During his Sunday Angelus on the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to look beyond buildings and traditions to the living heart of the Church — Jesus Christ. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, he reflected on the unity of the Church of Rome and reminded the faithful that “the true sanctuary of God is Christ who died and rose again,” according to Catholic News Agency.
The pope described the Lateran Basilica — the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome — as a symbol of faith that has endured since the time of the Apostles. While it stands as an architectural masterpiece, he said, its deepest meaning lies in what it represents: the living faith of believers across generations. “It is not only a work of extraordinary historical, artistic, and religious value,” he explained, “but it also represents the driving force of the faith entrusted to and preserved by the Apostles.”
Within its walls, he noted, twelve great statues of the Apostles remind visitors that the Church’s foundations are not of stone, but of witness — of men and women who gave their lives for Christ. Yet, the pope cautioned against seeing the Church as merely an institution or monument. “The mystery of the Church,” he said, “is much more than a simple place, a physical space, a building made of stones.”
Reflecting on the Gospel passage of Jesus cleansing the Temple, Pope Leo pointed to the spiritual truth that “the true sanctuary of God is Christ who died and rose again.” He called Christ “the only mediator of salvation” and “the one who, by uniting himself with our humanity and transforming us with his love, opens wide the door that leads to the Father.”
The Holy Father reminded believers that they, too, form part of this living sanctuary. “We are the Church of Christ, his body,” he said, “his members called to spread his Gospel of mercy, consolation, and peace throughout the world.” That witness, he added, must be seen not only in prayer but “in our lives — in the worship that shines forth through love, compassion, and fidelity.”
Pope Leo acknowledged that human weakness can cloud the Church’s beauty. “The sins and weaknesses of believers,” he said, often hide its holiness. But the Church’s sanctity, he added, “does not depend on our merits,” but on “the gift of the Lord, never retracted,” who continues to dwell among His people through imperfect hands and hearts.
He concluded with a call to hope: “Let us walk in the joy of being the holy people God has chosen,” and entrusted the faithful to the Virgin Mary, asking her “to help us welcome Christ and accompany us with her intercession.”
After leading the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo turned his attention to those suffering from disaster and war. Expressing his solidarity with the Philippines following a devastating typhoon, he prayed “for the deceased and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced.” He also supported the Church in Italy’s Thanksgiving Day, encouraging “responsible care for the land, combating food waste, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.”
Closing his address, Pope Leo once again pleaded for peace, saying that to truly honor the memory of victims of war, “we must stop the wars and put all of our efforts into negotiations.” He greeted pilgrims from around the world and offered his blessing, wishing all “a blessed Sunday.”
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