In his Aug. 17 Angelus address in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV delivered a reflection on the cost and courage of Christian discipleship, urging believers to hold fast to truth, even when it provokes resistance.
The Holy Father was in Castel Gandolfo in part for a scheduled lunch with about 100 homeless guests at Borgo Laudato Si’, a gathering held in the gardens of the papal residence, CatholicVote reported.
Addressing the faithful gathered in Piazza della Libertà, the Pope examined the Gospel from Luke (12:49–53), in which Jesus openly acknowledges the division His mission would bring.
“[H]is mission, and even that of his followers, is not a ‘bed of roses’, but a ‘sign of contradiction’,” the Pope said, referencing Simeon’s prophecy from Luke 2:34.
He noted that Christ, too, faced rejection, insults, and crucifixion, and that early Christian communities — despite living peaceably — suffered for their faith.
“[B]eing or doing good does not always receive a positive response,” he said. “On the contrary, because its beauty at times annoys those who do not welcome it, one can end up encountering harsh opposition, even insolence and oppression.”
Still, he encouraged the faithful not to return hostility with hostility.
“[Jesus] invites us not to respond to insolence with vengeance, but to remain faithful to the truth in love,” he said.
Pope Leo pointed to the example of the martyrs, urging the faithful to reflect that such courage isn’t limited to extraordinary circumstances. He noted that Christians can embody the same fidelity through the steady pursuit of truth in everyday life. Remaining true to one’s convictions — whether raising children, teaching, or serving in public roles — demands perseverance and often comes at a cost.
In that spirit, he recalled the bold witness of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who, before being martyred, told the Christians in Rome: “I do not want you to please men, but to please God,” (Rom. 2:1) and “It is better for me to die in Jesus Christ than reign over the ends of the earth,” (Rom. 6:1).
“Brothers and sisters, let us together ask Mary, Queen of Martyrs, to help us be faithful and courageous witnesses of her Son in every circumstance, and to sustain our brothers and sisters who suffer for the faith today,” the Pope said.
Following his Angelus message, he turned his attention to recent natural disasters, voicing support for the people of Pakistan, India, and Nepal in the wake of severe flooding. He offered prayers for those who have died, their grieving families, and all affected by the destruction.
Pope Leo also addressed ongoing global conflicts, encouraging efforts toward resolution and reconciliation.
“Let us pray that efforts to bring wars to an end and to promote peace may bear fruit,” he said, “and that in negotiations the common good of peoples may always be placed first.”
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Author: Rachel Quackenbush
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