Pope Leo XIV Urges Vigilance Against “Thieves of the Soul” in Regina Caeli Address

During the Regina Caeli on April 26, 2026, Pope Leo XIV calls on the faithful to trust in Christ the Good Shepherd while warning against influences that diminish freedom, dignity, and joy.

Newsroom (27/04/2026 Gaudium Press)  In a reflective and cautionary Regina Caeli address delivered in St. Peter’s Square on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to place their trust in Christ while remaining vigilant against forces that threaten spiritual freedom and human dignity.

Drawing from the Gospel of John (10:1–10), the Pope highlighted Jesus’ dual image as both shepherd and gate, emphasizing the contrast between those who guide with care and those who seek to exploit. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” the Pope recalled, contrasting this with Christ’s mission: “that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Pope Leo XIV underscored the deeply personal relationship between Christ and believers, describing it as one rooted in friendship, care, and intimate knowledge. Like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name, Christ, he said, seeks out the lost, heals the wounded, and leads humanity along paths of righteousness—not to restrict life, but to enrich it.

However, the Pope warned that modern “thieves” often appear in subtle and varied forms. These include individuals or systems that undermine human dignity, ideologies that cloud judgment, and lifestyles marked by superficiality and consumerism that ultimately leave individuals spiritually empty. He also pointed to broader global threats, including environmental exploitation and violent conflict, as forces that rob humanity of a peaceful future.

“We are invited to reflect on… the gate to our heart and our life,” the Pope said, urging believers to examine who or what they allow to shape their decisions and values. The central question, he suggested, is one of guidance: whether individuals choose to follow Christ or risk being led astray.

The address also marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, which Pope Leo XIV described as a lasting moral warning about the misuse of powerful technologies. He called for greater responsibility and discernment in the use of atomic energy, emphasizing that such power must serve life and peace rather than destruction.

Following the prayer, the Pope greeted pilgrims from across Europe and beyond, including youth groups, choirs, clergy, and newly ordained priests from the Diocese of Rome. He offered a special appeal for continued prayer and support for young ministers entering service in the Church.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the faithful to the guidance of the Virgin Mary, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith and confident in Christ’s promise of abundant life.

As the Easter season continues, the Pope’s message resonates as both a reassurance and a challenge: to trust in the Good Shepherd while guarding against anything that diminishes the fullness of life offered through Him.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican news

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