Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on Catholics to become “thoughtful and compassionate Christians” by recognizing God’s presence in the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized.
In his Regina Caeli address in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff urged the faithful to live as “a holy temple of the Lord” and to carry divine love into every corner of society, with particular attention to those most in need.
“Let us resolve to bring his love everywhere,” the Pope said. “Never forgetting that each of our sisters and brothers is a dwelling place of God and that his presence is manifested above all in the little ones, in the poor and the suffering, who ask us to be thoughtful and compassionate Christians.”
The address, grounded in the Gospel of John (14:23–29), reflected on the gift of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of God in every believer. Pope Leo cited Jesus’ promise to his disciples on the eve of his death: “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
He explained that this “dwelling of God within us” is made possible by the Holy Spirit, “who takes us by the hand and enables us to experience God’s presence and closeness amid our daily lives, for he makes us his home.”
Despite human weakness, the Pope said, every person is capable of being an instrument of divine love. “Despite my weakness, the Lord is not ashamed of my humanity. Instead, he comes to dwell within me. He accompanies me with his Spirit; he enlightens me and makes me an instrument of his love for others, for society and for the world.”
Pope Leo also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he has received since beginning his ministry, and asked the faithful to continue praying for him. “I would like to thank you for your demonstration of affection and ask you to keep supporting me with your prayers and closeness,” he said.
He concluded by invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary, describing her as one who “became ‘a dwelling-place consecrated to God.’” The Pope added, “With her, may we too come to know the joy of welcoming the Lord into our lives and of being signs and instruments of his love.”
