Pope: ‘Amid the scourge of war, Christ is hope’

After the Angelus, Leo XIV spoke about Francis Xavier Tru'o'ng Bǚu Diệp (1897-1946), a priest beatified on 2 July in Vietnam, killed "in hatred of the faith”. “May his intercession” helps those in “situations of persecution today.” The pope reiterated his closeness to the people of Venezuela. “God’s way” is to reveal himself “to infants,” he said commenting today’s Gospel.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – At noon today, Pope Leo XIV appeared from the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the first Angelus of July. After the Marian prayer, he spoke about Phanxicô Xaviê (Francis Xavier) Tru'o'ng Bǚu Diệp (1897-1946), a priest beatified on 2 July in Vietnam, at the Shrine of Tắc Sậy.

Killed “in hatred of the faith", the blessed offered his life to secure the release of more than 70 people who had been seized and held by Caodaist militiamen.

“Amid oppression and violence, he defended the rights of the people and did not abandon his parishioners,” the pontiff said. “May his intercession and prayers strengthen all those who proclaim the Gospel in situations of persecution today.” 

Greeting among the pilgrims in St Peter's Square the members of the Choir of the University of Mérida, Venezuela, Leo expressed renewed closeness to the people of Venezuela recently affected by terrible earthquakes.

“I continue to remember in my prayers the victims of the earthquake and all the Venezuelan people. May the Lord sustain them in this time of great hardship,” he said.

Before the Angelus, as he usually does, Leo commented today's Gospel (Mt 11:25-30). Around 18,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square to listen to his reflections on the wisdom of Jesus.

Speaking about God's "way of acting”, the pope said that He reveals Himself “'to infants,' while remaining hidden 'from the wise and the intelligent’," who “fail to recognize the presence of Christ”. Indeed, “Human wisdom” is marked by “arrogance” and “pride”.

Conversely, God's wisdom is different, revealing itself "in the humility of the incarnation, and his teaching is addressed above all to those who struggle.” As verse 28 states, “‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens’.”

Going towards him “means responding to his love and sharing in his life, even to the cross,” Leo explained. “[S]elf-giving out of love” is “the essence of his teaching and the heart of his wisdom, ablaze with love for all.”

The pope stressed that the "weight" of the cross can be “easy” and “light”. How is this possible? “[B]ecause the Lord himself carries it with us, never leaving us alone in what burdens us. As a true teacher, Jesus takes upon himself humanity wounded by evil in order to heal and care for it,” he said.

In the "passion" of Jesus, humanity's "mortal weariness" finds “consolation and redemption.” “In slavery, Christ is liberation. Amid the scourge of war, Christ is hope. In the hour of sin, Christ is forgiveness. This is true wisdom”.