The Pope Leo XIV presided this Sunday over his first Regina Coeli as the Successor of Peter, and he did so by singing with the people of God. From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on a bright spring morning, he offered a profoundly evangelical message, centered on the figure of Christ the Good Shepherdon the call to vocations vocations and a strong cry for peace in the world.. His voice, serene and firm, is already beginning to resound like that of a shepherd who guides with closeness and clarity.
Good Shepherd Sunday: vocations, listening and communion
“The fact that my first Sunday as Bishop of Rome is that of the Good Shepherd is a gift from God,” Pope Leo XIV began by saying. As on every fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel proclaimed was that of the 10th chapter of St. John, where Jesus presents himself as the shepherd who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.
“Today, in communion with the whole Church, we pray for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life – how much we need them!”
The Pope insisted on the importance of young people finding in our communities a welcome, a listening ear, encouragement and credible examples of generous dedication to God and their brothers and sisters. welcome, listening, encouragement and credible examples of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters..
“Don’t be afraid”: a call to young people
Addressing the young people directly, Leo XIV told them with conviction:
“Do not be afraid. Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord.”
Taking up the message left by Pope Francis for this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the new Pope encouraged all Christians to be shepherds according to the heart of Godeach according to his or her state in life.
“Let us ask the Father in heaven to be shepherds for one another, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth.”
A cry for peace in a wounded world
In the final part of his message, the Pope recalled that 80 years ago World War II ended and expressed his sorrow for the current state of the world:
“Today we are living a third world war in pieces, as Pope Francis said. I too join in the cry: never again war!”
He spoke with pain of the Ukrainian peopleprisoners, children separated from their families and the “deeply painful” situation in Gaza. Gaza:
“Cease fire immediately! Relief to the civilian population and release the hostages!”
He also welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and extended a sincere wish:
“I entrust to the Queen of Peace this cry of my heart, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and we may obtain the miracle of peace.”
A universal greeting from Rome
In his characteristic style, Leo XIV greeted the pilgrims coming from pilgrims from different countries: Malta, Panama, Dallas, Valladolid, Madrid, Monte Silvano, PalermoMalta, Panama, Dallas, Valladolid, Madrid, Monte Silvano, Palermo, as well as young people, pro-life movements and ecclesial groups. young people, pro-life movements and ecclesial groups.. He also sent an affectionate message on Mother’s Day:
“A loving greeting to all mothers, with a special prayer for those already in heaven – Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!”
A Pope who sings and makes people sing
Leo XIV chanted the Regina Coeli with the faithfulnot only as a liturgical gesture, but as an expression of a faith celebrated in community. His first Sunday message already gives us a clear picture: a Pope who wants to be a shepherd, who walks with the people, who believes in young people, and who cries out forcefully for peace..
From the Order of Augustinian Recollects we pray for his ministry and give thanks for his new voice and heart in communion.. May Mary, Queen of Heaven and Peace, accompany him at every step.
