Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Doors at Saint Peter’s Basilica today, bringing an end to the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The coming year also marks the first full calendar year of his pontificate.
In his Epiphany homily, the pope outlined his vision for his pontificate. It is optimistic, ambitious and inspiring.
The pope spoke of the need to stop our churches from becoming ‘monuments’ and of the need for a ‘new dawn’ in Christian civilisation:
How many cities, how many communities need to hear it said, “You are by no means least.” Yes, the Lord still surprises us! He reveals himself and lets himself be found. His ways are not our ways, and the violent do not succeed in controlling them, nor can the powers of the world block them. This is the great joy of the Magi, who left palace and temple behind in setting out for Bethlehem; it is only at that moment that they see the star once again!
Thus, dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to become pilgrims of hope. It is wonderful for us to continue to be pilgrims together! The faithfulness of God continues to amaze us. If we do not reduce our churches to monuments, if our communities are homes, if we stand united and resist the flattery and seduction of those in power, then we will be the generation of a new dawn. Mary, Star of the Morning, will always walk before us! In her Son we will contemplate and serve an extraordinary humanity, transformed not by the delusions of the all-powerful, but by God who became flesh out of love.
