Pope Leo XIV: Saint Francis Shows Path to Peace Through Fraternal Love

Vatican City, 4 October 2026 — Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to pray for peace and build harmony among peoples during his Sunday Angelus, as he reflected on God’s mercy and the witness of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope reflected on the Gospel parable of the vineyard and Jesus’ rejection by those who should have welcomed Him. “God never discards our lives!” Pope Leo said, stressing that rejection and violence cannot thwart God’s saving will.

He noted that although “the One who came to bring salvation is condemned” and “the One who wishes to give life is put to death”, Christ’s teaching reveals that the Father’s mercy is greater than evil.

Pope Leo recalled Jesus’ words: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” He explained that God transforms evil into redemption and turns what is cast aside into the foundation that sustains everything. In this way, he said, God guides history and comes to humanity’s aid whenever it falls.

Saint Francis and the renewal of the Church

Turning to the image of the vineyard, the Pope said it represents the Church, which people can either build up or damage through their choices.

Marking the eighth centenary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, Pope Leo presented him as a labourer in the Lord’s vineyard who responded to Christ’s call to repair His Church. Inspired by the Crucified Christ, Francis first built his own life on Christ, embracing poverty, joy and suffering.

“Saint Francis repaired the Church by virtue of his faith in the Lord Jesus,” the Pope said, adding that he “healed the rifts of discord through the witness of fraternal love”.

Pope Leo said the Franciscan charism continues to bear fruit eight centuries later through the Franciscan family and the spiritual gifts it offers the People of God.

As the Church celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year, he urged the faithful to “perseveringly ask for the gift of peace and sincerely commit ourselves to building harmony among peoples”.

He entrusted this mission to the intercession of the Virgin Mary before leading the faithful in the Angelus.

Courtesy: Vatican News