Pope: Even in our darkest moments, Jesus does not abandon us

Pope greets pilgrims - Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

During his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo told the crowds of pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square that "the presence of Jesus changes everything." He also expressed concern over the growing catastrophic wars in Sudan, Ukraine and Russia.

Reflecting on the day's Gospel reading, which describes how Jesus "joins his disciples in the middle of a storm, walking on the water", Pope Leo said the sight of Oor Lord, meant to calm the disciples down, frightened them all the more. In this moment of distress, Christ spoke: "Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid!"

"The presence of the Lord changes everything," Pope Leo explained. "Peter even manages to take a few steps on the waves to go toward Him; then he grows afraid, sinks, and Jesus saves him." The Gospel passage, thus, indicates the need not to be afraid and never to take our eyes off Jesus.

Pope Leo observed that this experience brings forth "from the hearts of the disciples a profession of faith: 'Truly you are the Son of God!'"

The Pope connected this profession of faith to a different episode in Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus says "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, [...] you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done" (Mt 21:21)."

This, the Pope observed, is precisely what the disciples experienced on the lake: the peace of Christ reached them in the midst of the raging waters.

Pope Leo drew two lessons from the miracle: Firstly, "not to become proud in the face of success", and secondly "not to despair, even in dark moments when we feel helpless in the face of problems and, despite our efforts, feel like we are moving backward rather than forward."

"In all circumstances," the Pope said, "Jesus does not abandon us and, if we humbly welcome him into the boat of our lives-through prayer, the sacraments, and listening to his Word-we will find in Him the peace, light, and strength for our journey".

The Pope ended his address by praying that "the Virgin Mary might help us live this way, in trusting abandonment to God, she who was proclaimed blessed for her faith."

After the Angelus Pope Leo expressed his concern over the tragic situation in Sudan, especially in the city of el-Obeid. "In expressing my spiritual closeness to all the people of the nation, I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population. At the same time, I urge the international community to support efforts aimed at bringing about an immediate ceasefire. Let us pray that the Lord may sustain those who are suffering, convert the hearts of those who suffer violence, and grant the long awaited peace."

The Pope also noted the growing number of reports of innocent people killed and injured in Ukraine and Russia. He said:"I stand with the families of the victims, the injured, and all those suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict. In the face of such pain, I renew my heartfelt appeal for respect for humanitarian law and for both sides to cease attacks on civilian targets.

"War only begets more war and causes enormous suffering. It is time to halt the spiral of violence and make room for diplomacy and dialogue to pave the way for peace."

Read the official text of Pope Leo's address: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/08/09/0629/01171.html