Pope Leo XIV has reminded Christians that true hope is rooted in trust in God, not in having every answer. The Holy Father made the remark on Nov. 24 during an audience at the Vatican with pilgrims from Latvia, who visited Rome to mark 100 years since the nation’s first official pilgrimage to the Eternal City.
Greeting the delegation—led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, whom he had met privately earlier—the Pope thanked the faithful for preserving the century-long tradition and “following in the footsteps of your forebears in the faith.”
He highlighted Rome’s enduring significance as the home of the apostles Peter and Paul, “who gave the supreme witness to the Gospel through martyrdom.” Pope Leo also recalled Pope Francis’ 2018 visit to Latvia, acknowledging the nation’s past hardships and noting that current regional tensions may revive painful memories.
“In such tribulation,” he said, “we must turn to God and allow His grace to strengthen us.”
The Pope praised the deep historical roots of Christianity in Latvia and celebrated the strengthening ties between the country and the Holy See. He emphasized that hope must be united with faith “to see the many ways God is blessing us here and now.”
Reflecting on the meaning of pilgrimage, Pope Leo highlighted its spiritual value: providing silence, space, and distance from daily distractions, allowing believers to encounter God more deeply.
He concluded by urging the pilgrims to take their spiritual experience back home: “A pilgrimage does not end. Its seeds must take root in your daily discipleship and bear fruit in your lives.”
Credit/CNA
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