Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Carabinieri headquarters in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope expressed gratitude for the Carabinieri's efforts to protect pilgrims during the Jubilee Year. Italy's Minister of Defense and the General Commander of the Carabinieri attended the Mass. Pope Leo focused on the Christian greeting of 'brother and sister' in his homily, emphasizing the importance of loving one another.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV, during his summer holidays in Castel Gandolfo, celebrated Mass at the headquarters of the Carabinieri, Italy's national gendarmerie 1. The Mass, held in the chapel of the Villa dei Gesuiti, was attended by Italy's Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, and the General Commander of the Carabinieri, Salvatore Luongo, alongside Archbishop Gian Franco Saba, Archbishop of Italy for the Military 1.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Christian greeting of "brother and sister," highlighting relationships as gifts in Jesus, sustained by God's love and the Holy Spirit 1. He underscored the importance of Mary as the first disciple and a model of faithfulness, particularly relevant to the Carabinieri 1. The Pope noted that the Carabinieri recently marked the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the Virgo Fidelis (Faithful Virgin) as their Patroness, a proposal accepted by Pope Pius XII in 1949 from Castel Gandolfo 1 2.
Pope Leo praised the Carabinieri's motto, "Faithful through the centuries," which he stated expresses their sense of duty and self-sacrifice 2. He defined the virtue of fidelity, exemplified by Mary, as devotion, purity, and constancy in commitment to the common good 2.
The Pontiff expressed profound gratitude for the Carabinieri's "noble and demanding service" to the Italian people and nation, especially for their protection of millions of pilgrims visiting Rome during the Jubilee Year 1 2. He exhorted the law enforcement officers not to "yield to the temptation to think that evil can prevail," even amidst injustices 1. He specifically urged them to remain faithful to their oath, responding to crime with the force of law and honesty, particularly "in these times of war and violence" 1 2.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Carabinieri's sacrifices, deeming it "right and necessary to remember" those who gave their lives in the line of duty 2. He specifically cited Venerable Salvo D'Acquisto, a vice-brigadier whose cause for beatification is underway, as an example of self-sacrifice against Nazi brutality 2. Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV visited the monastery of the Poor Clares in Albano, where he prayed and conversed with the nuns, acknowledging their life as a "precious testimony" 1 2.
How does faith inform justice and service to others?
Faith profoundly informs justice and service to others by providing a foundational understanding of human dignity, motivating action, and shaping the manner in which these actions are carried out. The Church teaches that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but a dynamic force that compels believers to engage with the world and address its needs .
The Christian understanding of faith is inherently linked to love, which then manifests in concrete actions of justice and service . This connection is not optional but a "key criterion of Christian authenticity" . As Saint James states, faith, if it is to be authentic, demands concrete actions, demonstrating faith through works . This means that the commitment to justice, the struggle against oppression, and the protection of personal dignity are not just philanthropic endeavors but deeply religious acts, pleasing to God .
Faith illuminates the meaning and goodness of human life, revealing its ultimate foundation and destiny in God's love . This understanding provides the basis for justice, as it recognizes the inherent dignity of every person as a child of God , . Faith helps to appreciate the "architecture of human relationships" and serves the common good by building societies that journey towards a future of hope . Biblical figures like Samuel and David are presented as examples of those whose faith enabled them to "administer justice" and bring peace to their people .
Service to others, especially the poor and marginalized, is a central vocation for Christians . Jesus' followers are recognized by their closeness to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the forgotten, as outlined in Matthew 25:31-36 . This preferential love for the poor is not a task for a select few but the mission of the entire Church . When Christians serve their brothers and sisters, they are not turning away from God; rather, they encounter and serve Christ himself, as He identifies with "the least of these" .
Acts of service, such as providing education, healthcare, and relief, along with acts of justice and advocacy, are integral to witnessing the Gospel . This service must be free from exploitation or allurements, including financial incentives . It involves walking alongside those in need, allowing oneself to be evangelized by their experiences of suffering and salvation, and working to heal unhealthy social structures that prevent them from dreaming of a better future .
Some mistakenly believe that Christians, in seeking a heavenly city, have no genuine concern for earthly needs . However, the Church teaches that following Christ obliges believers to be responsible citizens and active members of the human community . There is no contradiction between personal prayer and worship and social responsibilities, because the Christ sought in prayer is the same Christ who lives in the least of our brothers and sisters . The Church does not withdraw from the world's brokenness and sinfulness but reaches out with compassion to address injustices and serve the human family with evangelical openness and authentic love .
In essence, faith provides the vision, the motivation, and the framework for Christians to actively pursue justice and engage in selfless service, recognizing that in doing so, they are serving Christ himself and contributing to the building of God's Kingdom in the world , .