Pope Leo XIV Addresses Faithful on Resurrection and Hope
Vatican City State – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held his weekly General Audience in St. Peter's Square, delivering a profound reflection on the resurrection of Christ. The Pontiff focused on the enduring presence of joy even amidst suffering, asserting that pain does not negate God's promise of love. He emphasized that divine love possesses the power to transform disappointment into confident expectation and hope.
The Emmaus Narrative and God's Unfailing Love
Continuing his catechesis on the resurrection, Pope Leo XIV drew parallels with the narrative of the disciples of Emmaus. He noted that these disciples walked 'sadly because they hoped for a different ending' and initially failed to recognize Christ's presence despite having heard of the empty tomb. The Holy Father explained that Jesus 'walks alongside them and patiently helps them understand that pain is not the denial of the promise, but the way through which God has manifested the measure of his love.' He stressed that 'no history is so marked by disappointment or sin that it cannot be visited by hope.'
Resurrection: A Source of Enduring Joy and Transformation
Pope Leo XIV reassured the faithful that 'no fall is definitive, no night is eternal, no wound is destined to remain open forever.' He highlighted that 'however distant, lost, or unworthy we may feel, there is no distance that can extinguish the unfailing power of God's love.' The Pontiff articulated that the Risen One is present even 'in the darkest places: in our failures, in our frayed relationships, in the daily struggles that weigh on our shoulders, in the doubts that discourage us.'
The Pope concluded by stating that the resurrection 'changes its meaning and 'flavour'' of life, leading to 'a simple joy that does not erase wounds but illuminates them.' This joy, he affirmed, stems from the certainty that the Lord is alive, walks with humanity, and offers the possibility to begin anew at every moment.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Faith in action! A reminder that God's love never fails us.
Manolo Noriega
The idea that 'no fall is definitive' is inspiring, however, navigating deep personal failures often requires intense psychological work alongside spiritual guidance, which isn't always readily available.
Fuerza
It's a beautiful sentiment that resurrection changes life's meaning, yet for those without faith, finding such profound joy amidst suffering remains an immense, often insurmountable, challenge.
Ongania
Easy to preach from a gilded palace, not so easy for the struggling.
Fuerza
While it's important to find joy, sometimes this kind of talk can unintentionally minimize the profound grief people experience, suggesting they should just 'get over it' with faith.