On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that Mary is not only our Mother but a shining sign of hope on our earthly pilgrimage. Speaking during the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father drew from the Second Vatican Council to emphasize that Mary “shines as an icon of hope for her pilgrim children throughout history” (according to Vatican News).
The Pope reflected on how this hope is vividly portrayed in Dante’s Paradiso, where the Virgin is praised as “the living fountain-head of hope.” In his words, this image beautifully connects to the Jubilee Year’s theme—Pilgrims of Hope. “Pilgrims need a goal to guide their journey,” Pope Leo explained, “a beautiful and attractive goal that guides their steps and revives them when they are tired, that always rekindles in their heart a desire and hope” (according to Vatican News).
That goal, the Pope reminded, is God Himself—the ultimate destination toward which every human heart is drawn. Just as the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection reveals God’s saving love, the mystery of Mary’s Assumption reveals her “yes” to God’s call. “It concerns a unique mystery of love, and thus of freedom,” Pope Leo said, noting that both Jesus and Mary embraced their mission fully and freely.
Mary’s life, he reflected, was a pilgrimage of hope from the manger to the heavenly homeland. This is why, in times of difficulty, uncertainty, or sorrow, “as individuals, families and communities… let us lift our gaze, let us look at her, our Mother, and we will rediscover the hope that does not disappoint” (according to Vatican News).
Her Assumption reminds us that our journey has a glorious end—and that with her maternal guidance, we too can remain steadfast until we reach it.
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