Pope Leo XIV called for an “inner revolution” of the heart, urging the faithful to resist the temptation to serve “two masters”
Newsroom (22/09/2025, Gaudium Press )In a powerful homily delivered during Mass at the Parish of Sant’Anna on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called for an “inner revolution” of the heart, urging the faithful to resist the temptation to serve “two masters” and to dedicate their lives to God rather than the pursuit of wealth. The Pope also offered prayers for world leaders, imploring them to reject the misuse of wealth as a tool for destruction or exploitation.
Speaking to a congregation gathered in the historic church, located at one of the main entrances to Vatican City, the Pope reflected on the Gospel’s stark choice between serving God and chasing material wealth. “No servant can serve two masters,” he said, quoting Jesus’ words from Luke 16:13. “This is not a passing choice… It’s about deciding where to place our heart, about clarifying whom we truly love, whom we faithfully serve, and what our real good is.”
A Church on the Border
The Parish of Sant’Anna, under the pastoral care of the Order of St. Augustine since 1929, holds a unique place in Vatican City. Positioned symbolically “on the border,” as the Pope described, it welcomes workers, pilgrims, and visitors alike. Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the Augustinian community, particularly parish priest Father Mario Millardi, Prior General Father Joseph Farrell, and former pastor Father Gioiele Schiavella, for their ministry. He praised the parish for its open doors and hearts, offering a space for “prayer, listening, and charity.”
The Pope emphasized the church’s role as a spiritual hub, noting, “Some pass through for work, some as guests or pilgrims, some in haste, others with anxiety or serenity. May each one experience that here there are open doors and hearts.”
A Call for Inner Conversion
Reflecting on the Gospel, Pope Leo XIV challenged the faithful to examine their relationship with God and others. He warned against the temptation to prioritize wealth over faith, likening it to the misguided actions of the dishonest steward in Jesus’ parable. “The thirst for wealth risks taking the place of God in our hearts when we believe it is wealth that saves our lives,” he said.
This pursuit, the Pope cautioned, fosters suspicion, distrust, and competition, transforming others into “rivals or people to exploit.” Instead, he urged an “inner revolution” that begins in the heart, calling for a conversion that aligns with God’s will. “The Word of the Lord does not divide people into rival classes,” he said. “It urges everyone toward a conversion that begins in the heart.”
Prayers for Global Leaders
In a pointed appeal, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the rulers of nations, asking that they be freed from the temptation to wield wealth as a weapon or a means of exploitation. “Today, the Church prays that the rulers of nations may be free from the temptation to use wealth against humanity — turning it into weapons that destroy peoples and into monopolies that demean workers,” he declared.
He contrasted the paths of justice and domination, noting, “Whoever serves God becomes free from wealth; but whoever serves wealth becomes its slave. Whoever seeks justice turns wealth into a common good, but whoever seeks domination turns the common good into the prey of their own greed.”
A World in Crisis
Addressing the global context, the Pope decried the violence and indifference afflicting entire populations. “Entire peoples today are being crushed by violence — and even more by shameless indifference, which abandons them to a destiny of misery,” he said. In response, he called on the faithful to actively proclaim Jesus as the Savior, rejecting passivity in the face of such tragedies.
Pope Leo XIV concluded with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to “convert our hearts,” so that, nourished by the Eucharist, the faithful might become “witnesses of charity and peace.”
A Historic Parish
The Parish of Sant’Anna, established as a parish by Pope Pius XI in 1929 following the Lateran Pacts, has a storied history. Originally the seat of the Confraternity of the Pontifical Grooms, it has welcomed numerous pontiffs, including Pius XI, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Pope Leo XIV’s visit continues this tradition, reinforcing the church’s significance as a spiritual cornerstone within Vatican City.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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