Pope Leo XIV addressed an international crowd at his first Angelus from Castel Gandolfo. The event marked a significant moment as the Pope connected with the global community. The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer said at noon, and this was the first time Pope Leo XIV led it from Castel Gandolfo. The crowd gathered to receive the Pope's blessing and listen to his message.
20 days ago
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public Angelus address from Castel Gandolfo on July 13, 2025, marking the first time in 12 years that a pontiff has led the Marian prayer from the historic lakeside town 1, a custom previously set aside by Pope Francis 1, 3. This event occurred midway through Pope Leo's two-week summer retreat at the pontifical estate, located 18 miles southeast of Rome 1, 3.
Despite sporadic light rain, a diverse and enthusiastic crowd filled Liberty Square and surrounding streets, with pilgrims from countries including Brazil, Italy, Poland, and the United States 1, 3. Pope Leo XIV greeted the attendees with "Happy Sunday!" 1, 3. During his address, the Pope emphasized that eternal life is an inheritance bestowed by God, not something to be earned by force or negotiation 1, 3. He stressed that receiving this gift requires doing God's will, specifically by loving God with all one's heart and one's neighbor as oneself 1, 3.
Before the Angelus, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the 17th-century Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova for local Catholics, religious leaders, and civil authorities 1, 3. Reflecting on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Pope called for a "revolution of love" towards those suffering from life's hardships 1, 3. He identified these individuals as victims of tyrannical political systems, economic poverty, and wars that destroy their dreams and lives 1, 3. The Pontiff challenged the faithful to extend compassion beyond their immediate groups, urging them to halt their frantic pace and allow the needs of others to touch their hearts, fostering true fraternity and breaking down barriers 1, 3.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to lead the Angelus again from Castel Gandolfo on July 20, before returning to the Vatican for various events related to the Jubilee of Hope, including celebrations for Catholic influencers and youth 1, 3. He also plans to return to Castel Gandolfo for three days from August 15-17 to observe the Italian holiday of "Ferragosto," which celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1, 3.
How does the Church define eternal life and love?
The Catholic Church defines eternal life as a perfect communion with the Most Holy Trinity, a state of supreme and definitive happiness that begins immediately after death and has no end . This life is not merely an endless existence but a profound union with God, who is the ultimate reward and end of all human endeavors .
Eternal life is understood as the life of God Himself, which is shared with the children of God . It is a gift from the Father, communicated in its fullness by Jesus through His Paschal Mystery and the Holy Spirit . Receiving this gift means participating in the risen Jesus' definitive victory over death .
Key aspects of eternal life include:
Love is presented as the very essence of Christ's teaching and the greatest commandment . It is the absolute foundation of Christian life and morality .
Key aspects of Christian love include: