Pope Leo XIV. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
On celebrating the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Pope Leo XIV reminded pilgrims gathered for the Angelus prayer that the life of the Holy Trinity “gives peace to (people’s) heart(s), which is often very restless.”
The 70-year-old pontiff joined thousands of the faithful in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly Angelus prayer and greeting, where he reflected on the Mystery of the Triune God and explained that this gives us a chance to look back at our own journey, beginning with God’s life given to us in Christ Jesus.
“This life is a dynamic, inexhaustible and faith communion that draw us in. The Holy Spirit, who brings together the Father and the Son, has been placed (i)n our hearts (and) through this, the Church becomes a sacrament of communion, a place of encounter, love and life where heaven and earth already touch,” he meaningfully pointed out.
The pope likewise reflected on the Gospel of the day, citing that Nicodemus, the Pharisee who was deeply drawn to Jesus but despite his eagerness to get to know and understand who Christ was, sought Him out at night to avoid being seen.
“Jesus, however, welcomed Nicodemus and surprised him with an answer
that even an adult can be reborn. Nicodemus learned that God could transform his life,” Leo noted.
“As Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit, Nicodemus’ ‘interior darkness was illuminated with the truth—the same truth that resounds throughout the Church in our celebration of today’s feast. This is the truth that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life’ and that ‘God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him’.” he continued
The pope explained that in the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“we are at home” like Nicodemus was in Jesus’ presence.
“The life of God is captivating. It gives peace to our heart, which is often very restless, and it allows us to encounter our brothers and sisters in the joy of the Spirit.
“The Trinity helps us to love everyone and everything because through it, we understand that every created thing is made for relationship, communion, and encounter. Yet, on the other hand, we learn why polarization, a dislike of diversity, and division lead to sadness, destruction, and an emptiness in the world,” he said.
Leo mentioned that when Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin (council of the high priests of Israel), heard any hateful words against Jesus, he would challenge everyone to listen before condemning him.
“Nicodemus has received the Spirit of communion, which opens hearts to new truths and to true renewal. (But) whoever does not welcome this Spirit grows old quickly, in sorrow, feeling all alone and without joy in their hearts,” the pope shared.