Pope Leo XIV's Aug. 20 gathering with the public
In a series of impromptu addresses, Pope Leo XIV has called for peace and unity in the world, emphasising the role of forgiveness and the power of love, even in the face of betrayal.
On Aug. 20, 2025, the Pope delivered his general audience in the Paul VI Hall, focusing on the memorial of Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He spoke of Mary as the Mother of believers and Queen of Peace, inviting all to follow her example of humility and love.
The following day, during an impromptu greeting in Saint Peter's Basilica, the Pope reiterated the importance of forgiveness and building bridges of peace. He drew parallels from the last supper, where Jesus, despite knowing his betrayal, offered a morsel to the one who was about to betray him.
The Pope emphasised that true forgiveness does not await repentance but offers itself first, as a free gift. Forgiveness, he said, reveals its power and manifests the true face of hope, not as forgetfulness or weakness, but as the ability to set the other free, while loving them to the end.
Jesus' love, according to the Pope, does not deny the truth of pain but does not allow evil to have the last word. This love is exemplified by Jesus' continued act of sharing and love, even in the face of betrayal.
The Pope also addressed ongoing armed conflicts in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and many other regions. He called on August 22, 2025, the feast of Mary Queen, as a day of fasting and prayer for peace, urging all Christians to engage in prayer and acts of penance for justice and reconciliation.
On Aug. 22, 2025, Pope Leo XIV delivered his speech in Saint Peter's Basilica, praying for Mary, Queen of Peace, to help peoples find the path to peace. He emphasised forgiveness as a path to peace and the prevention of further violence.
The Pope's words serve as a reminder of the power of love and forgiveness in a world torn by conflict. His calls for peace and unity resonate with the faithful, offering hope for a future where love triumphs over hatred and forgiveness over revenge.
