In his Sunday Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square Feb. 1, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the Beatitudes, saying they are “lights that the Lord kindles in the darkness of history, revealing the plan of salvation.”
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading, Pope Leo said that Jesus gave his disciples a new law in the form of the Beatitudes.
“It is a law that renews our lives and makes them good, even when the world seems to have failed us and is full of misery,” he said. “Only God can truly call the poor and afflicted blessed, because he is the highest good who gives himself to all with infinite love.”
The Holy Father explained that God is the only One who can satisfy people’s search for peace and justice because he is the just judge of the entire world and the author of everlasting peace. Additionally, he said that God is the only true source of joy for the meek, the merciful, and the pure of heart.
The Pontiff also explained that the Beatitudes are confusing to those who misunderstand God.
“These Beatitudes remain a paradox only for those who believe that God is other than how Christ reveals him,” he said. “Those who expect the arrogant to always rule the earth are surprised by the Lord’s words. Those who are accustomed to thinking that happiness belongs to the rich may believe that Jesus is deluded.”
He said that this “delusion” is caused by a lack of faith in Christ.
“[Jesus Christ] is the poor man who shares his life with everyone, the meek man who perseveres in suffering, the peacemaker persecuted to death on the cross,” he said.
The Pope explained that Christ’s life reveals the true meaning of history.
“It is no longer written by conquerors, but rather by God, who is able to accomplish it by saving the oppressed,” he said.
For the Christian, the Beatitudes are a measure of happiness, Pope Leo said.
“It is in fact because of Christ and thanks to him that the bitterness of trials is transformed into the joy of the redeemed,” he continued. “Jesus does not speak of a distant consolation, but of a constant grace that always sustains us, especially in times of affliction.”
After his remarks, the Pope spoke about rising tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, the upcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, victims of war and conflict, and those dead or suffering because of recent storms. He offered prayers for these intentions.