Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at the headquarters of the Carabinieri in Castel Gandolfo, and expresses his gratitude for the Italian gendarmerie’s efforts to protect pilgrims visiting Rome during the Jubilee Year.
Newsroom (15/07/2025, Gaudium Press) Pope Leo XIV presided over Mass at the Carabinieri headquarters in this lakeside town on Tuesday, thanking Italy’s national gendarmerie for their efforts in safeguarding pilgrims during the ongoing Jubilee Year.
The Pope, currently on his summer retreat at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, celebrated the liturgy in the chapel of the Villa dei Gesuiti, a Holy See-owned property leased to the Carabinieri, the Society of Jesus, and local residents.
Among those in attendance were Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Carabinieri General Commander Salvatore Luongo, and Archbishop Gian Franco Saba, head of Italy’s Military Ordinariate.
“We Are Brothers and Sisters in Christ”
In his homily, the Pope reflected on the Christian call to fraternity, emphasizing that true kinship with Christ is found in doing God’s will by loving one another.
“We are all truly brothers and sisters of Jesus when we live by loving as God has loved us,” he said. “Every relationship becomes a gift in Him, for Christ sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts when we love.”
He highlighted Mary’s role as the first disciple, noting her faithful acceptance of God’s word. “God’s love is so great that Jesus does not keep even His mother for Himself—He entrusts her to us at the foot of the cross.”
Honoring the Carabinieri’s Faithful Service
Pope Leo recalled the Carabinieri’s 75th anniversary of proclaiming the Virgo Fidelis (Faithful Virgin) as their patroness, a devotion embraced after World War II as a model of loyalty to Italy and its people.
He praised the force for its “noble and demanding service,” particularly in ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims in Rome during the Jubilee.
“In the face of injustice, do not yield to the temptation that evil will prevail,” he urged. “Amid today’s wars and violence, remain faithful to your oath: as servants of the State, answer crime with the force of law and integrity.”
Private Visit to Poor Clares
Following the Mass, the Pope made a brief stop at the Immaculate Conception Convent of the Poor Clares in nearby Albano, praying with the cloistered nuns and addressing them in the chapter hall.
“The Church treasures your witness,” he told them before presenting the community with a chalice and paten.
The pontiff then returned to Castel Gandolfo, concluding his public engagements for the day.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
