‘Gift and forgiveness are the foundation of our existence,’ Pope tells pilgrims
September 14, 2026
Jesus “reminds us that gift and forgiveness are the foundation of our existence,” Pope Leo XIV said on September 13 to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his Sunday Angelus address (video).
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:21-35), Pope Leo said that “all things are given to us by God out of pure love, and none of us can claim to be perfect in responding to such goodness.”
“For this reason, gratuitousness—which is the source of our existence—is also the best rule for our life together,” the Pope continued. “We experience this every day.”
He explained:
Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace. Sooner or later conflicts, accusations, grudges and acts of vengeance emerge in our hearts and among people, and these acts destroy relationships, divide families and unleash wars.
Only forgiveness sets us free and restores the light, even where human material and moral poverty has darkened the horizon and made the path uncertain. Forgiveness, like a gentle breeze, sweeps away even the thickest clouds until the sun shines once more.
“Let us therefore ask the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, to help us forgive—always, even when it is difficult to take the first step—and to spread, with courage and perseverance, the serene and healing light of love that overcomes hatred and disarms all resentment,” the Pope concluded.
The Pontiff then recited, in Latin, the Angelus, the Minor Doxology (three times), and the prayer for the faithful departed, before imparting his blessing.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
