Pope Leo XIV emphasizes personal relationship with God and love for neighbor

During the Angelus prayer on October 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the fundamental commandment of love, emphasizing that a relationship with God must be personal rather than a matter of mere obligation or religious imposition. Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, the Pontiff stated that knowing of God's existence is insufficient; instead, the Lord seeks a personal communion that involves the heart, soul, and mind.

The Pope highlighted the inseparable link between loving God and loving one's neighbor, noting that true love for the Creator must overflow into service and charity toward others. He warned that without this dimension of love, faith loses its substance, good works reduce to mere moralism, and hope becomes futile. By viewing others through the lens of Christ, the Pope suggested that individuals can overcome egoism and transform their existence into a gift for those around them.

Additionally, the Pope issued calls for peace in regions including Yemen and Jordan. In Assisi, the Sant’Egidio Community launched an international meeting titled “Disarmed and Disarming Peace,” echoing the Pope's appeals for religious responsibility in addressing global conflicts.