Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant message during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran. The event, held on Holy Thursday evening, emphasized the importance of serving God’s people wholeheartedly, particularly in times of global brutality.
Pope’s Call to Service and Humility
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reminded the congregation of the significance of Holy Thursday as they entered the Holy Triduum, marking the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. He emphasized Christ’s act of kneeling to wash the feet of His Apostles as a profound gesture of love, stating, “The Lord kneels to wash each one of us, and His divine gift transforms us.”
The Transformative Power of Service
- The act of foot washing reflects God’s revelation.
- Pope Leo highlighted the need to overturn worldly standards of greatness.
- He urged priests to serve with their whole lives, emulating Christ’s selfless love.
Pope Leo quoted Benedict XVI to illustrate the contrast between human concepts of greatness and divine service. He said, “We are called to serve the People of God with our whole lives.” The Pope reminded attendees that the Lord’s love comes before our own merits, offering forgiveness and restoration.
Lessons on Reciprocity in Service
Addressing his fellow priests, Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of being served by Christ in order to serve others effectively. He noted that true belief in the Lord comes from accepting His role as a servant. He pointed out that humanity must kneel together as brothers and sisters, especially in the face of oppression and violence.
A Day of Gratitude and Reflection
Pope Leo called Holy Thursday “a day of fervent gratitude and authentic fraternity.” He encouraged every parish to engage in Eucharistic adoration, contemplating Jesus’ humility. He sought strength for all to follow Christ’s example of love and service.
Continuing the Tradition of Foot Washing
In keeping with tradition, Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of twelve priests during the Mass. This included:
- Fr. Andrea Alessi
- Fr. Gabriele Di Menno Di Bucchianico
- Fr. Renzo Chiesa
- Fr. Francesco Melone
- Fr. Clody Merfalen
- Fr. Federico Pelosio
- Fr. Marco Petrolo
- Fr. Pietro Hieu Nguyen Huai
- Fr. Matteo Renzi
- Fr. Giuseppe Terranova
- Fr. Simone Troilo
- Fr. Enrico Maria Trusiani
Most of the priests were ordained by Pope Leo the previous year, with Fr. Chiesa serving as the spiritual director of the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary.
Following the liturgy, the Pope carried the Blessed Sacrament to its place of repose in the Chapel of Saint Francis, marking a solemn conclusion to the evening’s reverent observances.
