Pope Leo XIV: Christ Transfigures the Wounds of History and Reveals the Light of Easter

Vatican City, March 1, 2026: At the Angelus for the Second Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV said that Christ the Redeemer transfigures the wounds of history and reveals God’s gift of salvation, reflecting on the mystery of the Transfiguration.

Preaching on the Gospel account of Jesus’ Transfiguration, the Pope said the event “foreshadows the light of Easter: an event of death and resurrection, of darkness and new light that Christ radiates on all bodies scourged by violence, crucified by pain, or abandoned in misery”.

He noted that although the disciples who accompanied Jesus witnessed His splendour, they needed time to grasp its meaning — “time in silence to listen to the word, time for conversion in order to enjoy the Lord’s company”.

In his catechesis, Pope Leo recalled that the disciples saw Jesus, the Word made flesh, standing between the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah. Drawing a parallel with Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan, he said, “we hear the voice of the Father proclaiming, ‘This is My beloved Son,’ while the Holy Spirit envelops Jesus in a ‘bright cloud’”.

This manifestation of what he described as the “human splendour of God” allowed Peter, James and John to contemplate “a humble glory”, one not displayed as a spectacle for the crowds but revealed in solemn intimacy.

The Transfiguration, he continued, shows Jesus’ flesh shining “with the glory of God” despite the presence of evil in the world. In doing so, it demonstrates that the Redeemer “transfigures the wounds of history, enlightening our minds and hearts; his revelation is a gift of salvation”.

The Pope challenged the faithful to reflect personally on this mystery. “Does this captivate us? Do we see the true face of God with a gaze of wonder and love?” he asked.

Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo addressed broader spiritual questions. “The Father’s reply to the despair of atheism is the gift of his Son, the Saviour; the Holy Spirit redeems us from the loneliness of agnosticism by offering us an everlasting communion of life and grace; and in response to our weak faith, the promise of the future resurrection is announced.”

Through the Transfiguration, the Pope affirmed, Christ reveals a glory that transforms suffering and offers hope, pointing humanity towards the light of Easter and the promise of redemption.

Pope Leo XIV: Christ Transfigures the Wounds of History and Reveals the Light of Easter

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