Pope Leo XIV on the Solemnity of Pentecost, called on the faithful to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, urging the Church and the world to break down barriers of division, prejudice, and hatred.
Newsroom (08/06/2025, Gaudium Press) In homily delivered during the Solemnity of Pentecost Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, urging the Church and the world to break down barriers of division, prejudice, and hatred. Addressing a vibrant gathering of ecclesial movements, associations, and new communities for the Jubilee celebration, the pontiff emphasized the Spirit’s role in fostering love, fraternity, and peace in a world plagued by discord.
Drawing from the Acts of the Apostles, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, likening it to a “mighty wind” and a “fire that illuminates.” He noted how the Spirit empowered the fearful disciples to overcome their doubts, granting them courage to proclaim God’s works across linguistic and cultural divides. “The Spirit opens borders,” he said, quoting Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 2005 Pentecost homily, and stressed that the Church must continually renew its mission to unite peoples, dismantle class and racial barriers, and create a welcoming space for all.
The pontiff highlighted three dimensions of the Spirit’s border-opening work. First, he described how the Spirit softens hardened hearts, challenging individualism and narcissism in an era where social media often isolates rather than connects. “Constantly connected, yet incapable of ‘networking,’” he remarked, urging the faithful to let the Spirit guide them toward authentic encounters with God and others.
Second, Pope Leo XIV spoke of the Spirit’s transformative effect on relationships, fostering virtues such as love, patience, and kindness, as outlined in Galatians 5:22. He expressed deep sorrow over relationships marred by domination and violence, specifically referencing the global rise in femicide. The Spirit, he said, enables believers to overcome suspicion and prejudice, building communities of fraternity and mutual respect.
Finally, the pope addressed the Spirit’s role in uniting peoples, resolving the “confusion of Babel” through harmony and shared understanding. He decried the resurgence of exclusionary nationalisms and the indifference fueling global conflicts, echoing Pope Francis’ 2023 Pentecost observation that the world is “anesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude.” Invoking the Spirit of love and peace, he called for an end to hatred and division, envisioning a world where differences enrich rather than divide.
In closing, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the Church’s mission to Mary, the “Woman of Pentecost,” asking for her intercession to guide the faithful in building a world of peace. The Mass, attended by thousands, was a highlight of the Jubilee of Movements, Associations, and New Communities, underscoring the Church’s commitment to unity and renewal.
Raju Hasmukh with data Sources:
Vatican News. (2025). “Pope Leo XIV Delivers Homily on Solemnity of Pentecost.” Vatican News Service, June 8, 2025.
L’Osservatore Romano. (2025). “Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the Solemnity of Pentecost.” L’Osservatore Romano, English Edition, June 9, 2025.
Catholic News Agency. (2025). “Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Openness at Pentecost Jubilee Mass.” Catholic News Agency, June 8, 2025.
Acta Apostolicae Sedis. (2025). “Homilia Sanctissimi Patris Leonis XIV in Sollemnitate Pentecostes.” Acta Apostolicae Sedis, Vol. 117, No. 6, June 2025.
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