Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to embrace a mission of self-giving love and service during Holy Thursday celebrations on April 2. Speaking at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, he said God does not exist to provide victories or power, but instead serves humanity through Jesus by transforming hearts.
The pope’s message comes as Christians commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood, a central moment in the Church’s liturgical year. He highlighted that true greatness is not found in domination or destruction but in following Christ’s example of humility and love. “Jesus purifies not only our image of God — from the idolatry and blasphemy that have distorted it — but also our image of humanity,” Pope Leo said.
During the Mass, Pope Leo washed the feet of 12 priests from the Diocese of Rome, returning to an earlier tradition meant to reflect Jesus’ call for service among his followers. He explained that “the intrinsic bond between these two sacraments reveals the perfect self-gift of Jesus, the high Priest and living, eternal Eucharist.” The pope reminded priests: “Beloved brothers in the priesthood, we are called to serve the people of God with our whole lives.”
In his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica earlier that day during Chrism Mass, Pope Leo called on Catholics to move beyond comfort and power toward risk-taking rooted in Christian mission. He said, “In this dark hour of history, it has pleased God to send us to spread the fragrance of Christ where the stench of death reigns.” He described Christian love as something found through self-emptying: “Love is true only when it is unguarded,” he said.
The pope also addressed challenges facing missionaries today by urging respect for local cultures and dialogue rather than imposing beliefs: “Rather than seeking to ‘reconquer’ increasingly secular societies,” he said Catholics should approach others “as guests…to listen and accompany.”
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo emphasized that success is measured by faithfulness rather than results: “Within [the world] arises a new people, not victims but witnesses,” he said.
