Pope Leo: 'Anticipate heaven on earth'

Screenshot

Source: Vatican Media

During the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday, with pilgrims in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo said that Jesus' words to us take on new meaning in the light of the Resurrection, much as they did for the early Church. "What once eluded or troubled the disciples now returns to their memory, warms their hearts, and gives them hope", the Pope said.

Reflecting on the Gospel of the Last Supper in light of the Resurrection, Pope Leo highlighted Christ's promise, which draws us into the great mystery of victory over death: "I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come back and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be" (Jn 14:3).

The Pope contrasted the logic of the old world - marked by exclusion and competition - with that of the Kingdom of God: "In the old world in which we are still journeying, what attracts attention are exclusive places (…). In the new world into which the risen One leads us, however, what is most valuable is within everyone's reach."

This is a vision according to which every person is recognised in their uniqueness: "no one is confused with another, no one is lost."

"Death threatens to erase one's name and memory, but in God everyone is fully themselves. Truly, this is what we spend our whole lives searching for, sometimes willing to do anything just to get a little attention and recognition."

The Pope then urged his listeners to trust in Christ: "Do not let your hearts be troubled… believe in God, believe also in me" (Jn 14:1).

Faith of this kind, he explained, "frees our hearts from the anxiety of having and achieving, from the illusion of chasing a prestigious place in order to have value." Human dignity does not depend on social recognition: "each person already has infinite worth in the mystery of God, which is the only true reality."

The Holy Father also stressed that Christians are called to "anticipate heaven on earth and reveal to all that fraternity and peace are our calling."

In this form of love, each person discovers their true identity: "amidst a multitude of brothers and sisters, each one discovers that they are uniquely made.".

The Pope concluded his refelction by entrusting this message to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, asking her to pray that "every Christian community may be a home open to all and attentive to each person".

Following the Regina Caeli, Pope Leo recalled that May 3rd marked World Press Freedom Day, the annual day promoted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The Pope remarked that unfortunately, freedom of the press is often violated, sometimes blatantly and other times in subtle ways. He said: "Let us remember the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence."

Read the full text of the Pope's catechesis:
www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/angelus/2026/documents/20260503-regina-caeli.html

Watch the Regina Caeli: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdRxT40I-H8