Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful on Sunday that Jesus Christ remains humanity’s true source of hope, freedom, and forgiveness, even amid war, suffering, and sin.
Speaking during the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on July 5, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel of Matthew (11:25-30), emphasizing that Christ walks alongside those carrying life’s heaviest burdens.
“In slavery, Christ is liberation. Amid the scourge of war, Christ is hope. In the hour of sin, Christ is forgiveness,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope explained that the burdens Christians carry become lighter because Christ bears them with His people. Rather than leaving humanity alone in suffering, Jesus takes upon Himself a world wounded by evil in order to heal and redeem it.
“As a true teacher, Jesus takes upon himself humanity wounded by evil in order to heal and care for it,” he said.
Pope Leo stressed that the Cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but the place where evil is defeated and human weariness finds redemption. Following Christ, he said, is not a path of harsh self-denial but “a school of freedom” that gives meaning and hope even in history’s darkest moments.
Reflecting on Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,” the Pope said God’s wisdom is revealed not through human pride or intellectual self-sufficiency but through humility.
According to Vatican News, he warned that human wisdom can become arrogance when people rely solely on their own understanding, causing them to miss Christ’s presence.
“God’s true wisdom is revealed in the humility of the Incarnation,” Pope Leo said, noting that Christ’s teaching is directed especially toward those who struggle and recognize their need for God.
The Holy Father concluded by encouraging the faithful to respond to Christ’s invitation with trust, explaining that accepting Jesus’ “yoke” means sharing in His life and self-giving love.
“It is precisely this self-giving out of love that constitutes Jesus’ ‘yoke,’ which is the essence of his teaching and the heart of his wisdom,” the Pope said.
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