VIDEO | Homily of Pope Leo XIV – Chair of Saint Peter Mass in Rome

May 27

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Introduction: A Historic Homily from the Chair of Saint Peter

At the Papal Mass for the Possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first homily at the Lateran Basilica, the ecclesial mother of all churches. This powerful moment — the homily of Pope Leo XIV Chair of Saint Peter — marked not just a liturgical formality, but the spiritual and pastoral beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church. Rooted in humility, listening, and tenderness, Leo XIV’s message resonated deeply with Roman Catholics and faithful around the world, especially in the United States, where his vision of a listening Church is gaining attention.

The Spirit of Communion and the Chair of the Bishop of Rome

Pope Leo XIV began his homily for the Chair of Saint Peter by reflecting on the meaning of the Lateran Basilica, the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. Echoing the inscription above its entrance — Mother and Head of all Churches in the City and the World — he reminded the faithful that the Church must reflect maternal love, humility, and a capacity to listen.

Quoting from Acts 15, he highlighted how early Christians navigated division through prayerful dialogue, not power struggles:

“It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.”

This model of synodality and spiritual discernment, said the Pope, should guide the Catholic Church today as it seeks unity through prayer, not politics.

Listening as a Theological Act

According to Pope Leo XIV, listening is not a strategy — it’s a form of love and a divine imperative. This was the core of his homily Chair of Saint Peter, which emphasized that leadership in the Church must be rooted in attentiveness and tenderness.

“Communion is built on our knees,” he declared — a line that resonated strongly with those seeking renewal within the Church.

This message reflects the Pope’s desire to model his episcopacy on closeness to the people, rather than clerical distance.

The Holy Spirit as Guide and Teacher

Drawing from John 14:23–29, Leo XIV preached that the Holy Spirit teaches and reminds — two verbs that define the Church’s mission in an evolving world. The Spirit does not just inform doctrine, but forms hearts.

The Spirit teaches by engraving Christ’s message in the soul
The Spirit reminds by awakening memory — not as nostalgia, but as a living awareness of faith

This reflection in the Papal Mass for the Chair of the Bishop of Rome positioned the Holy Spirit as the true leader of any synodal Church.

“A Christian With You, a Bishop For You”

Pope Leo XIV used the words of Saint Augustine to describe his episcopal role:

“As a Christian with you, and a Bishop for you.”

This phrase from the homily of Pope Leo XIV Chair of Saint Peter underlined his emphasis on collegiality and pastoral closeness. Unlike rulers who govern from above, Leo sees his mission as one of accompaniment.

He ended the homily by echoing Pope John Paul I’s famous words of love, saying to the faithful of Rome:

“I assure you that I love you.”

Pope Leo XIV’s Vision for the Catholic Church

The Papal Mass homily offered a vision of a Church not driven by structure and control, but by dialogue, service, and compassion. In today’s global Church, facing secularism and cultural confusion, the message from the Chair of Saint Peter sets a tone of spiritual renewal.

This homily of Pope Leo XIV Chair of Saint Peter is a clear call to all Catholics — including those in the United States — to embrace a Church that listens deeply and acts lovingly.

Key Takeaways from the Homily of Pope Leo XIV

Here are 5 highlights from this important papal address:

Listening is love – A Church that listens is a Church that serves.
The Spirit leads the way – Discernment, not ideology, should shape decisions.
Dialogue is essential – Unity requires patient, prayerful conversation.
Leadership is service – The Pope is a brother in faith before a ruler.
Faith must be lived – Through memory, tenderness, and mission.

Conclusion: The Chair of Saint Peter as a Seat of Tenderness

As the homily of Pope Leo XIV Chair of Saint Peter continues to circulate among Catholics worldwide, it presents a compelling vision: a Church built on listening, communion, and love. For American Catholics seeking spiritual direction in a noisy world, Leo XIV’s words invite reflection and renewed faith.

Will the Church today choose humility over hierarchy, tenderness over tactics?
In the words of the Holy Father: “I too offer you the little I have and am.”