Pope Leo XIV urges spiritual renewal, peace in the Middle East, and dignity for women during Angelus at St. Peter’s Square.
Newsroom (09/03/2026 Gaudium Press) In a reflective and impassioned Angelus from St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV invited thousands of pilgrims and believers worldwide to rediscover the living “spring of water” that, in the Gospel of John, brings eternal life. The pontiff wove together themes of spiritual renewal, compassion, and global solidarity, emphasizing that “Jesus is the response to our thirst,” as Lent enters its third week.
Addressing the faithful beneath the early spring sun, Pope Leo drew attention to the Gospel dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman — a scene, he noted, that has guided Christian reflection since the earliest centuries. The Pope underlined that this encounter, along with the healing of the man born blind and the resurrection of Lazarus, offers profound lessons not only for catechumens preparing for Baptism but also for all believers seeking authenticity in their faith.
“There is no energy better spent than that dedicated to freeing our heart,” the pontiff said, urging Catholics to treat Lent as “a gift” — a time to remove the “stones and grit” that obstruct the spiritual wellspring within. Quoting the young Dutch writer Etty Hillesum, Pope Leo reflected on the human struggle to rediscover God buried beneath the weight of life’s distractions and despair.
“Lift Up Your Eyes and Recognize God’s Surprises”
Drawing on the image of Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman despite social barriers, Pope Leo challenged the Church to embody similar attentiveness and openness. “According to custom,” he said, “He ought to have ignored her; instead, Jesus listens and shows her respect — without a hidden agenda and without disdain.”
The Pope lamented that, too often, those seeking understanding encounter indifference rather than compassion. He praised the “sensitivity and availability” that arise when Christians forget themselves in service to others. “How beautiful it is when we lose track of time in order to give attention to the person we are encountering,” he noted, observing that Jesus Himself became so absorbed in love and service that “He even forgot to eat.”
In this, the Samaritan woman — transformed by encounter — emerges as the first of many female evangelizers. Her witness, said Pope Leo, shows how faith can bubble forth like pure water even from places of rejection and exclusion.
Call for Unity, Peace, and Compassion
Transitioning from Scripture to present concerns, Pope Leo turned his words toward regions of turmoil. “Deeply disturbing news continues to arrive from Iran and the entire Middle East,” he said somberly. With visible emotion, he prayed that the “thunderous sound of bombs may cease” and that “a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the people can be heard.”
Entrusting his appeal to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, the Pope invoked her intercession for those enduring fear, hatred, and war. His message came amid growing concern that regional conflicts could spread, threatening Lebanon’s fragile stability.
Women’s Dignity and the Gospel’s Call
On International Women’s Day, Pope Leo renewed the Church’s Gospel-based commitment to gender equality and human dignity. “Many women, from childhood onwards, are still discriminated against and suffer various forms of violence,” he said. Offering his solidarity and prayers, he affirmed that recognition of equal dignity between man and woman remains a cornerstone of Christian life.
This theme echoed his broader call to overcome divisions — within societies and among Christian communities — insisting that “this is not the time for opposition between one church and another, between ‘us’ and ‘them.’” Instead, he urged all believers to worship “in Spirit and in truth,” echoing Christ’s words to the Samaritan woman.
A Global Gathering at St. Peter’s
Before concluding, the Holy Father extended heartfelt greetings to pilgrims from across the world — students from Texas, Missouri, and Indiana, as well as visitors from Spain, Peru, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, and Chile. He also welcomed faithful from regions across Italy, including Brescia, Perugia, and Rome’s parishes of San Clemente Papa and San Pio da Pietrelcina.
Among the crowd were young candidates for Confirmation from Orvieto-Todi, children from Mantova, and even a rugby team from Rovigo — all representing the universal face of the Church gathered in faith.
“May your Sunday be blessed,” Pope Leo concluded, lifting his gaze toward St. Peter’s Basilica as the bells rang over the square — a fitting reminder of his call to see with renewed eyes where “grace is already at work.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
