Pope Leo XIV Calls For a Humbler, More Welcoming Church at Jubilee Mass

Vatican City, 27 October, 2025 — At the Mass celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica for the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, Pope Leo XIV called on the Church to become humbler and more welcoming, emphasising that love and service — not power or domination — must define the Christian community. 

Addressing members of synodal structures who assist in the Church’s journey of communion, participation and mission, the Pope reminded them that the Church is not simply an institution of hierarchy, but “the visible sign of the union between God and humanity”. 

 He urged that within the Church relationships should be shaped “not by the logic of power but by that of love”, stressing that no one is called to dominate, but all are called to serve. 

Pope Leo also warned against divisions emerging from tensions such as tradition versus novelty, unity versus diversity and authority versus participation. He said these are not to be eliminated by force but purified by the Holy Spirit and brought into dialogue so that the Church can walk together in truth. 

The Pope invited all in the Church’s synodal processes to follow the example of the humble tax-collector in the Gospel — someone who realises their need for God and neighbour — rather than the self-justifying Pharisee. He called for a Church that bends down to wash the feet of humanity and becomes a welcoming home for all people.

Source and Image Credits : Vatican News

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