| Pope Leo XIV continued his commentary on the Second Vatican Council’s document *Gaudium et Spes*, focusing on the Church’s mission in the contemporary world. Addressing thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered for the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said that the Church can’t turn a blind eye to the earthly reality, but rather contribute to shaping it through its witness. POPE LEO XIV The Church’s primary mission is to help people reflect on life’s profound questions: those about our origins and our destiny, as well as those about the meaning of love and suffering. He added that the Church also plays a role in building the earthly city. But it does not do so with bricks or through politics; rather, it does so in another way. POPE LEO XIV However, its methods and purpose are not primarily political in nature, but rather consist in bearing witness to faith and charity, together with a commitment to justice, peace, and brotherhood. And along these lines, the pope recommended the Church’s Social Doctrine, which guides the actions of Christians. He then spoke about the specific mission of the baptized and the importance of everyone living a life consistent with their faith. POPE LEO XIV To carry out the mission of the Gospel effectively, every baptized person must commit to cooperating with the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that their faith may be alive and expressed in consistent behavior. In fact, as the Council Fathers remind us, the disconnect between professed faith and daily life “must be counted among the most serious errors of our time.” In his closing remarks to the pilgrims, he encouraged them to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that each one might contribute to the coming of the Kingdom of God. |
