Pope Leo XIV Visits Parish of the Ascension in Rome, Emphasizes Community and Peace
On the second Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the Parish of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Rome, meeting with children, the sick, the elderly, and pastoral leaders. The Holy Father’s visit centered on themes of choosing solid over evil, the importance of community, and striving for peace, particularly in light of global conflicts.
A Message to the Children: Choosing Good and Building Peace
Addressing the children at the parish sports field, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of making positive choices. He explained that humans have the freedom to choose between good and evil, and encouraged the children to always choose good, stating, “You must always choose good and never evil, because this way we can little by little transform our world, we can make a difference!”
The Pope also expressed his concern about global conflicts, specifically mentioning the situation in the Middle East. He urged the children to be “heralds of the message of peace,” emphasizing the need for prayer and unity. “We must therefore pray a lot for peace and seek to live in unity and always refuse the temptation to harm others,” he said.
Addressing Social Issues: Care for the Vulnerable
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the tragic reality of children lacking families, homes, and basic necessities, referencing the suffering in places like Gaza. He called for solutions based on dialogue and respect, rather than violence. He also addressed the issue of drug abuse, urging young people to reject harmful substances and embrace healthy choices.
The Importance of Community and Faith
During his meeting with the sick and elderly, the Pope highlighted the strength found in community. He stated that when people reach together, especially those facing challenges, they draw strength from the love of God and become a true family. He encouraged the parish to advocate for the needs of its community and to work with local authorities to address existing problems.
Speaking to the Parish Pastoral Council, Pope Leo XIV praised the strong faith within the community and its commitment to living out their faith through service to others. He cautioned against individualistic spirituality, emphasizing the importance of communion and mutual support.
A Call to Be “Lights of the World”
As he departed, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the parishioners to continue being “the light of the world, the salt of the earth,” and to carry the light of Christ within them, witnessing to their faith in their daily lives. He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his support for the parish’s mission.
About the Parish of the Ascension
The Parish of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Quarticciolo, Rome, has been served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) since 1948. The parish celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension, which, according to the Roman Catholic Liturgical Calendar, is observed on a Thursday, forty days after Easter.
The Ascension in Catholic Theology
The Ascension of Jesus Christ marks his definitive entrance into God’s heavenly domain, as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This event signifies that Jesus, as the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s kingdom, offering hope for eternal life with him. The Ascension also highlights Jesus’ continued intercession for humanity through the Holy Spirit.