Pope Leo XIV on May 3 used his Regina Caeli address to draw a contrast between what he called the exclusivity of earthly life and the radical openness of the resurrection faith, while also marking World Press Freedom Day with a call to remember journalists killed in wars and conflict.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered at St. Peter's Square, the Pope reflected on the Sunday’s Gospel passage in which Jesus tells his disciples, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
"In the old world in which we are still journeying, what attracts attention are exclusive places, experiences accessible only to a few," Pope Leo said. "In the new world into which the risen One leads us, however, what is most valuable is within everyone's reach."
The Pontiff said the antidote to anxiety over status and recognition lay in the command to have faith. Quoting the Gospel, he said Jesus offers the instruction: "Have faith in God; have faith also in me."
"It is precisely this faith that frees our hearts from the anxiety of possessing and acquiring, and from the illusion that we must pursue a position of prestige to have worth," the Pope said.
Freedom of press
Following the prayer, the Holy Father noted that May 3 was World Press Freedom Day, promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The right to press freedom "is often violated — sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways," he said, asking the faithful to remember "the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence."
The month of Mary
The Pope also marked the beginning of May by encouraging Catholics to pray the Rosary, calling it a time of renewed joy "in the name of Mary, our Mother."
He drew a parallel between the month's traditional Marian devotion and the scene in Acts of the Apostles in which the disciples gathered in the upper room between the Ascension and Pentecost, invoking the Holy Spirit with Mary in their midst.
"Mary Most Holy remained in their midst, her heart keeping watch over the fire that animated the prayer of all," the Pope said. He said he was entrusting his intentions to Mary "particularly for communion within the Church and for peace in the world."