“Marian spirituality immerses us in the history upon which heaven opened,” he said, pointing to its power to challenge pride, uplift the lowly, and inspire trust in God’s mercy.
Newsroom (14/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a stirring homily during the Mass for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to embrace Marian devotion as a pathway to deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true spirituality centers on Christ and fosters communion with others.
“Marian spirituality, which nourishes our faith, has Jesus as its center,” the Holy Father declared to the congregation gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica. He described this spirituality as a radiant force, akin to “Sunday, which opens each new week in the radiance of [Christ’s] Resurrection from the dead.” Quoting St. Paul, he urged the faithful to “remember Jesus Christ,” underscoring that this focus distinguishes Christian spirituality from other human traditions.
Reflecting on the role of Marian devotion, Pope Leo explained that it serves the Gospel by revealing its simplicity and guiding believers to live it more fully. “Our affection for Mary of Nazareth leads us to join her in becoming disciples of Jesus,” he said, noting that this spirituality invites the faithful to meditate on life’s events and recognize the presence of the Risen Christ.
The Pope highlighted Mary’s Magnificat as a model for understanding God’s transformative work. “Marian spirituality immerses us in the history upon which heaven opened,” he said, pointing to its power to challenge pride, uplift the lowly, and inspire trust in God’s mercy. He emphasized that Mary’s “yes” to God was not a singular act but a daily commitment, renewed through a life of faith and service.
Drawing from the Gospel account of the ten lepers, Pope Leo cautioned against receiving God’s grace without responding in gratitude or action. “The lepers who do not return to give thanks remind us that God’s grace can touch us and find no response,” he said, urging the faithful to ensure their worship leads to a deeper commitment to following Christ.
The Holy Father also issued a warning against religious practices that isolate believers or foster division. “Some forms of worship do not foster communion with others and can numb our hearts,” he said, cautioning against exploiting faith to label others—particularly the poor—as “enemies” or “lepers” to be rejected. Instead, he called for a spirituality that mirrors Mary’s journey, which leads to encounters with Jesus and those in need, especially the marginalized.
Pope Leo underscored the tenderness inherent in authentic Marian devotion, quoting his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium: “Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness.” He described Mary as a model of strength through humility, demonstrating that true power lies in compassion rather than domination.
The Pope further connected Marian spirituality to social transformation, noting that Mary’s example inspires justice while maintaining compassion. “Contemplating Mary, we realize that she who praised God for ‘bringing down the mighty from their thrones’ and ‘sending the rich away empty’ is also the one who brings a homely warmth to our pursuit of justice,” he said. He called for a revival of Christian spirituality and devotion to sacred events and places as a “driving force for renewal and transformation.”
The Jubilee, Pope Leo noted, is not merely a celebration but a call to conversion, restitution, and liberation. He concluded his homily with a heartfelt prayer, entrusting the Church to Mary’s intercession: “May Mary Most Holy, our hope, intercede for us and continue to lead us to Jesus, the crucified Lord. In Him, there is salvation for all.”
The Mass, held as part of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, drew thousands of pilgrims to the Vatican, reflecting the global resonance of Pope Leo XIV’s message of faith, compassion, and transformative devotion.
READ POPE LEO XIV’S FULL HOMILY HERE
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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