Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics and all people of goodwill to remain committed to building peace through their daily actions, saying that holiness is a universal calling that requires love to overcome evil, greed and violence.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, the Pope said that everyone is called to live a holy life by making choices that reflect God's love and bring hope to others.
Addressing the crowds from the window of the Apostolic Palace, he explained that holiness is not limited to a small group of specially recognised individuals. Instead, it is a vocation open to everyone, regardless of their circumstances or position in life.
The Pope said that, with God's grace, people can overcome selfishness and evil through acts of love. He encouraged everyone not to lose heart in their efforts to promote peace, both in major situations of conflict and in the ordinary moments of everyday life.
Reflecting on the meaning of All Saints' Day, Pope Leo remembered the countless men and women who have followed Christ and dedicated their lives to serving God and their neighbours.
He noted that the celebration honours not only those officially recognised as saints by the Catholic Church but also countless others whose lives of faith and goodness may never be publicly known.
The Pope described this vast community of holy men and women as a reminder that goodness cannot be measured by numbers or public recognition. Their contributions to the world are reflected in the love they have shared and the positive impact they have made on others.
He also highlighted the hope at the heart of the feast, explaining that God recognises goodness even when it goes unnoticed by people. God knows the struggles and stories of individuals and reaches hearts that others may never understand.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading for the day, Pope Leo described the qualities that mark the lives of saints. They remain humble while trusting in God's love, find comfort in prayer during difficult times and respond to violence with gentleness.
He also pointed to their commitment to justice, willingness to forgive, pure intentions and determination to make peace. Even when they face persecution and insults, their faith and love remain strong.
Through his message, the Pope presented All Saints' Day as an invitation for everyone to follow Christ through daily acts of compassion, forgiveness, justice and peace, reminding the faithful that holiness begins in the choices they make in their everyday lives.