Pope Leo XIV presided over Sunday Mass at the parish of Santa Ana, located just steps away from St. Peter’s Square. Since 1929, pastoral care there has been entrusted to the Augustinian order. In fact, the new prior, Father Joseph Farrell, celebrated the Mass along with Pope Leo. The pope addressed these words of affection to his order and to the previous parish priest, who recently turned 103 years old.
POPE LEO XIV
I greet with gratitude the Augustinian religious who serve here, especially the parish priest, Father Mario Millardi; likewise, the new Prior General of the Order, who is here with us today, Father Joseph Farrell, and I also wish to greet Father Gioele Schiavella, who recently reached the venerable age of 103.
During his homily, Pope Leo spoke of the parish as a place of open doors. Located right on the border of the Vatican, the pope reminded them that it is a place of welcome.
POPE LEO XIV
This church stands in a special position, which is also key to the pastoral ministry carried out here: we are, so to speak, “on the border,” and in front of Santa Ana pass all those who enter and exit the Vatican City. Some pass through for work, some as guests or pilgrims, some in a hurry, some with fear or serenity. May each one experience here open doors and hearts for prayer, listening, and charity!
He also spoke to everyone and encouraged reflection on the parable of the dishonest steward as an example of how to live day by day in faith.
POPE LEO XIV
The temptation is this: to think that without God we could live just as well, while without wealth we would be sad and oppressed by a thousand needs. When faced with the test of need, we feel threatened, but instead of asking for help with confidence and shared fraternity, we tend to calculate, accumulate, becoming distrustful and suspicious of others. These thoughts turn our neighbor into a competitor, a rival, or someone to take advantage of.
To conclude the mass the Pontiff expressed his gratitude to the parish community for their dedication and urged them to continue being a sign of hope and charity amid a world tainted by war and indifference.
BAM
TD: VL
