In the first Regina Coeli That he presided since the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV has thanked the faithful “affection” who are manifesting him, while asking them – as he also used to make his predecessor, Francisco – that they pray for him.
“For a few days I have started my ministry between you and desire, first of all, to thank you for the affection that you are expressing me; at the same time, I ask you to hold me with your prayer and closeness,” exclaimed the Pontiff, which until the previous Sunday had prayed the Mariana prayer from the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro.
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Thousands of people gathered this Sunday in the Vatican Square with flags from different countries and with posters that put “Long live Pope Leo XIV!”, With which they showed him his love.
In his speech, the Pontiff acknowledged that “in everything that the Lord calls us, both on the path of life and in that of faith, sometimes we feel insufficient.”
However, precisely in the light of the Gospel this Sunday, he said that we must not look at the forces of each one, “but in the mercy of the Lord who has chosen us, sure that the Holy Spirit guides us and teaches us everything.”
And he added in this regard: “It is beautiful that, when looking at our call, the realities and people that have been confident, the commitments we carry out and our service in the church, each of us can say with confidence: although I am fragile, the Lord is not ashamed of my humanity, on the contrary, it comes to live within me.”
Pope Leo XIV also reflected on the attitude of the apostles who, on the eve of the teacher’s death, “were disturbed and distressed, wondering how they could be continuators and witnesses of the kingdom of God.” But when Jesus appears to them, he announces the gift of the Holy Spirit with this wonderful promise: “He who loves me will be faithful to my word, and my Father will love him; we will go to Him and live in Him,” he said.
“In this way, Jesus frees disciples from all anguish and concern and can tell them: Do not worry or fear!” He said.
Thus he explained that “if we remain in his love, in effect, he himself makes dwell in us, our life becomes a temple of God and that love enlightens us, he enters our way of thinking and our decisions, until we also reach others and illuminate all areas of our existence.”
God is especially revealed in the little ones
On the other hand, he remarked that God “reveals itself especially in the little ones, in the poor and in whom they suffer, asking us to be attentive and compassionate Christians.”
He also also asked Christians for the commitment to bring the love of God “everywhere” and entrusted this request to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. “He accompanies me with his spirit, illuminates me and becomes an instrument of his love for others, for society and for the world. Dear friends, about the foundation of this promise, let’s walk in the joy of faith, to be the Holy Temple of the Lord,” he said.
As usual, instead of reciting the Regina Coelithe prayer that replaces Angelus in Easter time, Pope Leo XIV preferred to sing it.
The work of Father Streich “enraged the followers of communist ideology”
After the prayer of Regina CoeliPope Leo XIV recalled with emotion the Polish priest Stanisław Streich, who was beatified this Saturday in Poznań, Poland, in a ceremony chaired by Cardinal Marcello Senoro, prefect of the Dicasterio for the causes of the saints.
On February 27, 1938, during a Sunday Mass for Children, Fr. Streich was shot dead by a communist activist at the time of the consecration of the Eucharist. According to witnesses, the murderer shot the priest several times and then shouted from the pulpit: “Long live communism!” This act was recognized by the Vatican as a martyrdom “in hate of faith” (In Odium Fidei), which allowed its beatification.
Thus, the Pontiff stressed that “his work in favor of the poor and workers enraged the followers of communist ideology.” From his testimony, he urged: “His example can stimulate priests in particular to generously surrender by the Gospel and the brothers.”
Pope Leo XIV also recalled the day of prayer for the Church in China, which is celebrated every May 24, coinciding with the liturgical memory of the Virgin Mary, help of the Christians, especially venerated in the Sanctuary of Sheshan, near Shanghai.
On this day, instituted by Benedict XVI, “in the churches, in the sanctuaries of China and throughout the world prayers to God rose as a sign of affection by Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church,” he said. Thus, she asked the Virgin to “obtain for them and for us the grace of being strong and joyful witnesses of the gospel, even in the midst of the evidence, to always promote peace and harmony.”
The Pontiff also reminded “all the peoples who suffer from war” and claimed the “courage and perseverance” of those who are committed “in the dialogue and in the sincere search for peace.”
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the encyclical Laudato yessigned by Pope Francis on May 24, 2015, the American Pontiff recalled his global impact: “He has had an extraordinary diffusion, inspiring innumerable initiatives and teaching everyone to listen to the double scream of the earth and the poor.” Thus, he thanked those who remain committed to their legacy, such as the Laudato Si ‘movement.
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all the news of the Vatican for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa and Omega.