Homily – Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)

On Sunday, 18 May 2025, Pope Leo joyfully celebrated the inaugural Mass marking the beginning of his Petrine Ministry.  The event attracted more than two hundred thousand pilgrims, as well as numerous representatives of Christian denominations and other faith traditions.  It was also attended by a significant number of world leaders.  According to the Catholic News Agency, approximately two hundred global leaders and representatives were present at the inauguration Mass.

The massive turnout of pilgrims is entirely understandable.  However, what is particularly impressive and remarkable is the strong interest this Catholic religious ceremony drew from so many world leaders.  I came across a newspaper article in which a journalist highlighted a statement from the team of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding his attendance.  The statement expressed his hope for the event: “to meet other international leaders to discuss deepening trade, commerce, and cultural ties.”  Others have suggested that the Vatican’s expertise in global diplomacy also explains the high level of attendance by secular diplomats and dignitaries.

While these may be valid reasons, I prefer to view the occasion through the lens of faith and in the light of the Gospel.  The Church likely has more to offer than just diplomatic or symbolic significance.  Pope Leo XIII, in his famous encyclical Rerum Novarum – written in response to the effects of the First Industrial Revolution – affirmed the Church’s unique role.  He wrote:

“The Church, that insists, on the authority of the Gospel, upon those teachings whereby the conflict can be brought to an end, or rendered, at least, far less bitter; the Church uses her efforts not only to enlighten the mind, but to direct by her precepts the life and conduct of each and all” (Rerum Novarum, No. 16).

What are these gospel precepts if not love and unity, brought about by the Holy Spirit of God?

In this weekend’s Gospel (John 14:23–29), we hear Jesus assuring his disciples that he will not leave them alone. He promises that the Father will send the Holy Spirit in his name—a gift accompanied by peace:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27).

Those who participated in Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass, both in person and online, witnessed a deeply emotional moment when he was moved to tears as he declared:

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family. Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus.”

It is no exaggeration to say that what the world most desperately needs today are those very dimensions of love and unity—dimensions that lead to lasting peace. And it is from the mouth of Peter’s successor that these truths are boldly proclaimed to the world.

The inaugural Mass of the Pope was indeed an occasion for many world leaders to gather and hold informal meetings and discussions on the sidelines. It might also reflect the Church’s diplomatic skill, but at the same time, it was a Spirit-filled moment for the Holy Father to proclaim the Good News of God’s peace for the world, pledging his commitment to be a co-worker in bringing God’s love and unity to all.

We pray for Pope Leo—that his faith will never fail, and for the courage to carry out all the responsibilities entrusted to him as a faithful servant of God in his new role.

By Fr Sang Ho