On Sunday, 20 September 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful at the Angelus in St Peter's Square, offering a message of hope and reflection. The Pope's words were inspired by the prophet Isaiah, who wrote that God's thoughts and ways are not those of humans. According to the Pope, God's plans are infinitely greater and more "human" than those conceived by people marked by sin.
The Pope's address was centered around the parable of the labourers called to work in the vineyard, as told in the Gospel of Matthew. In the parable, workers are hired at different times of the day, yet receive equal payment. The Pope highlighted the landowner's goodness and generosity, as well as the importance of understanding God's mercy and forgiveness. He emphasized that God's revelation is for everyone, not just a select few.
The Pope drew attention to a specific detail in the parable, where the landowner instructs the steward to pay the workers "beginning with the last and then going to the first". This, the Pope noted, was a deliberate act to reveal God's goodness to all, and to avoid the negative reactions of those who had worked all day. The Pope encouraged the faithful to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call upon Him while He is near.
In his address, the Pope emphasized the importance of abandoning "crooked paths and wicked thoughts" and instead seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. He encouraged the faithful to look to the Virgin Mary, who can help them hope in God and entrust themselves to His mercy. The Pope's words were a call to reflection and conversion, urging the faithful to align themselves with God's plans and ways.
The Pope's address was published in The Southern Cross, a Catholic publication in South Africa. The article was dated 22 September 2026, and reflected the Pope's ongoing message of hope and redemption. The publication is available in print and online, and offers news and reflections on Catholic life and ministry in South Africa.
The Southern Cross is a Catholic magazine that seeks to bring the Good News to the people of South Africa. The publication is committed to providing high-quality journalism and reflections on Catholic life and ministry. In its editorial, the publication appealed for support from its readers, acknowledging the importance of its mission in a country "badly in need of God's healing hand".
The Pope's message of hope and redemption was well-received by the faithful, who were encouraged to reflect on God's infinite plans and mercy. The Pope's address was a reminder that God's ways are not those of humans, and that His plans are infinitely greater than human conception. The article concluded by inviting readers to consider subscribing to The Southern Cross Magazine or becoming a Southern Cross Associate.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV emphasizes God's infinite plans and mercy in his address at the Angelus in St Peter's Square.
- The Pope's address was inspired by the prophet Isaiah and the parable of the labourers called to work in the vineyard.
- The Pope encouraged the faithful to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to look to the Virgin Mary for guidance.
