The new Pope Leo XIV revealed one of his concerns at the Angelus: 'The Church needs you.'
During his most recent appearance this Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called on the world's young people to pursue a religious life, affirming that "the Church needs them" and emphasizing the urgency of having "credible role models" to increase vocations.
Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV also called for an "immediate" ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and advocated for humanitarian aid to be provided to the "exhausted" population.
He also demanded freedom for all Israeli hostages during a few remarks from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after the Regina Caeli prayer.
"Do not be afraid, accept the invitation of Christ the Lord!" Photo: Vatican News X:@vaticannews_es
Pope Leo XIV affirmed today that the Church "needs vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life" and asked that young people be listened to and welcomed to follow that path.
Following his election as pontiff last Thursday, Leo XIV led the Regina Caeli prayer today from the central balcony of St. Peter's , which replaces the Angelus in this post-Easter period.
"The Church needs them!" the Pope said, referring to the desire for more religious vocations. He added that it is important "that young people find in our communities welcome, listening, and encouragement in their vocational journey , and that they can count on credible models of generous dedication to God and their brothers and sisters."
"Do not be afraid, accept the Church's invitation," the Pope said.
He emphasized that his first Sunday as Bishop of Rome is the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, the fourth Sunday of Easter, which the Gospel recalls as the one in which "Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows, loves, and gives his life for his sheep."
For 62 years, this Sunday has been celebrated as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations , which is why Leo XIV alluded to the need for the Church to have more of them.
"Let us make our own the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for this World Day, in which he asked us to welcome and accompany young people. Let us pray to the heavenly Father that we may be, for one another, each according to his own state, shepherds "according to his own heart," capable of helping one another walk in love and truth," the Pope added.
LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL AND EFE AGENCY
eltiempo
