Pope Leo XIV delivers Angelus address on perseverance in trials, prays for persecuted Christians in Africa and Asia, Ukraine’s war victims, and marks World Day of the Poor.
Newsroom (17/11/2025 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful not to succumb to fear in the face of wars, natural disasters, and the persecution of Christians, stressing that “the darker the hour, the more faith shines like the sun.”
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Leo XIV reflected on the day’s Gospel (Luke 21:5-19), in which Jesus foretells upheavals and tribulations but reassures disciples: “Do not be terrified.”
“The attack of evil cannot destroy the hope of those who trust in him,” the Pope said, noting that persecution today takes both physical and ideological forms, including “lies and ideological manipulation.” He urged believers to respond by bearing witness to “the truth that saves the world, the justice that redeems peoples from oppression, and the hope that shows everyone the way to peace.”
Quoting Christ’s promise that persecuted disciples will be given “words and a wisdom” no adversary can resist, Leo XIV declared: “By your endurance you will gain your souls” (Lk 21:19). He invoked the example of the Church’s martyrs and asked for the intercession of Mary, Help of Christians.
Post-Angelus appeals highlight ongoing crises
After reciting the Angelus prayer, the Pope turned to specific situations of suffering.
He expressed particular concern for persecuted Christian communities in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other nations, where attacks on believers and places of worship continue. He also prayed for the victims of a recent terrorist massacre in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least twenty civilians were killed.
Turning to Europe, Leo XIV lamented the continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which he said is causing deaths, injuries—many among children—and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure as winter approaches. “We must not become accustomed to war and destruction,” he insisted, renewing his appeal for “a just and lasting peace.”
The Pope also offered prayers for the victims of a serious road accident last Wednesday in southern Peru and remembered all those who have died in traffic incidents worldwide, urging greater responsibility on the roads.
World Day of the Poor and new exhortation
On the ninth World Day of the Poor, Leo XIV thanked dioceses and parishes for their solidarity initiatives and drew attention to the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), dedicated to love for the poor. He revealed that his predecessor, Pope Francis, had been preparing the document in the final months of his life, and that he himself had completed it “with great joy.”
In Italy, the Church observed a national day of prayer for victims and survivors of abuse. The Pope joined in calling for “a culture of respect” and stronger protection of minors and vulnerable persons.
Beatification and greetings
The Holy Father highlighted Saturday’s beatification in Bari of Servant of God Carmelo De Palma, a 20th-century Italian priest renowned for his ministry of confession and spiritual direction, encouraging priests to follow his example of total dedication.
Leo XIV extended warm greetings to pilgrims from Montenegro, Spain, Greece, Puerto Rico, Bulgaria, the United States, and Germany, as well as Polish faithful marking the anniversary of the historic 1965 Message of Reconciliation from Polish bishops to their German counterparts after World War II.
Concluding with his customary wish for a happy Sunday, Pope Leo XIV imparted his apostolic blessing to the crowd and to those following via media around the world.
- Raju Hasmukh
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