At Regina Caeli, Pope Leo XIV says God’s love comes first, inspires obedience, and calls believers to love others and resist division.
Newsroom (11/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) During his Regina Caeli address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that Christian life begins not with human effort, but with God’s unconditional love. Reflecting on the Gospel of St. John, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).
The Pontiff clarified that this statement should not be misunderstood as a condition for divine love. “We are not loved because we keep the commandments,” he said, rejecting the notion that righteousness earns God’s favor. Instead, he stressed, “God’s love is the basis for our righteousness,” reframing obedience as a response rather than a prerequisite.
According to Pope Leo, Jesus’ words invite believers into a relationship grounded in love, not fear or obligation. He described the commandments as an expression of that relationship, rather than a form of coercion or ultimatum.
Love That Generates Love
Central to the Pope’s message was the idea that love originates in Christ and flows outward. “It is Jesus’ love that begets love within us,” he said, describing Christ as “the standard” of true love—faithful, pure, and unconditional.
Because God loves first, believers are empowered to love both God and neighbor. The Pope likened this dynamic to life itself: just as only those who have received life can live, only those who have been loved can love. In this way, he presented the commandments as “a way of life” that heals individuals from “false loves” and guides them toward salvation.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Pope Leo also pointed to Christ’s promise of the Paraclete—the Advocate or “Spirit of truth”—as a sign that believers are not abandoned in times of trial. This divine presence, he said, strengthens those who respond to God’s love and enables them to bear witness “always and everywhere.”
Contrasting the Spirit of truth with what he called the “Accuser” or “father of lies,” the Pope warned of forces that sow division and oppose God. While the Holy Spirit unites and defends, the opposing spirit seeks to fracture relationships between individuals and between humanity and God.
Witness Amid a Troubled World
Despite the persistence of evil in the world, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their mission to love. He described love not as a human concept but as “the reality of divine life,” through which creation and redemption unfold.
He further emphasized the unity believers share in Christ, citing Jesus’ words: “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” This communion, he noted, stands in direct opposition to forces of division and affirms the Church as a community of brothers and sisters.
Appeals for Peace and Solidarity
Following the prayer, the Pope turned his attention to global concerns, expressing deep worry over escalating violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali. He offered prayers for victims of recent terrorist attacks and voiced hope for an end to violence, urging efforts toward peace and development.
He also marked the annual “Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship,” extending greetings to Pope Tawadros II and expressing hope for greater unity among Christians.
Greetings and Reflections
Pope Leo greeted pilgrims from around the world, including religious groups and volunteers, and offered special thanks to organizations engaged in evangelization and healthcare initiatives. He also acknowledged the hospitality shown by the people of the Canary Islands to those affected by Hantavirus.
Concluding his address, the Pope invited the faithful to honor mothers, entrusting them to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. “Let us pray with love and gratitude for every mother,” he said, especially those facing hardship, before wishing all a blessed Sunday.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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