more moderate way of living.
He warned that the pursuit and accumulation of wealth can become an obstacle to sharing the Gospel and called on Christians to embrace a spirit of evangelical poverty through generosity and service.
Concluding his message, the Pope expressed the hope that people's holidays would reflect Christian values in both their actions and attitudes. He reminded believers that God's love and grace are present every day and encouraged communities to help one another protect the precious gifts of humanity and peace.
He ended by saying that peace remains the only true hope for building a future in a world that continues to face the threat of war.