Vatican City (AsiaNews) – This morning, during the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV devoted a lengthy reflection to today’s Solemnity of All Saints. Recalling the “multitude” of saints who “span the most diverse backgrounds, cultures and life situations”, he stated: “Holiness is not a privilege for the few, but a universal vocation that calls upon each of us right where we live.” Over 25,000 faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, where work is currently underway in the centre to prepare the traditional Christmas nativity scene.
Saints rich in God’s love
Saints form a family animated by “joy”, said the Pope on 1 November, the day on which we honour the memory of all the holy people in Christian history, including those who have not been canonised or who are unknown – known only to God. “It is impossible to ‘count’ the host of these brothers and sisters, and not merely in numerical terms: holiness, in fact, cannot be reduced to any calculation, for such is the goodness that all the saints have spread around them throughout the world.” It is no coincidence that today’s liturgy speaks of an “immense multitude”.
Leo XIV commented on the Gospel of the day (Mt 5:1–12a), which describes them as “poor in spirit, yet rich in God’s love”. With “faces streaked with tears, yet comforted in prayer”. But also “meek in the face of violence” and “hungering for justice”. All the saints commemorated today are “open to forgiveness and embraced by mercy. Unarmed in heart, yet protected by God. Peacemakers, called by name by God. Persecuted and wronged, yet strong in faith and charity”, he said.
This morning, the Pope announced that tomorrow afternoon, on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, he will celebrate Mass at the Verano Cemetery in Rome. “Let us feel united in the communion of saints with the immense family of brothers and sisters who have gone before us on this earthly pilgrimage, and let us pray for the departed, especially for those whom no one remembers,” he said.
“Let us entrust to Mary all those who suffer because of wars”
After the Angelus, from the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV recalled the humanitarian efforts on behalf of the civilian population in the town of Oleshky. From this town in southern Ukraine, ravaged by war, several civilians have been evacuated. “ I hope that the cooperation between the parties, which has made this necessary gesture of humanity possible, will foster a greater willingness to engage in dialogue and lead to new, concrete initiatives for peace. Let us entrust to Mary, Queen of Peace and of All Saints, all those throughout the world who suffer because of wars.”
The Pope also mentioned the Youth Olympic Games, which are taking place from yesterday until 13 November in Dakar, Senegal. An event dedicated to young athletes aged between 15 and 18. “It is the first Olympic event organised on the African continent,” explained Prevost. “In addition to the competitions, these Games include educational and cultural events to promote Olympic values and foster understanding amongst young people from all over the world. Here, once again, is a sign of hope coming from the world of sport! I extend my warmest greetings and blessings to all the participants.”
Leo XIV also mentioned the Mission with the Poor – a major initiative of solidarity and prayer promoted by the Friars Minor in Rome from 8 to 15 November. “I congratulate the sons of St Francis who, through this initiative, place the poor at the centre, just as the Lord Jesus did and as St Francis of Assisi did,” he said after the Angelus.
