During his General Audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church has a responsibility not only to proclaim salvation in Christ, but also to speak boldly against everything that harms human life and dignity.
Continuing his reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s document Lumen gentium, the Pope focused on the Church’s mission in history and its ultimate destiny in the Kingdom of God. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo reminded the faithful that the Church is “the pilgrim people of God on earth” and must interpret the events of history through the light of the Gospel.
The Holy Father warned that modern Christians can become too focused on earthly concerns while forgetting the eternal purpose of the Church. He said believers often become distracted “because we are too focused on what is immediately visible and on the more concrete dynamics of the life of the Christian community,” according to Vatican News.
Pope Leo stressed that the Church exists to point people toward Christ and salvation, not toward itself.
“The Church,” he said, “does not proclaim herself; on the contrary, everything within Her must point to salvation in Christ,” according to Vatican News.
The Pope also delivered a forceful message about the Church’s moral duty in society. He said the Church has been entrusted with “the mission of speaking clearly to reject everything that mortifies life and prevents its development.” According to Vatican News, Pope Leo added that the Church must stand “in favour of the poor, the exploited, the victims of violence and war, and all those who suffer in body and in spirit.”
The remarks come as Catholics around the world continue to face growing debates over war, human dignity, poverty, and moral truth in public life. Pope Leo framed the Church’s mission as one rooted in the Kingdom of God — a Kingdom founded on “love, justice and peace.”
At the same time, the Holy Father cautioned Catholics against treating earthly Church institutions as untouchable or absolute. According to Vatican News, he said that no ecclesial structure is beyond the need for reform and renewal because all institutions exist within human history and require “continual conversion.”
Pope Leo also reflected on the Church as the “universal sacrament of salvation,” explaining that the Church serves as both the sign and instrument of the fullness of life God desires for humanity. Yet he noted that the complete fulfillment of God’s Kingdom will only come at the end of time.
The Pope encouraged Christians not to lose hope amid suffering, injustice, and instability in the world.
“Believers in Christ,” he said, “walk through this earthly history, marked by the maturation of good but also by injustices and sufferings, without being either deluded or despairing.” According to Vatican News, he reminded the faithful that Christians live guided by the promise of the One who will “make all things new.”
Toward the end of the audience, Pope Leo highlighted the communion shared between Christians on earth and the saints in heaven. He said all Christians form “a single Church” united in Christ, sharing spiritual goods and participating together in worship through the communion of saints.
Concluding his catechesis, the Holy Father called on Catholics to remain grateful for the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and to live out this vision of Christian hope and unity in daily life.
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