Vatican City, May 11, 2025 —
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public homily as Supreme Pontiff during a solemn Mass celebrated in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday. Addressing the faithful gathered in the Vatican Grottoes, the Holy Father spoke of the mission entrusted to him and the spirit with which he hopes to lead the Church.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day — “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me” — the Pope placed Christ the Good Shepherd at the center of his message. “There is no better example than Jesus Christ himself, to whom we give our lives and whom we depend on,” Pope Leo XIV said. He emphasized that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.”
The occasion, marked not only by the beginning of a new papal ministry but also by Mother’s Day in many parts of the world, allowed the Pope to briefly acknowledge the role of mothers. “One of the most wonderful expressions of the love of God is the love that is poured out by mothers,” he noted.
Turning to the topic of vocations, Pope Leo XIV underlined the importance of fostering a culture where young people are encouraged to hear and follow the call of God. Citing discussions held among the cardinals before and after his election, he stressed that good example and joy are essential. “Not discouraging others, but rather looking for ways to encourage young people to hear the voice of the Lord and to follow it and to serve the Church,” he said.
In a brief switch to Italian, the Holy Father highlighted the universal nature of the papacy, noting that his mission now extends beyond any single diocese to the whole Church. Drawing on the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, he recalled how Paul and Barnabas brought the Gospel to all nations, inviting the faithful to courageously proclaim the Word of God. “Take courage! Without fear!” he urged, echoing Christ’s own frequent exhortations in the Gospel.
A central theme of the homily was the importance of listening — both to God and to others. Pope Leo XIV shared a personal reflection: “When you think about your life, how do you explain where you have arrived? The answer… is with the verb ‘to listen’.” Emphasizing dialogue and humility, he encouraged all to avoid judgment and to remain open to learning and building bridges.
Concluding his homily, the Pope prayed for the grace “to listen to His Word and to serve all His people,” marking the beginning of his papal ministry with a call for unity, service, and attentive hearts.
The Mass was celebrated with simplicity and solemnity, gathering clergy and faithful in prayer for the new pontificate that now begins under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV.
