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In Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV addressed the congregation during Pentecost Mass in St. Peter's Square on June 8, focusing on themes of unity and peace. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to "open borders, break down walls" and eliminate hatred so that all may live as part of one human family.
"The Spirit breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred," Pope Leo said, emphasizing the commandment of love as central to Christian teaching.
He spoke against "an unhealthy desire for domination" and recent violence in relationships, highlighting cases of femicide in Italy. As reported by La Stampa on June 6, three women were killed within 48 hours by a husband or partner. The Italian government data shows an average of 100 women were victims of voluntary manslaughter involving family members annually between 2022 and 2024, with 62 killed by a partner or ex-partner each year.
Pope Leo highlighted the Holy Spirit's role in fostering good relationships: "The Holy Spirit...brings to maturity within us the fruits that enable us to cultivate good and healthy relationships."
He reflected on past teachings from Pope Benedict XVI regarding Pentecost, noting that the Spirit opens borders starting within individual hearts and extending to global relations.
"The Spirit opens borders...by breaking down our hardness of heart," he said. The pope also remarked on modern isolation despite increased connectivity through social media: "Sadly...we risk being ever more alone."
The Holy Spirit encourages authentic self-encounter beyond superficial appearances: "He leads us to an encounter with the Lord...and to have one's life become a place 'of welcome and refreshment.'"
For church unity, Pope Leo stressed there should be "no borders or divisions among us," urging reconciliation within diversity. He called for viewing others as siblings rather than sources of conflict: "This is how differences no longer become an occasion for division..."
Recalling Pope Francis' message from Pentecost 2023, he lamented ongoing global discord: "The wars plaguing our world are a tragic sign..." He prayed for peace in people's hearts as essential for spreading peace broadly.
The mass concluded the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements with over 70,000 attendees participating in events led by Pope Leo. Before closing with Regina Caeli prayers on June 8, he thanked Catholic lay associations involved in the Jubilee and encouraged them to spread hope through their faith-driven actions.
