Pope Leo XIV got into his popemobile to greet the thousands of faithful who enthusiastically awaited his first public catechesis.
It is traditon for Popes to hold a preaching session every Wednesday that all the faithful can attend freely.
Pope Leo decided to resume the catechesis series on Hope that his predecessor, Pope Francis, began. In this case, he discussed the parable of the Sower from the Gospel.
POPE LEÓN XIV
Dear brothers and sisters: I am happy to be with you in this, the first General Audience of my
pontificate
The Pope did not shy away from addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza clearly and forcefully.
POPE LEÓN XIV
The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly concerning and painful. I renew my most sincere appeal for the entry of dignified humanitarian aid to be allowed and for an end to the hostility whose heartbreaking price is being paid by children, the elderly, and the sick.
During his greeting to the Portuguese-speaking faithful, the Pope made a very specific request for peace.
LEÓN XIV
In this Marian month, I would like to repeat the invitation of the Virgin of Fatima: pray the rosary every day for peace. Alongside Mary, let us ask that people do not close themselves off to this gift from God and open their hearts. May the Lord bless you.
May is the month that the Church traditionally dedicates to the Virgin Mary. And the Fatima apparitions at the beginning of the 20th century in Portugal were a powerful call for peace in the world.
JRB
Trans. CRT
