Pope Leo XIV visits hospital in Equatorial Guinea

 

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• apostolic journey
• Equatorial Guinea
• the sick
• christians

Pope at hospital in Equatorial Guinea: Small acts of kindness are the ‘hidden’ daily poems of life

At the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital in Malabo, Pope Leo highlights the call of all hospitals, especially ones with a Christian mission, to be a civilization of love “where a person is welcomed as they are and respected in their frailty.”

By Kielce Gussie

A warm welcome of dance and song greeted Pope Leo XIV at the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

After expressing his gratitude at this welcome, the Pope shared his “mixed feelings” whenever he visits a hospital. On one hand, he said he feels sorrow for the patients and their families. He noted that sometimes people “often carry a heavy burden, sometimes with wounds that can be seen, and at other times with wounds that no one sees, but which they themselves know they carry in their hearts and in their lives.”

Yet, on the other hand, he admires and is comforted by all the work done to “serve human life.”

Being present at the hospital in Malabo is no different. But the Pope did note that he found that “joy prevails.” This joy that stems from coming together in the Lord’s name and caring for those whose health is frail.

A sign of love today

Pope Leo shared how moved he was by the testimonies given during this meeting, including one by the director of the hospital, Professor Bechir Ben Hadj Ali. The director explained that “a truly great society is not one that hides its weaknesses, but one that surrounds them with love.”  This is true, the Pope emphasized, as it is a principle of a civilization grounded in Christianity.

Jesus came into the world to “redeem and restore to full dignity to those who suffer from the stigma of disability.” However, He needs our cooperation to do this, both on a personal and social level.

That is why Jesus calls everyone to love their brothers and sisters in words and actions. An institute like the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric hospital can be a sign of this civilization of love “with God’s help and everyone’s commitment.”

Love us as we are

Pope Leo then turned to the words of one of the patients at the hospital, Pedro Celestino, who concluded his testimony thanking the Holy Father for “loving us just as we are.”

This is how God loves each and every person, the Pope reminded those present. “But he does not intend for us to stay that way. No, God does not want us to remain sick forever; he wants to heal us.” The Gospel reveals this more than once.

“A hospital, especially one with a Christian mission”, the Holy Father stressed, “is a place where a person is welcomed as they are and respected in their frailty, so that they can be helped to get better according to a holistic vision.” This spiritual sense is essential to this work, he noted.

Only God can fully read

Before closing, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the poem written by Tarcisio. Pope Leo highlighted how many “hidden” poems are written daily, “not with words, but with small gestures, with thoughtfulness and kindness in your relationships with one another.” This is a poem that only God can completely read, and it is one that “consoles the merciful Heart of Christ.”

The Pope ended by extending his closeness to all the patients in the hospital, in particular those who are the most seriously ill and most alone, and he imparted his apostolic blessing on everyone at the hospital.

Pope Leo XIV first public event in Equatorial Guinea

 

Pope Leo XIV visits Equatorial Guinea and meets with the diplomatic corps and authorities  (@Vatican Media)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• Equatorial Guinea

Pope calls Equatorial Guinea’s leaders to reflect on justice and development

Addressing authorities, civil society and members of the diplomatic corps in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV invites those gathered to reject exclusion, uphold human dignity, and orient development towards the common good rather than power and profit.

By Vatican News

For his first public address during his Apostolic Journey to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV addressed the country’s political authorities, civil society and members of the diplomatic corps in Malabo, the country's capital.

This was the Pope's first public event in Equatorial Guinea (@Vatican Media)

After a brief welcome from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Pope Leo addressed him and the public officials present, recalling the words of Pope John Paul II, who in 1982 described the head of state as "the symbolic center to which the living aspirations of a people converge for the establishment of a social climate of authentic liberty, justice, respect and promotion of the rights of every person". He noted that these words "remain timely" and continue to challenge those entrusted with public responsibility.

Confirming the faith

The Pope then went on to quote Gaudium et Spes, saying "the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time… are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well". He explained that his presence in the country was intended "to confirm you in the faith and to console the people of this country undergoing rapid transformation".

Reflecting then on Saint Augustine of Hippo, particularly the distinction between the "city of God" and the "earthly city". The Pope described the former as "characterized by God’s unconditional love", and the latter as marked by "the proud love of self… and the lust for power and worldly glory that leads to destruction". He invited those present to reflect personally and politically on this difference, asking: "which city they wish to serve".

New City of Peace

Referring then to Equatorial Guinea’s project of building a new capital, Ciudad de la Paz (City of Peace), he suggested that the name itself should prompt ethical reflection. Political life, he stressed, must not be driven by "the pursuit of unjust wealth and the illusion of dominion", but it must instead be oriented towards what is lasting.

The Pope also highlighted the role of the Church’s social teaching, which he said offers "moral criteria and authentic ethical principles" while respecting "the autonomy of nations and their governments". He emphasized that each generation faces new challenges, requiring renewed discernment.

Exclusion is an injustice

Turning then to more contemporary global issues, the Pope went on to warn that "exclusion is the new face of social injustice". He highlighted the widening gap between a small minority and the majority and noted the paradox whereby "the lack of land, food, housing and dignified work coexists with access to new technologies", including mobile phones and artificial intelligence.

Members of the diplomatic corps, authorities, and civil society filled the Hall of the Presidential Palace to hear Pope Leo's discourse.   (@Vatican Media)

Pope Leo then went on to call on political leaders to "dismantle the obstacles to integral human development", grounded in solidarity and the universal destination of goods. He raised particular concern about the impact of technological and economic developments on natural resources and warned that speculation risks overshadowing "the safeguarding of creation, the rights of local communities, the dignity of labor and the protection of public health".

No to an economy that kills

Echoing Pope Francis, who died one year ago today, the Pope stressed: "We also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills". Pope Leo then added that armed conflicts are increasingly linked to the exploitation of oil and mineral resources "with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples".

The Pope then warned against the misuse of technology for military purposes, emphasizing that "the destiny of humanity risks being tragically compromised without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility". He urged respect for international institutions and warned that God’s name "must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death".

For free and responsible consciences

Bringing his address to a close, Pope Leo turned to the country’s youth and future, describing Equatorial Guinea as "a young country" capable of forming "free and responsible consciences". He encouraged leaders to support "countercurrent politics" centered on the common good and finally called for "the courage of new visions and an educational pact that gives young people space and trust".

At the end of the audience, Pope Leo signed the Book of Honor, accompanied by the President of Equatorial Guinea.

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Equatorial Guinea

 

File photo of Pope Leo waving from the papal plane  (ANSA)

Pope

• Equatorial Guinea
• Africa
• Pope Leo XIV
• apostolic journey

Pope Leo XIV begins Apostolic Journey to Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Equatorial Guinea, marking the fourth and final leg of his Apostolic Journey to four African nations.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Leo landed in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Africa's only Spanish-speaking country, at 11:31 AM local time, and will remain there until Thursday, April 23, marking the final leg of his 11-day Apostolic Journey.

The Holy Father had departed from Luanda, Angola, at 9:19 AM local time, concluding his Apostolic Journey to Angola.

The Pope spent three days in the central African nation, during which he visited three cities: Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo.

In Equatorial Guinea, the Pope will pay a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace. He will also meet with authorities, members of civil society, and the diplomatic corps.

Later, he is scheduled to meet representatives from the world of culture at the León XIV Campus of the National University, visit staff and patients at the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital, and hold a private meeting with the country's Bishops.

On Wednesday, Pope Leo will travel from Malabo to Mongomo. He will celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and visit the Pope Francis Technology School.

He will then continue on to Bata, where he is scheduled to visit the local prison, pray at the memorial to the victims of the 7 March 2021 explosion, and meet with young people and families at the city’s stadium. The day will conclude with his return to Malabo.

Finally, on Thursday, 23 April, marking the final day of the Holy Father's Apostolic Journey, the Pope will celebrate Mass at Malabo Stadium before taking part in a farewell ceremony at the airport.

Pope Leo will then depart for Rome, where he is expected to arrive later that day.

A tribute to Pope Francis (died April 21, 2025) in his own words: totus, totus, totus

 

‘Totus, totus, totus’ — Pope Francis calls all Catholics to remember who we are, what it means to be church: Hosffman Ospino

By

 Hosffman Ospino, OSV News

Pilgrims cheer before Pope Francis' celebration of Mass for World Youth Day pilgrims at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 27, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Allow me to start this column repeating three times a word many Catholics know or have heard: “totus, totus, totus.”

It means “everyone”, no exceptions.

It evokes wholeness and communion.

If at any point we find ourselves searching for a word capable of capturing what it means to be Catholic Christians, “totus” may be that word. It is a term impregnated with universality and a radical invitation toward embracing, in one breath, everyone and everything that exists.

I am still processing the electrifying moment when Pope Francis said in his native Spanish, “todos, todos, todos” during the opening ceremony for the 2023 World Youth Day, in front of hundreds of thousands of young people from every corner of the planet gathered in Lisbon.

Hosffman Ospino is a professor of theology and religious education at Boston College. (CNS photo/Lee Pellegrini, Boston College)

It was one of Pope Francis’ clearest moments in his pontificate, calling all Catholics to remember who we are and what it means to be church.

The pope insisted, “There is room for everyone. Everyone. In the Church, no one is left out or left over. There is room for everyone. Just the way we are. Everyone. Jesus says this clearly.”

More electrifying, however, was the roar of the multitude echoing the triadic mantra in their own languages at the pope’s invitation: todos, todos, todos; everyone, everyone, everyone. Our young Catholics spoke, guided by the Holy Spirit, in unison with the successor of Peter.

We live in a world marked by tenacious battles aiming to include and exclude. Individuals, organizations, institutions, nations and powers fight to set rigorous criteria about who belongs and who does not belong — who gets access to be in and who stays out. Those excluded struggle for survival and (whenever possible) a place at fellowship.

Instead of acknowledging that life constantly unfolds at the crossroads of di

Instead of acknowledging that life constantly unfolds at the crossroads of difference and the astounding array of ways in which human beings actually live out their existence, our contemporaries are enmeshed in ideological battles that divide, hurt and sometimes kill.

Then, we hear our Catholic youth clamoring in one voice: totus, totus, totus. Such clamoring is not mere wishful thinking. It is a reminder and a correction. A reminder of God’s original project for the church — that the Gospel of Jesus is about welcoming, not excluding. It is a correction of course, especially when talk about exclusion enters our faith communities, our schools and even our own families.

To be A Catholic Christian must not be considered analogous to proving worth in order to join a membership club with a particular label (e.g., traditional, progressive). Sometimes we forget this. Despite our differences and opinions (and the daily struggle to make sense of the mystery of being human), ecclesial communion, for all the baptized, is our de facto starting point — we are already in! Communion is a permanent invitation.

Of course, there is sin and the possibility of someone intentionally opting out of ecclesial communion. Yet, the doors to forgiveness and reconciliation are always open. Ours is a church with room for everyone: “totus, totus, totus.”

 
Hosffman Ospino is a professor of theology and religious education at Boston College.

Today, Pope Leo XIV remembers Pope Francis on the 1st anniversary of his death

 

Pope Leo XIV (then Cardinal Robert Prevost) receives the red hat from the late Pope Francis on September 30, 2023  (Vatican Media)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• Pope Francis
• apostolic journey
• Angola
• Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and world

Aboard the flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV recalls his predecessor Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, saying the late Pope “gave so much through his life and his closeness to the poor.”

By Salvatore Cernuzio – Aboard papal plane

“On this first anniversary of his death, I would like to remember Pope Francis, who left so much, who gave so much to the Church through his life, his witness, his words, and his gestures. He did so by truly living closeness to the poorest, to the least, to the sick, to children, and to the elderly.”

Pope Leo XIV offered those words about his predecessor to journalists as he flew from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, which marks the final leg of his Apostolic Journey to Africa.

The flight came on the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at dawn on April 21, 2025.

The anniversary is being marked by the Church throughout the world.

Read also

21/04/2026

Pope: Church in Angola is growing and can help promote universal rights

Promotion of fraternity

Pope Leo offered words filled with affection and gratitude for the late Pope Francis, who “left so much to the Church through his witness and his words.”

Recalling many aspects of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Leo XIV first pointed out his tireless exhortation to “universal fraternity.”

Pope Francis, he said, truly sought to “promote authentic respect for all men and all women, promoting a spirit of fraternity, of being brothers and sisters, all of us, and of seeking how to live the message we find in the Gospel.”

Message of mercy

He also recalled Pope Francis’ message of mercy, which the Argentine Pope expressed from his first Angelus on the Sunday after his election on March 13, 2013.

Pope Francis spoke about mercy “that first time at the Angelus, but also at the Holy Mass he celebrated before the inauguration of his pontificate on March 17, 2013.”

Pope Leo recalled that, in the Vatican parish of St. Anne, Pope Francis “preached on the woman caught in adultery” and “spoke from the heart of God’s mercy, from the heart of this great love, of forgiveness and of the Lord’s generous expression of mercy.”

Pope Francis wanted to share this “spirit” “with the whole Church,” Pope Leo continued, recalling the “beautiful celebration of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.”

A gift for all

“Let us pray that he is already enjoying the Lord’s mercy,” Pope Leo XIV concluded. “Let us thank the Lord for the great gift of Francis’ life to the whole Church and to the whole world.”

Saint of the Day for Tuesday

 

St. Anselm

1. He was born in the 11th century.

In 1033, Anselm was born in a town called Aosta on the border of Burgundy and Lombardy. His clear thinking made him a stellar student, and at age 15, he decided to pursue monastic life. However, his father’s staunch opposition prevented him from becoming a monk. Years later, Anselm was finally able to realize his dream at the Benedictine Abbey of Bec in Normandy.

At age 59, he was appointed to be the archbishop of Canterbury by the ailing King Rufus, who created the office while at death’s door. When King Rufus unexpectedly recovered, he thought better of the move, and decided to take the office’s revenues for himself, limiting Anselm’s ability to operate. “I saw in England many evils whose correction belonged to me and which I could neither remedy nor, without personal guilt, allow to exist,” related Anselm.

In 1097, Anselm felt called to leave England to minister in religious communities in France. As he crossed the English Channel, Rufus passed away, leaving a more accommodating successor in his stead: King Henry I. King Henry I returned the church property to Anselm, and gave him greater freedom in managing church affairs.

St. Anselm portrayed in the east chancel bay of the Basilica

2. He lived in exile for about three years.

As the years went by, King Henry I became more hostile to Anselm, and sent him into exile from 1103 to 1106. During that time, Anselm made strides in winning public support and making political changes. Wherever he was placed, he continually practiced his duties with a willing obedience, remarking: “When I professed myself a monk, I surrendered myself in such a way that thereafter I could not live according to my own will, but only in accordance with obedience either to God or to the Church of God.”

3. He became one of the first high-ranking individuals in Europe to denounce slavery.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of Anselm’s lifetime was the resolution to renounce the slave trade that emerged from the Westminster Council. Anselm had called the council to resolve political and ecclesiastical conflict, but its result had a far more enduring impact, affirming the dignity and freedom of the human person.

4. Anselm penned 11 lengthy treatises during his lifetime.

Throughout his work, he was committed to the harmony between faith and reason, writing that “faith seeking understanding” was the task of the theologian. His magnum opus, Why God Became a Man, offers a theory of divine atonement and resurrection that was monumental in shaping centuries of Christian doctrine.

As we celebrate the Memorial of St. Anselm of Canterbury on April 21, we invite you to discover five facts about his life and where you can find him portrayed in the Basilica.

1. He was born in the 11th century.

In 1033, Anselm was born in a town called Aosta on the border of Burgundy and Lombardy. His clear thinking made him a stellar student, and at age 15, he decided to pursue monastic life. However, his father’s staunch opposition prevented him from becoming a monk. Years later, Anselm was finally able to realize his dream at the Benedictine Abbey of Bec in Normandy.

At age 59, he was appointed to be the archbishop of Canterbury by the ailing King Rufus, who created the office while at death’s door. When King Rufus unexpectedly recovered, he thought better of the move, and decided to take the office’s revenues for himself, limiting Anselm’s ability to operate. “I saw in England many evils whose correction belonged to me and which I could neither remedy nor, without personal guilt, allow to exist,” related Anselm.

In 1097, Anselm felt called to leave England to minister in religious communities in France. As he crossed the English Channel, Rufus passed away, leaving a more accommodating successor in his stead: King Henry I. King Henry I returned the church property to Anselm, and gave him greater freedom in managing church affairs.

St. Anselm portrayed in the east chancel bay of the Basilica

2. He lived in exile for about three years.

As the years went by, King Henry I became more hostile to Anselm, and sent him into exile from 1103 to 1106. During that time, Anselm made strides in winning public support and making political changes. Wherever he was placed, he continually practiced his duties with a willing obedience, remarking: “When I professed myself a monk, I surrendered myself in such a way that thereafter I could not live according to my own will, but only in accordance with obedience either to God or to the Church of God.”

3. He became one of the first high-ranking individuals in Europe to denounce slavery.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of Anselm’s lifetime was the resolution to renounce the slave trade that emerged from the Westminster Council. Anselm had called the council to resolve political and ecclesiastical conflict, but its result had a far more enduring impact, affirming the dignity and freedom of the human person.

4. Anselm penned 11 lengthy treatises during his lifetime.

Throughout his work, he was committed to the harmony between faith and reason, writing that “faith seeking understanding” was the task of the theologian. His magnum opus, Why God Became a Man, offers a theory of divine atonement and resurrection that was monumental in shaping centuries of Christian doctrine.

5. His work Proslogion is believed to be the first theological work to make an ontological argument for the existence of God.

For his significant theological contributions, he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1720, and is also regarded as the “father of Scholasticism.” You can find St. Anselm portrayed in the east chancel bay of the Basilica.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Saurimo, Angola

 

Pope

• Angola
• apostolic journey
• mass
• homily
• Africa

Pope at Mass in Saurimo: 'The Risen One illumines our path and sanctifies us'

During Mass in Saurimo, Pope Leo urges the faithful of Angola to follow the Risen Lord, who leads the way and sanctifies us, and "to not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.”

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"He, the Risen One, illumines for us the path to the Father and with the strength of the Spirit He sanctifies us so that we may transform our way of life in conformity with His love."

Pope Leo XIV gave this comforting reminder during the Mass he celebrated in Saurimo, Angola, on Monday as the Pope continues the third leg of his four-nation Apostolic Journey.

In his homily, he recalled that in every part of the world, the Church lives as a people who walk as disciples of Christ, our brother and Redeemer, and the Good News, His Gospel message, sustains our journey. "A journey that," Pope Leo said, "has brought me here with you today!" 

READ POPE LEO XIV'S FULL HOMILY

"In the joy and beauty of our gathering, united in the name of Jesus," he invited, "let us listen with open hearts to the Word of salvation for it helps us reflect on the motive and purpose for which we follow the Lord."

Pope Leo's Mass in Saurimo, Angola (@Vatican Media)

He recalled that when the Son of God became man, He performed striking miracles in order to manifest the will of the Father. "He made light shine in the darkness by giving sight to the blind, he gave a voice to the oppressed by loosening the tongues of the mute, he slaked our thirst for justice by multiplying bread for the poor and weak," Pope Leo marveled, acknowledging that, "Anyone who heard about these works set out in search of Jesus." 

Need to seek Christ for the right reasons

At the same time, the Holy Father said, the Lord looks into our heart and asks us "whether we seek Him out of gratitude or for our own self-interest, with calculation or with love." 

The Pope remembered when Jesus said to those who were following Him: “You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves” (Jn 6:26), as he stressed that the crowd saw the Lord "as means to an end, a provider of services." 

If He had not given them something to eat, Pope Leo said, His actions and teachings would not have interested them.

This, he warned, "happens when genuine faith is replaced with superstitious practices, in which God becomes an idol that is sought only when it is advantageous to us and only for as long as it is." The Holy Father recalled that there had been and sometimes are erroneous motives for seeking Christ, "particularly when He is considered to be a guru or a good luck charm." 

Does not reject the insincere search, but encourages conversion

Yet, Jesus, Pope Leo noted, does not reject this insincere search, but encourages its conversion. 

"He does not dismiss the crowd, but invites everyone to examine what stirs in our hearts," he said, stressing: "Christ calls us to freedom. He does not want servants or clients, rather He seeks brothers and sisters to whom He can totally dedicate Himself.  To respond with faith to this love, it is not enough to hear Jesus speak: one must accept the meaning of His words.

Neither he continued, is it enough to see what Jesus does: one must follow and imitate Him.

Only when in the sign of shared bread, we see the will of the Savior who gives Himself for us, Pope Leo explained, do we draw closer to a true encounter with Jesus. At that point, the Lord's admonition to the crowd, the Holy Father said, is transformed into an invitation: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.” 

Jesus teaches us proper way to be sustained forever

On the contrary, the Holy Father noted, Jesus teaches us the correct way to search for the bread of life, food which sustains us forever.  He marveled therefore that the crowd receives an even greater response from Christ who "does not give us food that passes away, but bread that lasts because it is the food of eternal life."

The Pope observed that Jesus' gift sheds light on our current situation.  "We can see today how the hope of many people is frustrated by violence, exploited by the powerful and defrauded by the rich."  He lamented that when hearts are corrupted by injustice, the bread of all becomes the possession of a few. 

"In the face of these evils," the Pope reassured, "Christ hears the cry of the people and renews our history by lifting us up from every fall, comforting us in every suffering and encouraging us in our mission."

"Just as the Eucharist is the living bread that He never ceases to give us," Pope Leo said, "so too His history knows no end. "

The faith that saves life

"For this reason," the Holy Father marveled, "the Risen One opens up our lives through the power of His Spirit and removes the end of our history, that is death. Christ lives!  He is our Redeemer. This is the Gospel that we share, making all the people of the earth our brothers and sisters.  This is the proclamation that transforms sin into forgiveness.  This is the faith that saves life!"

The Easter witness, therefore, certainly pertains to Christ, the Crucified One who is risen, but -- Pope Leo said -- it also pertains even to us because in Him the proclamation of our resurrection finds its voice. 

Pope's Mass in Saurimo (@Vatican Media)

The Pope said we did not come into the world to die.  "We were not born to become slaves either to the corruption of the flesh or that of the soul," he continued, decrying, "every form of oppression, violence, exploitation and dishonesty negates the Resurrection of Christ, the supreme gift of our freedom." 

Pope Leo clarified that this liberation from death does not happen only at the end of our days, but every day of our lives.

He asked, "What must we do to welcome such a gift?  The Gospel itself teaches us: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (Jn 6:29).  Yes, let us believe!"

With this sentiment, the Holy Father reminded the faithful before him of the Psalm which states: “Happy are those who walk in the law of the Lord.”

Moment during the Pope's Mass (@Vatican Media)

The way that God has opened for us never fails

The Pope stressed that the Lord leads our paths, and we are to proceed following His wise direction.

"With the Gospel in your heart," he encouraged, "you will have courage in the face of difficulties and disappointments: the way that God has opened for us, never fails." 

The Lord, he insisted, always walks with us, so that we may continue on His path. "Christ Himself," he noted, "guides and strengthens our journey."

Pope Leo concluded by reminding the faithful that through them, "the initiatives of divine grace bear good fruit" and prayed that the witness of the martyrs and of the saints encourage them to pursue a path of hope, reconciliation and peace.