Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Parable of the Good Samaritan during his general audience, emphasizing the importance of compassion. He stated that compassion is a matter of humanity before being a religious issue, urging people to prioritize human connection. The Pope highlighted the need to shift perspectives, moving from self-centeredness to focusing on loving others. He also noted that the setting of the parable, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, symbolizes life's challenges and encounters.
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Pope Leo XIV has consistently emphasized that compassion is fundamentally a matter of humanity, preceding any religious affiliation 2 3 5 6 7. During his general audiences, he reflected on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting that "before being believers, we are called to be human" 2 3 5 6 7. This teaching underscores that true compassion is not an automatic outcome of religious practice but a core human characteristic 3 5 6 7.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a central theme in Pope Leo XIV's recent addresses 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. He explained that the parable challenges individuals to move beyond a self-centered perspective and engage with the suffering of others 1 3 4 6. The Pope noted that the question "Who loves me?" is immature, whereas "Who have I loved?" signifies an adult understanding of life's meaning, prompting action rather than passive waiting 3 4 6.
Pope Leo XIV identified "haste" as a significant barrier to compassion in modern life 2 3 4 5 6 7. He warned that those who prioritize their own journey are often unwilling to stop and assist others in need 2 3 4 5 6 7. The Pope contrasted the indifference of the priest and Levite in the parable, who, despite their religious roles, passed by the wounded man, with the Samaritan's active engagement 3 5 6.
Pope Leo XIV presented Jesus Christ as the ultimate Good Samaritan, who, out of compassion, descended to humanity's depths to heal wounds with love and mercy 1. He encouraged the faithful to imitate Christ by cultivating a heart that is moved, eyes that see without looking away, hands that help, and shoulders that bear the burdens of those in need 1. This imitation involves allowing oneself to be changed by Christ's feelings and becoming witnesses of His love and compassion 1.
Compassion, according to Pope Leo XIV, must manifest through concrete actions and a willingness to "get involved, get dirty, perhaps be contaminated" 3 4 5 6. The Samaritan's actions—binding wounds, transporting the injured man, and covering expenses—exemplify this practical commitment 4 6. The Pope called for a "revolution of love," urging people to halt their frantic pace and allow the needs and troubles of others to touch their hearts, fostering true fraternity and breaking down barriers 1.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his reflections by inviting prayers for growth in humanity and for relationships to be richer in compassion 2 4 5 6 7. He specifically asked for the grace to have the same feelings as the Heart of Jesus 2 4 5 6 7. In a broader appeal, he reiterated his strong call to end the war in Ukraine, expressing closeness to victims and urging support for dialogue and peace initiatives, emphasizing the escalating cries of suffering mothers and fathers 4.
How does Catholic teaching define true humanity and compassion?
The Catholic Church defines true humanity as rooted in the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God, and destined for communion with Him . Compassion, in turn, is presented as a fundamental aspect of this humanity, reflecting God's love and calling believers to active care for others, especially the vulnerable .
Catholic teaching emphasizes that human dignity is not earned but is intrinsic to every individual from conception until natural death, regardless of their physical or psychological condition . This dignity stems from several key theological truths:
Compassion is presented as a vital response to the recognition of human dignity, reflecting Christ's commandment to "love one another" . It involves:
In essence, Catholic teaching defines true humanity as living in accordance with the inherent dignity bestowed by God, and compassion as the active, empathetic, and selfless love that flows from this recognition, leading to concrete actions of care and service for all, especially the most vulnerable .