Pope Leo at Pentecost Vigil: God Intends All to Live as One

Vatican City, 8 June, 2025 - Pope Leo led thousands of pilgrims in a moving Pentecost Vigil prayer service at Saint Peter’s Square on 7 June ( Saturday) evening, marking the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities. The gathering drew more than 70,000 participants from over 100 countries, united in prayer, song, and testimony before the Holy Father arrived to lead a Liturgy of the Word focused on unity as a gift of the Holy Spirit.

“Saint Peter’s Square, with its wide-open and welcoming embrace, magnificently expresses the communion of the Church,” Pope Leo said in his homily, affirming the spirit of fellowship experienced among the diverse ecclesial groups present.

Synodality: A Journey in Unity

The Pope placed strong emphasis on synodality, describing it as rooted in the communion of the Trinity—God’s very presence with us—and a dynamic journey. “Where the Spirit is,” he declared, “there is movement, a journey to be made.”

He explained that this journey links us with all of humanity. In a world scarred by violence and division, the Holy Spirit teaches us to walk together. "The earth will rest, justice will prevail, the poor will rejoice and peace will return,” he said, once we no longer act as predators, but as pilgrims; no longer each of us for ourselves, but walking alongside one another. He envisioned a world renewed by justice and peace when people act not as self-serving individuals but as companions journeying side by side.

“God created the world so that we might all live as one,” the Pope continued, identifying synodality as the Church’s expression of this vision of unity.

Evangelisation: God's Transforming Work Turning to evangelisation, Pope Leo clarified that it does not mean dominating others but allowing lives transformed by the Kingdom of God to radiate grace.

"Evangelization, then, can be understood as the way of the Beatitudes, the path chosen by Jesus." He described evangelisation as a way of life shaped by the Beatitudes—the path of Jesus himself.

“To follow that path, we do not need powerful patrons, worldly compromises, or emotional tactics. Evangelisation is always God’s work,” the Pope stressed.

He urged members of ecclesial movements to stay connected to their local parish communities and dioceses. Only through collaboration with bishops and fellow believers can the Church meet modern challenges with hope and clarity.

“The challenges facing humanity will be less frightening, the future less dark, and discernment less complicated,” Pope Leo concluded, “if together we obey the Holy Spirit.”

Courtesy: Vatican News