Pope Leo: Flowers can bloom even in prisons
हिंदी में सुनें
Listen to this article in Hindi
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Gaudete Sunday Mass, emphasizing hope for prisoners and urging continued support for the incarcerated population.
During the Gaudete Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV centered his homily on the meaning of "Gaudete," the Latin word for “joy.” He explained that the Third Sunday of Advent serves as a reminder of the hopeful anticipation of positive events to come.
The Mass, celebrated on December 14th, also marked the Jubilee of Hope, a special observance for prisoners and those involved in prison ministry. Pope Leo referenced Pope Francis' gesture from the previous year, December 26th, when he opened the Holy Door at the Church of Our Father within Rebibbia prison.
Pope Francis' act was a call to action on two fronts:
- Hold fast to hope.
- Open hearts.
Pope Leo emphasized that Pope Francis' message encouraged faith in the promise of eternal life and urged everyone to actively promote justice and compassion in their communities.
Looking ahead to the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo acknowledged the persistent challenges within the prison system. He noted that despite ongoing efforts, significant work remains to be done. While acknowledging the difficulties of prison environments, Pope Leo urged against discouragement, emphasizing the need for continued perseverance. He believes that positive change, like flowers, can still emerge in even the most challenging environments.
