At the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, reminding the faithful that God’s immense love turned the Cross once an instrument of death into a source of life and salvation.
Drawing from the Gospel passage of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, the Pope explained that Christ revealed the mystery of salvation by foretelling that the Son of Man must be “lifted up” so that all who believe may have eternal life. “Nicodemus did not fully understand at the time,” Pope Leo said, “but at the Crucifixion, he would grasp that God became man and died on the Cross to redeem humanity.”
The Pope also referred to the bronze serpent raised by Moses to heal the Israelites, likening it to Christ’s sacrifice that brings healing and life.
“God saved us by showing Himself to us, offering Himself as our companion, teacher, physician, and friend,” the Pope said. “Through the Cross, one of the cruellest instruments of death, He revealed His love, teaching us that nothing can separate us from Him.”
Pope Leo invited the faithful to pray through the intercession of Mary that God’s saving love may grow within them, encouraging Christians to give themselves to others as Christ gave Himself completely to all.
After reciting the Angelus prayer, the Pope highlighted the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, instituted on 15 September 1965 by Pope St. Paul VI. He described it as “a prophetic intuition” that allowed bishops to live communion more fully with the successors of Peter.
Marking the occasion, Pope Leo expressed hope that the anniversary will inspire renewed dedication to unity, synodality, and the Church’s mission.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
