Pope emphasizes family unity during Jubilee celebration

Families play a crucial role in the future of humanity, according to Pope Leo XIV, who addressed this topic during a Mass concluding the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly. The event took place on June 1 in St. Peter’s Square.

“Today’s world needs the marriage covenant in order to know and accept God’s love and to defeat, thanks to its unifying and reconciling power, the forces that break down relationships and societies,” said Pope Leo in his homily.

The day coincided with World Communications Day. After the Mass, Pope Leo expressed gratitude towards media workers for maintaining ethical standards that support families in their educational roles.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized that faith within families “is shared like food at the family table.” He encouraged married couples to view marriage as “the measure of true love between a man and a woman” and urged them to be examples of integrity for their children.

Addressing children, he advised them to express gratitude daily by saying “thank you” as a way to honor their parents. He also spoke directly to grandparents and elderly people, urging them to “watch over your loved ones with wisdom.”

Pope Leo reflected on "The Prayer of Jesus" from John 17:20-26, emphasizing God's plan for unity among humanity. He noted that Jesus’ prayer highlights how God's infinite love draws people together through Christ.

“In his mercy, God has always desired to draw all people to himself,” he stated. This desire aligns with celebrating the Jubilee of families as it underscores familial love's importance.

Pope Leo mentioned how beatifying married couples like Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin exemplifies this need for marriage covenants today. He acknowledged challenges such as betrayal of human kindness but emphasized Jesus' continuous prayer for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Over 70,000 attendees from 131 countries participated in the jubilee events held in Rome. Families gathered under banners or flags while seeking shade from the sun's heat.

Before concluding with the "Regina Coeli," Pope Leo prayed for families affected by conflicts worldwide including those in Ukraine and other regions.