Pope Leo XIV receives in audience a group of pilgrims from Russia and encourages them to continue in their Christian journey after the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
By Kielce Gussie
Meeting with members of a pilgrimage from Russia, Pope Leo XIV praised their initiative to make the journey to Rome as it “is typical of those who are searching for the meaning of life.” The Pope highlighted that the group’s presence is part of a journey “shared by many generations who have come to visit these places where the heart of the Christian soul beats”.
He pointed out how, beyond the monuments, churches, and monasteries, there are other signs of a living faith—found in the hearts of people. Through them, “the city itself becomes a symbol of human life”.
In this, Pope Leo continued, “the ‘ruins’ of past experiences, along with anguish, uncertainty, and restlessness, are interwoven with a faith that grows daily, takes shape through charity, and with a hope that does not disappoint.”
The ancient and sacred buildings of the Eternal City offer a reminder to all who visit: in the Sacrament of Baptism, we are all “living stones being built into a spiritual house”. The Pope reiterated this belief, explaining that “every stone, even the smallest one, placed by the Lord in the right place, plays an essential role in the stability of the entire structure”.
Pope Leo during the audience with the Russian pilgrims (@Vatican Media)
Responsible for one another
Encouraging the group to continue their Christian journey with the same fervor even after the pilgrimage is over, Pope Leo reminded the group that they are responsible for their local Church, bearing “one another’s burdens”.
He called on their families, parishes, and communities to be examples of love, fraternity, solidarity, and mutual respect toward everyone they meet. “In this way, the fire of Christian love can be kindled—capable of warming even the coldest and hardest of hearts.”
The Pope recalled that almost one year ago, Pope Francis blessed the icon of Salus Populi Romani and gifted it to their local Church “as a sign of the Holy Year.” Pope Leo expressed his desire that, as the icon makes a pilgrimage through the Catholic dioceses of Russia, it becomes a source of comfort to everyone, especially the sick and suffering.
Some of the pilgrims from Russia during the papal audience (@Vatican Media)
