Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful during the weekly catechesis to remind them that “the Church is the universal sacrament of salvation.” His reflection was based on the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium.
SUMMARY OF THE WEEKLY PUBLIC CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on the Second Vatican Council, we have reflected upon various
aspects of Divine Revelation. In particular, we have seen how God chose to reveal himself, making known the loving mystery of his divine plan to unite all people to him through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Indeed, it is only within this mystery that we can understand both the origin and the mission of the Church. In this light, we turn today to consider Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, which presents the Church as both a sign and an instrument of this plan of salvation. A sign because the Church community makes the unity established by Christ through his Cross and Resurrection visible to the world today. An instrument because it is through the Church that God achieves his goal of uniting people to himself and bringing them together. As we journey through a world still marked by division, let us ask the Lord to continue to guide his Church in the mission of sanctification and reconciliation.
I extend a warm welcome this morning to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking
part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from England, Scotland, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, the Philippines and the United States of America. I greet in particular the students of the Loyola University of Chicago Rome Center.
As we begin our Lenten journey today, let us ask the Lord to grant us the gift of true conversion of heart so that we may better respond to his love for us and share that love with those around us.
Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
