In a profound homily delivered on February 22, 2024, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the contrast between divine freedom and the illusion of power presented by temptation. He articulated that while Satan lures humanity with the false promise of unlimited power, God provides the true gift of freedom, which fosters genuine love, relationships, and fulfillment.
Pope Leo began his sermon by referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, framing it as a timeless dilemma. He posed the question: “Can I live my life to the fullest by saying ‘yes’ to God? Or, to be free and happy, must I free myself from Him?” This inquiry underscores the core of his message and the essence of human existence.
The pope highlighted that Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, exemplifies “the new man, the free man,” demonstrating how true freedom is realized through acceptance of God’s will and resistance to the snares of the devil. He urged the faithful to cultivate moments of silence by disconnecting from electronic devices, allowing space for prayer and reflection. “Let us create space for silence by turning off televisions, radios, and cell phones for a while,” he stated, encouraging a return to the essence of spiritual life.
During the morning, Pope Leo visited a Salesian-run basilica located near Rome’s main train station, which sees more than 450,000 commuters daily. Father Javier Ortiz Rodríguez, the parish priest, described the daily influx of people as “like a full river in a storm,” transforming into troubling circumstances at night, including violence and exploitation. He expressed gratitude for the pope’s visit, calling it “like a healing ointment” for a community that supports students, immigrants, and those facing economic hardships.
This visit marked the second of five pastoral engagements by Pope Leo XIV in the Diocese of Rome leading up to Easter on April 5, 2024. As part of these visits, he engages in private meetings with pastoral councils, local priests, volunteers, and community members, fostering a spirit of collaboration and support.
In his homily, the pope spoke about the significance of the Lenten season, urging the faithful to rediscover the beauty of Baptism. He emphasized that Baptism is not merely a ritual but a dynamic process that calls individuals into a relationship with God and each other. “This grace-filled relationship enables us to live in authentic closeness with others,” he said, highlighting the communal aspect of faith.
Pope Leo noted the deceptive nature of temptation, likening the devil’s influence to the serpent’s role in the Genesis story, which misled Adam and Eve into believing they could attain divinity. He reinforced that true freedom is found in loving God and one another, contrasting this with the empty pursuits of power and wealth.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by local communities and praised the ongoing efforts of the Salesians and other charitable organizations in their ministry. The basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally commissioned by Pope Leo XIII at the request of St. John Bosco, further linking the current pope to a legacy of social outreach and compassion.
Before concluding with the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo reflected on the day’s Gospel reading, where Jesus fasted in the desert and resisted temptation. He encouraged the congregation to engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as means to overcome life’s challenges and to renew their commitment to God.
“This demanding journey,” he noted, “is particularly challenging when faced with the allure of simpler paths to satisfaction.” The pope reminded his audience that the true joy for which humanity was created cannot be found in fleeting pleasures but in a deep, abiding relationship with God and others.
As he closed, Pope Leo XIV expressed a hopeful vision for the future, urging the faithful to continue their journey with strength and to embody the values of freedom and fraternity as children of God.
