By Robert Moynihan/Vatican News

On May 11 Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican Grottoes to celebrate Holy Mass at the altar near the tomb of Saint Peter. 

The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. The Pope’s brother from Chicago was also in attendance. 

Pope Leo then spent time in silent prayer at the tombs of his predecessors, pausing before the niche of the Pallia, the woolen stoles that symbolize the unity between the Pope and metropolitan archbishops across the world. —RM

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in the Vatican Grottoes

In his homily for what he called a particularly “significant” Sunday, the Pope—speaking first in English, then in Italian—reflected on the Gospel of the Good Shepherd.

As he begins his new Petrine ministry, he looked to the example of Jesus, “whom we depend on.” On this Mother’s Day, which he made a point of acknowledging, Pope Leo said that “one of the most wonderful expressions of the love of God is the love that is poured out by mothers, especially to their children and grandchildren.”

Addressing the theme of vocations, “All of us,” he said, “must search together. First and foremost, by giving [a] good example in our lives, with joy, living the joy of the Gospel, not discouraging others, but rather looking for ways to encourage young people to hear the voice of the Lord and to follow it and to serve in the Church.”

Pope Leo also spoke of the universal call to proclaim the Gospel, urging the faithful: “Take heart! Don’t be afraid!”

“Listening is what allows us to enter into true dialogue,” he said, calling it the foundation for building bridges.

“We have to know how to listen—not to judge, not to shut doors as if we hold all the truth and no one else has anything to offer,” the Pope said. From this posture of humility, he added, will come greater clarity about where the Lord is calling us. (Vatican News)

Regina Caeli Prayer and Blessing

After Pope Leo said Mass in the grottoes, he went to the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to sing (a papal first) the Regina Caeli (“Queen of Heaven”) hymn, which is prayed instead of the Angelus from Easter until the Saturday after Pentecost. 

In his noon remarks, Leo spoke passionately for peace in the world, urging all nations to beware of a developing “piecemeal World War III” and crying out “Never again war!” 

Pope Leo ended by wishing a “Happy Mother’s Day” to all mothers everywhere. 

Below is the full text of what Pope Leo said in his first Regina Caeli message. — RM 

Regina Caeli

From the Loggia of the Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we always hear proclaimed at Mass a passage from the tenth chapter from the Gospel of John, where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd: who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.

This Sunday also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which we have celebrated for the last sixty-two years. Rome is also hosting the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment today. I greet all these pilgrims with affection and thank them because, with their music and performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd: the One who guides the Church with his Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel, Jesus says that he knows his sheep and that they listen to his voice and follow him (cf. Jn 10:27). Indeed, as Pope Saint Gregory the Great teaches, people “respond to the love of those who love them” (Homily 14:3-6).

Today brothers and sisters, I therefore have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Church has such a great need for them! It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.

Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people. And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart (cf. Jer 3:15) capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth.

And to young people, I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!

May the Virgin Mary, whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call, always accompany us in following Jesus.

After Regina Caeli prayer sung by Leo

Dear brothers and sisters,

The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended eighty years ago, on May 8, after having claimed sixty million victims. In today’s dramatic scenario of a piecemeal third world war, as Pope Francis stated many times, I too address the world’s leaders, repeating the ever-timely appeal: “Never again war!”

I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, as soon as possible. Let all the prisoners be freed and the children return to their own families.

I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip: may there be an immediate ceasefire! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed.

On the other hand, I have welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting accord may be reached soon.

But how many other conflicts there are in the world! I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.

And now I affectionately greet you all, Romans and pilgrims from various countries.

Today in Italy and in other countries we celebrate Mother’s Day. I send a fond greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, and for those who are already in Heaven.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!

Thank you all, a happy Sunday to everyone!