Pope Leo XIV at Montserrat Calls for Compassion, Rejecting ‘Hidden Violence’ in Words and Hearts

Newsroom (10/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a powerful appeal for peace and spiritual renewal, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to renounce “hidden violence” in their words and attitudes during a visit to the historic Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, one of Spain’s most revered Marian shrines.

Speaking after reciting the rosary at the mountaintop sanctuary near Barcelona, the Pope urged believers to look to the Virgin Mary as a guide who “always points to Christ,” whose message of mercy and reconciliation can transform human relationships and disarm the tensions that divide communities.

“Let us ask Mary, Queen of Peace, to teach us to renounce hurtful words, hasty judgment, gossip and slander,” the Pope said, addressing pilgrims in both Spanish and Catalan. He emphasized the need to cultivate love not only within families, but also in workplaces, on social media, and in public discourse, so that “hatred may give way to hope and peace.”

A Millennium of Faith

The visit took place at a monastery with deep historical and spiritual roots. The Abbey of Montserrat, run by Benedictine monks, traces its origins back nearly a millennium and marked its 1000th anniversary in 2025. It houses the famed 12th‑century statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, and remains a focal point of devotion in the region.

An estimated 7,000 people gathered inside the Basilica and surrounding areas to witness the Pope’s visit. Upon arrival, he greeted crowds from the popemobile before being welcomed by Bishop Xabier Gomez Garcia of Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Abbot Manel Gasch i Hurios. Inside the Basilica, he kissed the cross, blessed the faithful with holy water, and paused for silent prayer before leading the rosary.

The liturgy was accompanied by hymns performed by the Escolania, Europe’s oldest boys’ choir school, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

Mary as a Path to Conversion

In his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the enduring spiritual power of Marian devotion, describing the sanctuary’s walls as witnesses to centuries of “devotion, gratitude and hope.”

He highlighted how the Virgin Mary inspires profound inner change, pointing to the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who experienced a transformative moment at Montserrat that led him to abandon his former life as a knight.

“Mary leads us to Christ and teaches us to listen to his voice, obey his word and allow him to transform us,” the Pope said, referencing the Gospel account of the Wedding at Cana. He described Mary’s words — “Do whatever He tells you” — as a guiding principle for Christian life.

Confronting ‘Hidden Violence’

Central to the Pope’s message was a call to confront what he described as subtle forms of violence embedded in everyday interactions. He warned that criticism, condemnation and aggression can corrode relationships, even when disguised as self-protection.

“That hidden violence can often disguise itself as a kind of armour, which we use to protect our wounds, our fears and the suffering caused by injustice,” he said.

Gesturing toward the image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, the Pope contrasted human defensiveness with the vulnerability of Jesus, who “wears no armour” and ultimately redeems through “the unarmed and disarming power of love.”

He urged the faithful to symbolically lay down their emotional defenses: “Let us lay at her feet today the armour that has gradually hardened our hearts.”

A Message of Unity

The Pope also reflected on the symbolism of the globe held by the Montserrat Madonna, describing it as a sign of her universal maternal care. He called for a renewed sense of fraternity, insisting that “communion is stronger than every division.”

Before concluding, he entrusted his Petrine ministry and the Church’s global mission to the Virgin, noting that the world today “cries out for justice and peace.”

After the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the Basilica’s balcony to greet pilgrims gathered outside. He praised the visible unity among believers from different regions and nations.

“We are all united as one family, embraced by our Mother Mary,” he said, highlighting the enthusiasm of the faithful across Spain — from Madrid to Catalonia and beyond.

“Thank you to Catalonia for having welcomed so many people from other countries, because it shows how to bring everyone together as one family,” he added.

A Continuing Pilgrimage

The Montserrat visit is part of a broader journey across Spain, reflecting the Pope’s emphasis on unity, faith, and reconciliation in a world marked by division. His message at the abbey — grounded in humility, restraint, and love — offered a clear call for believers to transform not only their actions, but also the words and attitudes that shape daily life.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News