The Pope emphased the sensus fidei—the intuitive faith of ordinary believers—as a driving force for the Church’s renewal.
Newsroom (27/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a vibrant gathering at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of catechists attending the Jubilee of Catechists, held from September 26-28, emphasizing the sensus fidei—the intuitive faith of ordinary believers—as a driving force for the Church’s renewal.
In his catechesis, the Pope described sensus fidei as a “sixth sense” that enables the faithful to discern the things of God. “God is simple and reveals Himself to the simple,” he said, underscoring that this collective faith of the People of God is infallible in its belief, with the Pope’s infallibility serving as its expression and guardian.
Drawing from history, Pope Leo recounted the story of St. Ambrose, a 4th-century governor of Milan, who was unexpectedly chosen as bishop during a time of ecclesiastical strife. Despite being unbaptized and only a catechumen, Ambrose was acclaimed by the people after a child’s cry of “Ambrose bishop!” sparked unanimous support. “The people perceived something profound in this man,” the Pope said, noting that Ambrose, initially resistant, accepted his divine calling, becoming one of the Church’s greatest bishops and a Doctor of the Church.
The Pope highlighted Ambrose’s transformative impact, from creating new liturgical practices to preaching that inspired the conversion of St. Augustine, another future bishop and Doctor of the Church. “To perceive, to intuit, is a way of hoping,” Pope Leo said, describing this spiritual instinct as a gift from “the little ones” that continues to shape the Church.
He urged the faithful—whether parents, workers, teachers, or clergy—to live out their Christian vocation authentically, noting that others can “sense” genuine faith. “Even today, this is a grace to ask for: to become Christians while living out the vocation we have received,” he said.
In closing, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the sensus fidei propels the Church forward, opening new paths through the faith of its people. “To perceive, to intuit, is the instinct of the little ones for the Kingdom that is coming,” he said. “May the Jubilee help us to become little ones according to the Gospel, so as to perceive and serve God’s dreams!”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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