The Church is a ‘Construction Site’ for a Community Built with Patience and Faith says Pope

Vatican City, November 9, 2025 — Celebrating Mass for the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV described the Church as a “construction site” where believers are called to build a community of faith with humility, patience, and steadfast trust in God’s plan.

Addressing over 2,700 faithful gathered for the solemn celebration, Pope Leo urged Christians to free themselves “from the criteria of the world, which demands immediate results because it does not know the wisdom of waiting.” He reminded the congregation that “Jesus changes us and calls us to work in God’s great construction site, wisely shaping us according to His plans for salvation.”

Reflecting on the mission of the Church as a living community, the Pope said that the Basilica of St. John Lateran — the “first seat” of the Church — represents “a true community of faith capable of spreading charity, promoting mission, proclaiming, celebrating, and serving the apostolic Magisterium.” He noted that the Lateran Basilica is “much more than a historical monument,” describing it instead as “a sign of the living Church, built with chosen and precious stones in Christ Jesus, the cornerstone.”

Quoting St. Paul VI, Pope Leo explained, “The Church, the society of believers, gives the Lateran its most solid and striking external structure.” He called on the faithful to “labour in the service of God’s Kingdom” with diligence, cautioning against haste or superficiality.

In his homily, the Pope drew inspiration from the foundations of the Basilica, explaining that its builders “laid a sufficiently solid foundation to prevent collapse over time.” This, he said, serves as a lesson for all Christians to “dig deep within ourselves before we can build impressive structures.” Quoting St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, he added, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.”

Referring to the Gospel passage about Zacchaeus, Pope Leo said the story illustrates how humility and effort lead to transformation. Zacchaeus’s act of climbing a tree to see Jesus, he explained, symbolises overcoming pride and limitations — marking the beginning of a new life through encounter with Christ.

Pope Leo emphasised that the Church’s journey resembles a “construction site,” where faith, creativity, and perseverance are essential. “There were critical moments, pauses, and corrections,” he noted, “but thanks to the tenacity of those who came before us, we can gather in this wonderful place.”

He commended the faithful in Rome, saying, “A great good is growing thanks to the efforts of many. Let us not allow fatigue to prevent us from recognising and celebrating this good.” The Pope added that charity in action continues to shape the Church’s face, revealing her as the “mother of all Churches.”

Concluding his homily, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of liturgy, calling it “the summit toward which all Church activity is directed” and the source of spiritual strength for preaching Christ in the world. He encouraged that worship be marked by “beauty, love, and life,” ensuring that “those who approach the altar of Rome’s Cathedral go away filled with the grace the Lord wishes to flood the world.”

The Church is a ‘Construction Site’ for a Community Built with Patience and Faith says Pope

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