Pope Leo Emphasizes Faith During Angelus Address
In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Leo addressed the gathered pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, highlighting the transformative nature of faith. He explained, "the presence of Jesus changes everything" while reflecting o…
In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Leo addressed the gathered pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, highlighting the transformative nature of faith. He explained, "the presence of Jesus changes everything" while reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading, which describes how Jesus joined his disciples during a storm while walking on water (cf. Mt 14:22–33).
The Pope noted that despite the disciples’ fears, Christ’s words, "Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid!" were meant to reassure them amidst their distress. He illustrated how this moment led Peter to attempt to walk toward Jesus, ultimately emphasizing the need to maintain faith and not lose sight of Christ.
Pope Leo further emphasized the disciples' declaration of faith: "Truly you are the Son of God!" He connected this affirmation to another passage in Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus teaches, "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). According to the Pope, this reflects the profound peace Christ can bring amid life's challenges.
The Pope extracted two key lessons from the miracle: the importance of humility in success and the necessity of hope during difficult times. He reminded the faithful that even in moments that seem dire, "Jesus does not abandon us," urging congregants to welcome Him into their lives through prayer, sacraments, and listening to His Word to find peace and strength. The address concluded with a prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, encouraging trust in God as exemplified by her faith.
