Pope in Pompeii one year after his election: ‘Only love saves the world’
At the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary, Leo XIV called for prayer to be put back at the centre. “The wars that are still being fought in many regions of the world require a renewed commitment that is not only economic and political, but also spiritual and religious." In his message on behalf of Indian Catholics, Cardinal Poola writes that, “Pope Leo XIV’s first year is a call to renewed fidelity: to be artisans of peace, builders of communion, and servants of the poor.”
Pompei (AsiaNews) – “Exactly one year ago, when I was entrusted with the ministry of Successor of Peter, it was precisely the day of the Supplication to the Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii. I therefore had to come here, to place my service under the protection of the Holy Virgin,” said Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the famous Marian shrine in Campania established by Saint Bartolo Longo.
In his address, the pontiff invited the faithful to relive the first anniversary of his election, which falls today, in the sign of the Virgin of the Rosary.
Upon arriving in Pompei this morning for a visit that will also take him to Naples in the afternoon, Leo met thousands of pilgrims and devotees, beginning at the Temple of Charity, people from various situations of hardship, welcomed in the various centres of the Pompeii shrine.
In the large square in front of the church, the pontiff led the Eucharistic celebration, which ended with the rite of the Supplication, the prayer composed by Bartolo Longo in 1883, in response to the invitation by then Pope Leo XIII – whose name Bishop Robert Prevost took a year ago – to invoke his salvation and that of the entire world through the Rosary prayer. Since then, it has been recited every year on 8 May, the anniversary of the laying of the shrine’s foundation stone in 1876, exactly 150 years ago.
In his homily, Leo XIV today focused on the meaning and urgency of praying the Rosary. Citing John Paul II’s apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, he said this prayer “focuses on the needs of the world, proposing in particular two intentions that remain of pressing relevance: the family, which suffers from the weakening of the marital bond, and peace, jeopardised by international tensions and an economy that prefers the arms trade to respect for human life.”
"Preceded by the proclamation of the Word of God, nestled between the Our Father and the Glory, the Hail Mary repeated in the Rosary is an act of love," the Pope explained. "Isn't it for precisely tirelessly repeat love: 'I love you'? An act of love that, on the beads of the rosary, as clearly seen in the Marian painting in this shrine, leads us back to Jesus and brings us to the Eucharist, ‘source and summit of all Christian life’."
Mentioning the Year of the Rosary proclaimed by John Paul II in 2002, Leo noted that "times have not improved since then. The wars still being fought in many regions of the world call for a renewed commitment, not only economic and political, but also spiritual and religious. Peace is born within the heart."
Finally, “Jesus," Leo XIV said, "told us that prayer offered with faith can achieve everything. And Saint Bartolo Longo, thinking of Mary's faith, calls her ‘omnipotent by grace’."
"Through her intercession, may the God of peace bring forth a superabundant outpouring of mercy, touching hearts, calming fratricidal resentment and hatred, and enlightening those who have special responsibilities in government. No earthly power will save the world, but only the divine power of love, this divine power of love that Jesus, the Lord, revealed and gave to us. Let us believe in Him, let us hope in Him, let us follow Him."
Cardinal Poola's message of good wishes on behalf of Indian Catholics
On the first anniversary of his election, Pope Leo received numerous messages of good wishes from around the world. Among those from Asia, a particularly significant one was sent by Cardinal Anthony Poola on behalf of the Indian Church.
“As we look back with gratitude on this first year of his pontificate, we recognize three hallmarks of his Petrine ministry,” writes the cardinal, who is also the archbishop of Hyderabad and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).
“First, a ministry of peace. Pope Leo XIV has consistently called the Church and the world to seek an ‘unarmed and disarming peace’ – peace born not from power, fear, or calculation, but from the heart of the Risen Christ. In a world wounded by war, polarization, and violence, he has become a gentle yet firm voice of reconciliation.
“Second, a ministry of synodal communion. The Holy Father has encouraged the Church to walk together in listening, dialogue, discernment, and shared responsibility. He has renewed the Church’s commitment to synodality as the path of communion and mission for our time. This is especially meaningful for the Church in India, called to live unity amid rich cultural, linguistic, and social diversity.
“Third, a ministry of love for the poor and the vulnerable. Through his words and witness, especially in his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te and in his apostolic journey to Africa, Pope Leo XIV has invited the whole Church to hear the cry of the poor and to enter more deeply into the heart of God. He reminds us that love for the poor is not an optional work of charity, but a constitutive expression of the Gospel.”
Indeed, “For the Church in India, Pope Leo XIV’s first year is a call to renewed fidelity: to be artisans of peace, builders of communion, and servants of the poor. In our parishes, dioceses, institutions, families, and mission stations, we are invited to receive his teaching not only with admiration, but with concrete pastoral commitment.
Last but not least, “On this joyful anniversary, we assure the Holy Father of our prayers, affection, and obedience. May the Lord strengthen him in wisdom, courage, and holiness. May Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany his Petrine ministry. And may the Church, under his guidance, continue to proclaim Christ, our peace, our hope, and our salvation.”
(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)
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