In an audience with Franciscans and Trinitarians, Pope Leo XIV urges religious to console those who suffer for their beliefs, emphasizing Christ-centered service and global solidarity.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea to religious communities around the world: never forget those persecuted for their faith. His call came during an address to members of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives (Trinitarians) gathered in Rome for their General Chapters on Friday morning.
In his speech, Pope Leo praised their missionary efforts in regions where religious freedom is curtailed and encouraged a steadfast spiritual presence rooted in the Gospel and attentive to the suffering Church.
“Never cease your efforts to bring consolation,” the Holy Father urged, “especially to those who cannot live their faith freely.”
Living Reminders of God’s Praise
Calling the Franciscans “dear sons of Saint Francis of Assisi,” Pope Leo reminded them of their vocation to be living witnesses to the primacy of God’s praise in Christian life. He honored the Conventuals’ renewed presence in the Far East and emphasized listening to Christ:
“Listen to Him in the voice of your brother, in the discernment of the community, in attentiveness to the signs of the times, in the appeals of the Magisterium.”
The Pontiff reflected on a historical artwork in the Basilica of St. John Lateran showing Pope Innocent III with both Saint Francis and Saint John of Matha—figures who, despite differing approaches, exemplified the harmony of divine inspiration and ecclesial obedience.
United in Purpose, Rooted in Faith
“These two attitudes,” Pope Leo said of Francis’ Gospel simplicity and Matha’s structured rule, “are not in conflict but illuminate one another.” He noted that this synergy has guided the Church’s support for diverse charisms throughout history.
Both saints, he emphasized, presented their vocations not as personal projects but as gifts of the Holy Spirit, offered in humility to the Church for discernment and mission.
Solidarity with the Persecuted Church
Pope Leo commended the Trinitarians for focusing their Chapter on religious persecution and quoted 2 Corinthians 4:9: “Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” He joined their prayer and emphasized:
“Never cease remembering in your prayers and in your daily efforts those who are persecuted for their faith.”
Drawing from Saint Augustine, the Pope highlighted that the liberator’s vocation belongs to God and must remain anchored in service to the most vulnerable—those suffering in the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
Christ-Driven, Not Self-Driven
In his final exhortation, Pope Leo reminded the Friars Minor Conventual of their calling to preach not self-interest, but Christ:
“It is not our personal interest that should drive us, but that of Christ; it is His Spirit we must first listen to, in order to ‘write the future in the present.’”
Before imparting his Apostolic Blessing, the Pope recited Saint Francis’ Praises of the Most High God, a reminder of humility and divine majesty.
“You are holy, Lord, the only God, who works wonders. You are strong, You are great… King of heaven and earth.”
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