Pope: Look to Saints Peter and Paul to be 'builders of unity'
Leo XIV led the Mass in the Vatican Basilica on the solemnity of the “two pillars of the Church." He also blessed and imposed the pallium on six Asian metropolitan archbishops from the Philippines, India, and Pakistan. The "mission" of Peter and his successors is to be “the voice of each person”. At the Angelus, he said: “Let us continue to walk together in faith and communion”.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at 9:30 am today, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, in the Vatican Basilica with cardinals, bishops, and metropolitan archbishops
In his homily, the pontiff said that looking to the two saints on the liturgical feast dedicated to their martyrdom in Rome can help “understand how we, in turn, can be apostles and builders of unity, and generous servants of the truth in charity.”
To the recently appointed cardinals, he dedicated, as per tradition, the blessing and imposition of the pallium – a white woollen band adorned with crosses that signify their bond with the pope and acquired authority.
The presentation of vestments is part of an "ancient and moving” rite, Leo XIV said. The pallia express the commitment of every Christian person “to take upon their shoulders the brothers and sisters entrusted to them, like so many lambs of the Lord’s flock, and to sacrifice their energy, time, effort and even their lives for them. They do so in order that the Gospel may reach everyone, and the whole world may find in it harmony and concord”.
On this occasion, six metropolitan archbishops from Asia received their pallium: Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai and Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta from India; Archbishop Alberto S. Uy of Cebu, Archbishop Charlie M. Inzon of Cotabato, and Archbishop David William V. Antonio of Nueva Segovia from the Philippines; and Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore from Pakistan.
In his homily, the Pope also spoke about the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of the city and diocese of Rome, "two pillars of the Church", one chosen by Jesus as "shepherd of his flock," the other as "apostle to the Gentiles."
Peter is described as "guardian of the People of God, [. . .] striving to preserve communion among the brothers”, someone who possesses a “magnanimity," which, however, does not automatically mean he is "perfect."
“Peter knows how to acknowledge his mistakes and repent, without becoming discouraged and without failing in his mission to proclaim the Gospel and gather Christ’s flock, even unto martyrdom — a fate which he suffered here in Rome,” Leo explained.
Saint Peter is often identified with the symbol of the keys, which reflects a “faithful and patient concern for unity”; in fact, “A key does not break down doors; rather, it opens and closes them”.
Likewise, “communion within the Church is not built by clinging rigidly to one’s own position, but by seeking, in all hearts, points of encounter in the Truth, in whose light alone each person becomes a means of growth for another,” Leo said before some 5,500 people.
The pope spoke of the “mission” of Peter and his successors, which is “to listen, with his help, to the voice of each person; to discern inspirations; to guide the way; to correct errors; to instruct, encourage, exhort and accompany our brothers and sisters so that, docile to the action of the same Spirit, they may cooperate in the salvation of one another and of all humanity.”
Saint Paul is described as a "tireless herald of the Good News." His distinctive symbols are the book and the sword, joined together, indicating how the Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
“The apostle to the Gentiles allowed himself to be transformed by the power of God’s word, which rescued him from the way of violence and led him onto the path of love," Leo said, citing his conversion to the Gospel, which led him to receive a "new name."
At 12:00 noon, the pope appeared at the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the recitation of the Angelus.
Noting again “the suffering of the communion" of Saints Peter and Paul, he said that, “They knew it, served it, and proclaimed it as the sacrament of divine life. Their witness has contributed significantly to ensuring that the Christian presence in history is aimed not at domination, but at service, unity, and reconciliation”.
After the Marian prayer, the pontiff thanked those “who support my ministry as Successor of Peter. Let us continue to walk together in faith and communion.”
He then extended his best wishes to the people of Rome and those, including priests, men and women religious, who live in Rome.
Leo greeted the volunteers of the Pro Loco d’Italia who organised the traditional “fiorate” (flower displays). “Thank you and congratulations!” he said after the Angelus. He also thanked the organisers of this evening’s fireworks display, called the “Girandola di Castel Sant’Angelo.”
Finally, the pope greeted the homeless in St Peter's Square who were handing out L'Osservatore di strada, a supplement to L'Osservatore Romano.
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