Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to remain steadfast in truth and love, even in the face of persecution.
Newsroom (18/08/2025, Gaudium Press) In a stirring reflection before leading the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to remain steadfast in truth and love, even in the face of persecution. Addressing approximately 2,500 pilgrims gathered in the Piazza della Libertà after presiding over Mass at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano, the pontiff emphasized that “acting in truth has its cost, because there are those in the world who choose lies.”
Drawing from Christ’s own words, Pope Leo described Jesus’ mission as a “sign of contradiction” rather than a “bed of roses.” He noted that the Lord’s “message of love and justice” was met with rejection, leading to His arrest, insult, beating, and crucifixion. This same opposition, the Pope observed, was faced by early Christian communities who, despite their limitations, sought to live out the Gospel’s call to love. “They were peaceful communities, yet they suffered persecutions,” he said.
The Holy Father urged believers not to conform to a worldly mentality or respond to “insolence with vengeance.” Instead, he encouraged perseverance in doing good, even toward those who cause suffering, and fidelity to “the truth in love.” This fidelity, he explained, is exemplified by the martyrs who shed their blood for their faith. While modern circumstances differ, the Pope noted that all Christians can emulate the martyrs’ example in their daily lives.
Pope Leo highlighted the sacrifices made by those who uphold Gospel values, such as parents who correct their children according to sound principles, teachers who strive to form students with integrity, or professionals, religious, and politicians who carry out their duties honestly. “Anyone who strives to exercise his or her responsibilities consistently according to the teachings of the Gospel” faces challenges, he said, underscoring the universal call to live out one’s faith authentically.
In closing, the Pope invoked Mary, Queen of Martyrs, asking for her intercession to help the faithful remain “courageous witnesses of her Son in every circumstance” and to support those who suffer for their faith today. His words resonated as a call to resilience and love in a world often marked by opposition to truth.
– Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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