Pope Francis Homilies

Books of the Bible Index of Homilies

Matthew Mark Luke John The Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Tobit Judith Esther 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Songs The Book of Wisdom Sirach Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Baruch Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Pope Leo Angelus 04.10.26

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

The Gospel parable proclaimed in this Sunday’s Liturgy speaks of Jesus’ life and sheds light on the meaning of his mission (cf. Mt 21:33-43). He is the Son of God sent into the world, yet he is rejected by the very people who should have welcomed him with open arms. The One who came to bring salvation is condemned; the One who wishes to give life is put to death. While this leads us to reflect on the many cruelties that plague the world and the history of peoples, Christ’s teaching reveals the ever-greater mercy of his Father.

Indeed, the violent rejection does not thwart God’s will; in his infinite justice, he transforms evil into redemption: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Mt 21:42; cf. Ps 118:22). Jesus himself recalls these words from the Psalm, which celebrates the marvelous work done by the Lord: it is precisely what was cast aside that becomes the foundation that sustains everything. This is how the Almighty guides history, coming to our aid in all our falls: God never discards our lives!

According to the image used in the parable, the vineyard to be cultivated with justice is the Church, which we build up or damage through our choices. In this regard, today — on the eighth centenary of his death — I wish to recall a labourer who worked with great fruitfulness in the Lord’s vineyard: Saint Francis of Assisi, whom Jesus himself asked to repair his Church. Inspired by the Crucified One, Francis first and foremost built his own life upon the foundation of Christ, sharing in his poverty, joy and sufferings, even to the point of receiving the mystical sign of the stigmata. A man of fervent prayer, full of charity toward all, he was an example to the first friars who shared his asceticism as an authentic condition for the reform of the Church. Saint Francis repaired the Church by virtue of his faith in the Lord Jesus, healing the rifts of discord through the witness of fraternal love.

Dear friends, the charism of Saint Francis continues to bear fruit even today, after eight centuries. This is attested to, not only by the great and vibrant Franciscan family but also by the many gifts that his spiritual legacy bestows upon the People of God. As we celebrate the Franciscan Jubilee Year, therefore, let us perseveringly ask for the gift of peace and sincerely commit ourselves to building harmony among peoples.

May the intercession of Mary Most Holy, our Mother, always accompany us in this work. To her we now turn, spiritually united with the faithful gathered at the Shrine of Pompeii to offer the Supplication to the Virgin of the Holy Rosary.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Last Sunday, in Lourdes, I invited everyone to pray the Rosary during this month of October, with the special intention that wars may cease and peace may be built. Among the first to do so were the children, and they are continuing to do so: from 1 to 7 October, “Aid to the Church in Need” is promoting “A Million Children Praying the Rosary” initiative for peace and unity in the world. I wholeheartedly thank all the boys and girls who are joining in this prayer in so many parts of the world. Let us all follow their example, invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary so that peoples may be freed from the scourge of war. In particular, let us pray for the Holy Land and for the innocent victims of violence.

In the coming days, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, a meeting will take place in the Vatican for which I have convoked the Heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Presidents of the world’s Episcopal Conferences. It will be a time of synodal discernment for identifying the steps to be taken in order to proclaim the Gospel today among families and the younger generations. I entrust this task to your prayers and, above all, the families who, with God’s help, are a sign of hope and an inestimable treasure for the Church and for society.

I am pleased by the many initiatives celebrating the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. In particular, I recall those that took place in Assisi, attended by the highest authorities of the Italian State. I also greet the amateur radio operators of Assisi and Foligno who spread Saint Francis’ message of peace.

Now, I extend my greetings to all of you who are present today in Saint Peter’s Square.

I welcome the participants in the International Week of Sacred Music, organized by the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music; as well as the faithful from Puente Alto in Santiago, Chile, and the teachers and students of the Gymnasium Sankt Bonaventura in Dillingen, Germany.

I greet the confirmandi from Pinerolo; the faithful from Fasana Polesine; the young people from Val Brembana who have walked the Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome; the FIABA Association, which promotes campaigns to improve accessibility in public places; the “Mothers who give a smile” group from Taranto; and the “Students with Stars” association from Lurago d’Erba.

I cordially bless the faithful who, today, from this Square, will set out on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Revelation on the Via Laurentina, continuing the tradition begun by Pope Pius XII.

I wish everyone a happy Sunday.

04.10.26

Pope Leo Angelus 04.10.26

Pope Leo General Audience 30.09.26

Excerpt below, for the full transcript click on the picture link above

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today I would like to talk to you about the Apostolic Journey I made to France in recent days. It was a great gift for me and for the people of God in that country, and I give thanks to the Lord for it. I wish to express once again my gratitude to all those who welcomed me, the civil authorities and the Pastors of the Church, and to the many people who wished to meet the Pope or even just to greet him in the streets, as an apostle of Christ and a messenger of peace. Thank you to everyone!

I would like to gather my thoughts and impressions – still very vivid – of this pastoral Visit centred on a single great symbol: the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Paris. There, in the afternoon of the first day, we celebrated Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a solemn yet at the same time joyful liturgy, in which music, song and the beauty of the temple stirred the hearts of those united in prayer.

It is precisely Notre-Dame, with the tragedy it has endured, that can symbolically shed light on this entire Apostolic Journey, offering a perspective that I would summarise in one word: rebirth.

The Cathedral of Paris, which just seven years ago seemed mortally wounded by a devastating fire, has now been rebuilt and is more splendid than ever. That disaster sparked a positive reaction at every level, some more visible and practical, others more hidden and of a spiritual nature.

Its restoration was a test of the possible collaboration between the Church, the State, public institutions and civil society. This approach made it possible to make the most of both the generosity of benefactors and the expertise of professionals and skilled workers. The synergy for the common good should be the norm for institutions, political and social forces, and all those with civil and economic responsibilities. This is the message I wished to convey to the French authorities, as well as to the members of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, which has its headquarters in Paris, highlighting the fundamental criterion upon which such collaboration must be based: the dignity of the human person.

But above all, Notre-Dame is the image of the Church made up of living stones, of the holy people of God.

It is interesting to draw a parallel between the celebration of Vespers in the Cathedral with the vigil of young people which took place the same evening in the huge Stade de France in Paris. Two completely different locations, yet two complementary events, almost united spiritually. What united them? The Church, which is not made up of stones or cement, but of people who love Jesus Christ because they have been loved by Him. At Notre-Dame there were priests and deacons, consecrated persons, and pastoral workers; at the stadium there was the new French generation. New, I would say, not only in terms of age, but even more so in spirit, in the freedom of heart and faith. Young people who sang and shouted, but who also remained silent, listening. Attentive and emotional faces, which revealed hearts yearning for truth and love. To them I said with joy: “You are the saints of France!”. The Vigil was a great sign of hope.

The same was true – in the smallness that God favours – of the meeting at the Maison Bakhita, a shelter for various people in need: one of the many places, fruits of the Gospel, where people commit themselves every day to serving the dignity of the human person with love.

There is, however, a sign of renewal within the Church in France that has been evident for some years now, namely the remarkable and growing number of young people and adults seeking Baptism. In response to this beautiful “surprise” from God, a provincial synodal assembly is currently underway in Paris, at which I was able to speak, encouraging the journey of the catechumens and neophytes, together with the communities to which they belong.

30.09.26

FAMINE

Pope Francis

Hunger

Hunger is an injustice that destroys men and women because they have nothing to eat, even if there is a lot food available in the world. Human exploitation; different forms of slavery; recently I saw a film shot inside a prison where migrants are locked up and tortured to turn them into slaves. This is still happening 70 years after the Declaration of Human Rights. Cultural colonization. This is exactly what the Devil wants, to destroy human dignity – and that is why the Devil is behind all forms of persecution.

01.06.18

Pope Leo General Audience 30.09.26

Pope Leo Holy Mass, Metz 28.09.26

Apostolic Journey to France

Excerpt below, for the full transcript click on the picture link above

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am very pleased to preside over this Eucharistic celebration, in which we entrust the diocesan community of Metz and the whole of Europe to the Lord. In this historic Moselle region, which has always been a crossroads for different peoples and has suffered as a result of its location on Europe’s frontier, God’s promise resounds today with extraordinary power.

In the first reading (cf. Is 32:15-18), the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming of the Kingdom of God in terms of righteousness, justice and peace. He draws on three images: the desert, the garden and the house.

In the desert — a place of sobriety and silence — justice is established; that is, the law that helps people to walk in the path of goodness. This austere image reminds us of the importance of simplicity and what is essential, allowing us to assign the proper value to things, while at the same time teaching us renunciation and sacrifice.

The second image is that of a garden where justice reigns. While the desert represents what is essential, the garden represents beauty. There is water, seeds sprout, shoots emerge, and flowers bloom, each with their own particular beauty. This is the effect of a righteous life, which enables a person to flourish fully by freely adhering to the Lord’s plans.

The third image is that of the house, a place of peace. Note that while the desert and the garden are settings where God’s action prevails, causing things to sprout and grow, building a house, on the other hand, requires a more direct and significant contribution from human beings. It involves applying strength and skill through shared effort — a true “construction project.” Similarly, peace, a gift from God, requires a response from human beings through combined effort. After all, a home is more than just a stone structure; it is a place of human presence and love. In this sense, the prophet’s words remind us that, in a world marked by limitations, harmony can only be built through charity, a charity that knows how to share joys and sorrows, that knows how to encourage and forgive, without calculation or limit, just as in a family.

The Gospel we have just heard also addresses this (cf. Mt 5:38–48). In a world marked by so much violence, manipulation and arrogance at various levels, Jesus teaches us how to transform deserts into oases, to plant gardens, and to build homes. He shows us the path that leads through forgiveness, mercy and magnanimity: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give him your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile” (Mt 5:39–41).

To some, these words might seem like a sign of weakness, or a concession to evil, but that is not the case. Let us look carefully at ourselves and our surroundings: What do attitudes such as vengeance, retaliation, and rejection bring about, both in the world and within ourselves? What kind of future for humanity do relationships and systems imbued with the ruthless mentality stemming from these attitudes hold in store? Those of you, who are the children of this land torn apart in the past by fratricidal conflicts, know full well that it is not true that those who seek revenge are stronger than those who forgive. It is not true that those who refuse to yield are stronger than those who seek reconciliation. It is not true that those who walk away are stronger than those who face the challenge of walking together.

Metz and Moselle bear witness to the whole world that reconciliation is only possible when one has the courage to break the chains of resentment. It takes strength and great integrity not to be overwhelmed by evil, especially when the wounds inflicted are deep. However, in the face of injustice, humanity’s only path to salvation is a love that cares for others and seeks to give trust regardless of the circumstances, even when confronted with the most difficult behaviour to accept (cf. Mt 5:42). Thus, law, justice and peace are stages on a path of conversion that begins as a personal journey and becomes increasingly communal, leading to a civilisation that respects human beings and their Creator.

It is no coincidence that Saint Augustine defined the peace of the heavenly city as a harmonious communion in which people find joy in God and in one another through him (cf. De Civitate Dei, XIX, 13,1). He also described peace among people as the fruit of a tranquillitas ordinis, whereby each person recognises and respects the unique and sacred dignity and role of others.

28.09.26

Pope Leo Holy Mass, Lourdes 27.09.26

Apostolic Journey to France

Excerpt below, for the full transcript click on the picture link above

Brothers and sisters, pilgrims from France and from throughout the world, in seeing you gathered here this morning in our Mother’s home, I see the universal face of the Church. Some of you have crossed continents, travelled far, and brought your joys and burdens to this sacred grotto. What a joy it is to be together, as one heart and one family.

I would especially like to greet the pilgrims who have come from every province and diocese of France. Today you stand on this blessed ground that has received so many graces. May this pilgrimage rekindle the flame of faith in your homes and parishes. Take the consolation of Lourdes back to your neighbours, your loved ones and the whole French people.

This Sunday’s readings touch on a central part of the message that the Virgin Mary entrusted to Saint Bernadette: the call to conversion, both tender and urgent. In the Gospel, Jesus looks with truth and deep sorrow upon hearts that have remained closed, “you did not repent” (Mt 21:32). Why does this wound the heart of Christ? Because God does not want his children to be lost. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us, “When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die for it.” However, since “he considered and turned away from all the transgressions which he had committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die” (Ez 18:26, 28). This is why the call to repentance runs through Sacred Scripture and the preaching of the Gospel down the centuries. Its gravity reminds us of the urgency and necessity of conversion. It is today, not tomorrow, that we must repent. Indeed, now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation (cf. 2 Cor 6:2). God wants us to live, to open our eyes and return to him. To repent is to leave the paths on which we lost our way, and to follow the way of life, opening our hearts to the sole joy that never passes away.

Jesus himself is quite direct in calling us to repentance. As Saint Luke tells us, “Unless you repent, you will all perish” (Lk 13:5). But he also extends our horizon beyond this earthly life to the horizon of eternal life. For while happiness in this world is fleeting and relative, and sadly sometimes out of reach for some, true happiness is promised to everyone in hope, and this is what we should seek above all else, in all our efforts and choices.

27.09.26 m

The Gospel in your pocket

How do we receive the Word of God? The response is clear: As one receives Jesus Christ. The Church tells us that Jesus is present in the Scripture, in His Word.

Always carry a small Gospel with you in your purse, in your pocket, and read a passage from the Gospel during the day. Not so much to learn something, but mostly to find Jesus, because Jesus actually is in His Word, in His Gospel. Every time I read the Gospel, I find Jesus. - Pope Francis 01.09.14

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Thank you, Francis

Every month, you have invited us to pray with you for the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church, teaching us to learn compassion for others from the heart of Christ. Thank you, Francis, for your life and your witness.

Your Worldwide Prayer Network.

Pope Francis Easter Message and Urbi et Orbi Blessing 20.04.25

Easter Sunday