Pope: Mary’s Joy Heals & Fills Where Hope Is Lost

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, recognizing her role in bringing faith and joy to the Americas.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Message of Love

Christian tradition recognizes the Blessed Virgin Mary as “the mother of love,” Pope Leo said during his homily. He explained that Mary “lives the dynamic of one who allows the world to enter her life and transform it,” bringing joy even when “human joy is insufficient.”

The Pope highlighted Mary’s appearance to St. Juan Diego, where she spoke to him in his native tongue. He stated that in Guadalupe, Mary “awakens in the inhabitants of America the joy of knowing themselves loved by God.”

Amidst “ongoing conflicts, injustices, and sufferings,” Our Lady of Guadalupe proclaims, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” Pope Leo continued, emphasizing Mary’s role as “the voice that makes the promise of divine faithfulness resound, the sustaining presence when life becomes unbearable.”

Following Mary’s Guidance

Mary calls believers to “do whatever [Jesus] tells us,” and encourages a response of devotion: “Yes, Mother, we want to be your true children. Tell us how to advance in faith when our strength wanes, and shadows grow. Help us to understand that with you, even winter becomes a time of roses.”

Pope Leo then directly addressed the Blessed Virgin, asking for her guidance in preventing division, supporting young people in their faith, reaching those who have strayed from the Church, and strengthening families.

“Holy Virgin,” the Pope prayed, “may we, like you, keep the Gospel in our hearts,” believing that wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, “everything becomes beautiful, restored, renewed.”

Finally, Pope Leo asked for Mary’s support in his ministry as the Successor of St. Peter, to confirm those entrusted to him “in the one path that leads to the blessed Fruit of your womb.” He concluded with a prayer that, through Mary’s protection, believers may advance “united ever more with Jesus and one another, toward the eternal dwelling He has prepared for us, and in which [Mary] awaits us.”