Pope Leo XIV, reflecting in Italian during a pre-Christmas meeting, took a moment to honor the memory of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 after a 12-year tenure as the leader of the global Catholic Church. Continuing Francis’ legacy, Pope Leo used this traditional meeting not only to review the past year but also to emphasize the mission of the Curia in spreading the Gospel.
The festive meeting was held in the Vatican’s Hall of Blessing, beautifully adorned with red poinsettias and Christmas trees decorated with shimmering lights and elegant ornaments. In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the necessity of living as a community that embodies brotherhood and sisterhood, stressing that the light of communion must shine brightly in the world.
Addressing cardinals and Curia officials on December 22, he asserted that church officials are called to reflect a “new humanity,” which is grounded in love and solidarity, steering away from selfishness and division. He spoke highly of the influence Pope Francis had during his papacy, urging that God’s mercy should remain at the heart of the church’s mission.
Pope Leo emphasized two main themes from Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium,” namely mission and communion. He articulated that the church must be “outward-looking,” with the purpose of inviting all to experience God’s love and to realize their identities as cherished children of God. He further stated that this sense of belonging transforms individuals into bearers of truth, justice, and peace.
The pope called for a more missionary Curia, noting that its structures should be designed to address today’s ecclesial, pastoral, and social challenges rather than just to manage ordinary administrative tasks. He pointed out that Christmas serves as a vital reminder of Jesus revealing God as a Father, encouraging unity among all individuals.
Speaking on the importance of communion, he acknowledged the challenges that arise within the church, including the tendency towards division. He urged members to embrace their role within the one body of Christ and strive for both inward and outward unity through genuine, loving interactions.
Pope Leo also cautioned against the bitterness that can develop in those who become disheartened by slow changes within the Curia. He urged officials to cultivate real friendships and seek personal conversion, promoting an environment where collaboration flourishes, and each person’s contributions are recognized and valued.
As he concluded his address, Pope Leo reaffirmed that when members of the church live with authenticity and commitment, they become a beacon of hope in a world fraught with conflict and division. He urged everyone to embody the peace that Christ brings, presenting it as a prophetic sign amid a fragmented world. Following the gathering, he warmly greeted Vatican employees and their families, emphasizing the significance of simplicity and humility in their work, demonstrating a model for the church in all its dimensions.