Pope Leo Reflects on Resurrection Hope and Universal Belonging at Regina Caeli Prayer

Pope Leo highlights hope, faith, and inclusion during Easter Regina Caeli, urging unity, peace, and respect for press freedom worldwide.

Newsroom (04/05/2026 Gaudium Press) At the Regina Caeli prayer on the fifth Sunday of Easter, Pope Leo delivered a message centered on hope, belonging, and the transformative meaning of Christ’s Resurrection, drawing parallels between the experience of the early Church and believers today.

Addressing the faithful, the Pope explained that during the Easter season, Christians revisit the words of Jesus with renewed understanding. What once confused or troubled the disciples, he said, “now comes back to their minds, warms their hearts and fills them with hope,” illuminated by the events of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

Focusing on the Gospel reading from the Last Supper, Pope Leo highlighted Jesus’ promise: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn 14:3). He emphasized that this assurance reveals a fundamental truth — that “God has a place for everyone.”

The Pope described this promise as an image of a welcoming home, not exclusive or reserved for a few, but open to all. In contrast to what he called the “old world,” where privilege and exclusivity often define value, the “new world” of the risen Christ offers something radically different: accessibility, inclusion, and shared dignity. In this vision, gratitude replaces competition, and welcome overcomes exclusion.

He further reflected on the human search for recognition and identity, noting that while death threatens to erase memory and individuality, “in God everyone is fully themselves.” According to Pope Leo, this divine recognition fulfills a deep human longing often pursued through status or achievement.

Central to this transformation, he said, is faith. Quoting Jesus’ words, “Have faith in God; have faith also in me” (Jn 14:1), the Pope explained that faith frees individuals from anxiety over status and possessions. Instead, it reveals each person’s inherent and infinite worth within the mystery of God.

He also pointed to love as the means through which this truth becomes visible in the world. By loving others as Christ has loved, believers make tangible a new commandment that anticipates “heaven on earth,” fostering fraternity and peace. In such a community, he said, each person’s uniqueness is not diminished but discovered more fully.

The Pope concluded the prayer by invoking Mary, Mother of the Church, asking that every Christian community become “a home open to all and attentive to each person.”

Following the Regina Caeli, Pope Leo marked the beginning of May, traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. He encouraged the faithful to renew the practice of praying the Rosary together, recalling the early disciples who gathered with Mary in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost.

He also drew attention to World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO, expressing concern that this right is still frequently violated. The Pope invited remembrance for journalists and reporters who have lost their lives to war and violence.

In his greetings, Pope Leo welcomed pilgrims and groups from around the world, including educators, youth organizations, and associations committed to social causes. He gave special recognition to the Meter Association for its work in protecting minors from abuse and promoting prevention and support for victims.

Closing his address, Pope Leo extended well wishes to all gathered, offering a simple message: “I wish everyone a happy Sunday.”

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News

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