Pope Leo took part in a prayer vigil for the Jubilee of Consolation, where he listened to several testimonies.
Lucia’s husband was killed by a group of young men. One of them, from prison, asked to meet with her. Lucia says she was afraid, but what she found was a man in tears, asking for forgiveness.
LUCIA DI MAURO
Testimony
About a year later, for the first time in Italy, Antonio was released on parole 14 years earlier than expected. And outside the prison, the only one who believed in him and waited for him was me. Like a mother, I accompanied him—and I continue to accompany him and his new family—on this difficult path of rebirth.
Also present was the mother of a Christian journalist who was kidnapped and beheaded in Syria. Two of the jihadists were brought to trial in Virginia, and one of them asked to meet with the victims' families. This mother wanted to understand why he had become radicalized.
DIANE FOLEY
Testimony
Though awkward at first, the three days of meeting with Alexanda became moments of grace. The Holy Spirit allowed us both to listen to each other, to cry, to share our stories. Alexanda expressed much remorse. God gave me the grace to see him as a fellow sinner in need of mercy, like me.
In his homily, Pope Leo spoke about these emotions, and said that redemption is mercy.
POPE LEO XIV
The testimonies we have heard convey this certainty: that pain must not lead to violence; that violence is not the final word, because it is overcome by love that knows how to forgive.
What greater liberation could we hope to attain than that which comes from forgiveness, which—by grace—can open the heart even after suffering all kinds of brutality? The violence endured cannot be erased, but the forgiveness granted to those who caused it is a taste of the Kingdom of God on earth.
There were many at the vigil who have experienced or are still experiencing moments of deep pain, whether through illness, mourning, violence, or abuse. Fittingly, presiding over the altar of the basilica that day was the Virgin of Hope.
CA
Trans. CRT
