Pope Leo XIV joined faithful from around the world in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
He toured the square as Mexican mariachi music filled the air and, as he regularly does, stopped to bless many babies.
His catechesis explored the meeting point between faith and culture, continuing his reflection on Gaudium et Spes from the Second Vatican Council.
POPE LEO XIV
The relationship between faith and culture finds its deepest foundation in the Incarnation. If the divine Word became flesh and dwelt among us, faith, too, is embodied, woven into the culture that surrounds it. Faith is also called to become culture, reaching people where they live.
He explained that faith is embodied in every culture, and that the Church must discover what is good, beautiful and true in each one to bring the Gospel to its people.
He also appealed to the international community to ensure that everyone can access essential cultural resources, working to overcome illiteracy and educational barriers.
POPE LEO XIV
All those capable of pursuing higher education, the Council states boldly, must be given the conditions they need to do so.
He added that Catholics should stay closely connected to the people around them and make a genuine effort to understand how others think and feel.
POPE LEO XIV
Reaching a mature and responsible synthesis of faith and culture is essential to persevering in the Christian vocation. It is also indispensable for bearing witness to the faith before the world and sharing it with others in a credible way.
After addressing the faithful in several languages, everyone joined in singing the Lord’s Prayer in Latin. Pope Leo then took time to greet some of those gathered in the square.
