On the day that marks one month since Pope Leo XIV was elected Supreme Pontiff, the Holy Father presided over his first Solemnity of Pentecost in his Pontificate, attended by thousands of pilgrims from around the world.
On a sunny day closing the Easter season, Leo XIV pointed out that the first work of the Spirit is interior: it breaks the barriers of selfishness, individualism, and fear, making space in us for love.
“The Holy Spirit comes to challenge, within us, the risk of a life that atrophies, absorbed by individualism,” the Holy Father explained, while decrying how in a hyperconnected world, millions remain alone and disoriented.
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“It is sad to observe how in a world where opportunities to socialize multiply, we risk paradoxically being more alone—always connected and yet incapable of ‘forming bonds,’ always immersed in the crowd, yet remaining disoriented, solitary travelers.”
During his homily, the Pope also reminded that the Spirit of God “makes us discover a new way of seeing and living life”: On one hand, “it opens us to encounter ourselves, beyond the masks we wear,” but it also “leads us to encounter the Lord by teaching us to experience his joy.”
The Holy Spirit also matures within us the fruits that help us live authentic and healthy relationships: “when the love of God dwells in us, we are able to open ourselves to our brothers and sisters, to overcome our rigidities, to conquer fear of those who are different,” affirmed the Pontiff, reminding us that the Spirit also works among people, transforming those hidden dangers that contaminate our relationships—such as misunderstandings and prejudices—and he firmly denounces the forms of violence and domination, citing with sadness the recent cases of femicide.
He also called to put into practice “the commandment of love,” concluding the homily by recalling that “the Spirit breaks down borders and demolishes the walls of indifference and hatred” in a world torn apart by wars and forced migrations.
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Before concluding the celebration, Leo XIV offered a heartfelt greeting and thanks to all representatives of ecclesial associations, movements, and new communities, among whom were dozens of missionaries from the Shalom Community:
“Dear sisters and brothers, go forth renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit from this Jubilee dedicated to you. Go and bring to all the hope of the Lord Jesus!”
“Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, let us implore the Holy Spirit for the gift of peace. Above all, peace in hearts: only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, in society, in international relations. May the Spirit of the Risen Christ open paths of reconciliation wherever there is war; enlighten leaders and give them the courage to make gestures of detente and dialogue,” he concluded.
