Pope Leo XIV at Angelus: God’s Grace Is Freely Given and Must Be Shared

Vatican City, June 14, 2026: Pope Leo XIV, during the Sunday Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, reflected on the abundance of God’s grace and reminded Christians of their mission to share Christ’s forgiveness and mercy with all people.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel passage (Mt 9:36-10:8), the Pope recalled Jesus’ compassion for the crowds who were “harassed and helpless”. He said that Christ continues to look upon humanity with love, seeing the suffering caused by oppression, violence, war, consumerism, broken families and false ideals.

“The Son of God looks at the people; He looks at humanity,” Pope Leo said, explaining that Jesus’ gaze is filled with compassion, closeness and the desire to redeem all people.

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The Pope highlighted that just as Jesus sent His disciples to comfort those who suffer, Christians today are called to continue the same mission by bringing “charity where there is misery, hope where there is affliction, and faith where there is distrust.”

Speaking about the calling of the first twelve disciples, Pope Leo noted that the Gospel also mentions Judas Iscariot, reminding believers that even followers of Christ can fall into betrayal. However, he emphasised that the Gospel remains a living and liberating word that continues to renew humanity across generations.

“When the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out, evil crumbles like a disease that passes away, like a night giving way to dawn, like death conquered by the risen One,” the Pope said.

Pope Leo explained that Jesus’ love transforms reality and invites every Christian to carry forward the mission of the apostles. He stressed that God’s grace cannot be earned or purchased because it is a free gift of mercy that seeks and draws people closer to Him.

“Jesus’ gift is entirely free, for its value exceeds all measure,” he said.

Concluding his Angelus reflection, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Christians to evangelise through acts of service, care for the poor, commitment to justice and sharing God’s forgiveness with the world.

The Pope entrusted this mission to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, asking that all believers may respond with joy and courage to the calling given by Jesus.

Courtesy: Vatican News