God’s plans are infinitely greater than our plans, Pope tells pilgrims
September 21, 2026
Reflecting on the Scripture readings of the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Pope Leo XIV said that “God’s plans are infinitely greater—and, let us say, more ‘human’—than those that we men and women, marked by sin, can conceive or bring to fruition.”
“Thus, the prophet’s call, which is more relevant than ever, is that we abandon our warped ways and return to the Lord, who is mercy and forgiveness” (Isaiah 55-6-7), Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his September 20 Angelus address (video).
Turning to the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), Pope Leo likewise said that “God has different ways and fresh ideas even for those who consider themselves to be first and believe they have earned what they have, that they deserved the results they have achieved. Instead, we all gain joy, wisdom and a better future when the law of love interrupts that of calculation, when the experience of mercy broadens that of merit, and when the gift of peace suspends rivalries and brings us closer together in gratitude.”
The Pope added.
Brothers and sisters, it is indeed a grace to be God’s co-workers, to labor in his vineyard, to serve his Kingdom of justice and peace! There is no room for envy or division where God’s newness breaks forth. Therefore, let us seek the Lord while he may be found; let us call upon him while he is near; let us abandon crooked paths and wicked thoughts (cf. Is 55:6–7).
“Let us look to our Most Holy Mother, for she is a creature like us yet without blemish,” Pope Leo concluded. “Thus, she can help us to hope in God and to entrust ourselves to his mercy, so that his ways may become our ways and his thoughts may become our thoughts.”
The Pontiff then recited, in Latin, the Angelus, the Minor Doxology (three times), and the prayer for the faithful departed, before imparting his blessing.
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Further information:
- Angelus (Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 9/20/26)
- Pope at Angelus: God's plans are infinitely greater than we can imagine (Vatican News, 9/20/26)
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