Pope Leo XIV: ‘Jesus Quenches Our Spiritual Thirst’

Vatican City, March 9, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to pursue authentic discipleship and spiritual renewal, reminding them that Jesus alone satisfies the deepest thirst of the human heart.

Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus on the Third Sunday of Lent, the Pope reflected on the Gospel account of the Samaritan woman at the well. He said the encounter with Christ awakens within each person “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life”.

The Holy Father described Lent as a privileged time to free the heart from obstacles that hinder the experience of God’s grace. Quoting Dutch Jewish author Etty Hillesum, he noted that when God seems buried beneath “stones and grit”, He must be “dug out again”, underscoring the need for interior renewal.

Pope Leo also pointed to the disciples’ astonishment at Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman, suggesting their initial reluctance revealed a limited understanding of His mission. Quoting Christ’s words, “Look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting,” he urged the faithful to recognise God’s grace even where it is not immediately visible.

He highlighted Jesus’ attentiveness, respect and lack of judgement as a model for Christian conduct, encouraging believers to serve others with openness and compassion.

Reflecting on the Samaritan woman’s role, the Pope described her as the first of many female evangelisers. Her testimony led her community to faith, demonstrating, he said, the beauty of giving full attention to those we encounter.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo invited the faithful to seek the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, as they serve those “thirsting for truth and justice”. He stressed that such service must transcend divisions and warned against adopting a mentality of “us” versus “them”.

“Those who worship God seek to be men and women of peace, who worship him in Spirit and in truth,” he said, urging continued commitment to unity and reconciliation during the Lenten journey.

Pope Leo XIV: ‘Jesus Quenches Our Spiritual Thirst’

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