Vatican City, Nov 2026 : Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians in Uruguay to reject mediocrity and superficial religious practices, urging them to dedicate themselves completely to God and discover true joy, freedom and fulfilment through a life centred on Jesus Christ.
Addressing a prayer vigil in Montevideo on Saturday evening, the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, the Pope encouraged the faithful to allow Christ to become part of every aspect of their lives, including their work, relationships, personal choices and even those private moments that remain unseen by others.
“May Christ truly enter into what you do, what you love, what you choose — even those aspects of your life that no one sees. Be saints! Do not settle for a merely decent life or for a habitual faith, content with doing only the essential. Do not give God only a part of yourselves — give yourselves completely!” he said.
The Holy Father stressed that holiness was not an unattainable ideal but a calling that could transform ordinary lives and satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart. Saints, he explained, are men and women whose lives are filled with the abundance of Christ. Their freedom, authenticity and commitment to love, truth and happiness make their lives an example for others.
“Do not be afraid, then, to aspire to holiness,” Pope Leo said, adding that “Christ did not call us to mediocrity; He called us to a new and full life like His own.”
Faith must withstand growing secularisation
Reflecting on the challenges confronting Christian communities, Pope Leo acknowledged the growing influence of secularisation and religious indifference in contemporary society. He noted that many Christian communities were finding it increasingly difficult to preserve religious commitment and encourage people to remain connected with their faith.
However, he praised those who continued to practise their beliefs despite these challenges. He recalled parents who pray with their children, teachers who strive to live according to their faith and young people who have discovered Christ and wish to follow Him even when they feel isolated.
The Pope also acknowledged the dedication of communities that continue to gather for worship and priests who travel long distances to bring the sacraments to the faithful.
Warning against attempts to build a society without God, he said such an approach could ultimately leave humanity without a meaningful place or purpose.
“When we try to build a world without God, we run the risk of leaving humanity without a place as well,” he said.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the central message of Christianity remained unchanged: “That Child is God, and He comes to save us.”
Pope Leo underlined that this promise of salvation was meant for everyone. He also cautioned that religious indifference was not limited to those who had abandoned their faith. It could gradually enter the lives of believers too, weakening their relationship with God and turning religious practice into a routine.
Make room for Christ in everyday life
The Pope urged the faithful to examine their lives and consider whether they genuinely made enough room for Christ in their daily activities, decisions and relationships.
“Is there room in our time, in our way of thinking, in our homes? Is there room to listen to him, to receive his forgiveness, to allow his word to correct us?” he asked.
He stressed that keeping Christ at the centre of life required regular prayer, participation in Mass, Confession and meditative reading of the Gospel. These practices, he said, helped believers renew their relationship with God and remain open to His guidance.
Pope Leo also reminded the faithful that discipleship was a continuous journey rather than a one-time decision.
“We must all become disciples again and again. If we want others to find Christ, we need to know the way to Bethlehem ourselves first,” he said.
He invited those gathered to reflect on how their conduct could inspire people who might otherwise have little connection with Christianity. Some individuals, he observed, may never independently open a Bible, visit a church or even be certain about their belief in God. Yet, witnessing the lives of committed Christians could awaken in them a desire to discover faith.
“Perhaps there are people who would never open a Bible on their own, who have not set foot in a church in years, or who cannot even say whether they believe in God. But when they see you, the desire for God may be awakened in them; they may even discover that it is worth risking their lives to find Him,” he said.
Young people encouraged to marry, have children and follow their vocation
Addressing young people and families, Pope Leo urged them to approach important life decisions with courage and faith rather than allowing fear and uncertainty to prevent them from making lasting commitments.
“Young people, dare to take the step of marrying and starting a family yourselves. Do not be afraid of ‘forever’!” he said.
He encouraged married couples to remain open to welcoming children, even when social pressures and changing attitudes portray parenthood as a burden.
“Married couples, open your home to life, even when the world tells you that a child is a burden,” the Pope said.
He also addressed those who felt called to the priesthood or consecrated life, asking them not to ignore God's invitation because they feared losing other opportunities.
“If any of you feel that Christ is calling you to leave everything behind to follow Him in the priesthood or in consecrated life, do not ignore that voice out of fear of missing out on other opportunities,” he said.
The Pope further urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through everyday actions, particularly when doing what is right involves personal sacrifice.
“When being just and honest comes at a price, pay it. When forgiving seems like a defeat, forgive. When everyone tells you to think of yourselves first, do not be afraid to put yourselves in the last place,” he said.
He encouraged the faithful to give up their time, money, comfort and personal plans to serve others, explaining that genuine Christian commitment must be reflected in how people treat those around them.
According to Pope Leo, such actions can prompt others to question the source of a believer's strength, freedom and compassion.
“May those who see you find themselves asking: ‘Why do they live in this way? Where do they get this freedom? Why do they love one another so much?’” he said.
He added that Christian witness becomes meaningful when it leads others towards Jesus rather than drawing attention to the individual.
“If our lives spark a question, they will have borne fruit when that question guides someone to Jesus,” the Pope said. He also noted that a large number of people were not necessary to spread the message of Christ. What mattered was reflecting the Lord's light through one's life.
'Good News needs witnesses'
Pope Leo emphasised that Christians had a responsibility to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ through both their words and their actions.
“Good News needs witnesses, for we have received news that deserves to be proclaimed to the world: Jesus Christ!” he declared.
He said believers were called to share the message that God remains with humanity and that forgiveness of sins is possible through Jesus Christ.
While other institutions and organisations could make valuable contributions to society, the Pope noted that none could replace the unique Christian proclamation that God's love is stronger than death, hatred, violence, war and sin.
“This is the joy we bring,” he said.
The Holy Father urged Christians to carry this message of hope into a world often marked by conflict, suffering and uncertainty. Their lives, he suggested, should offer visible evidence of the love and forgiveness they proclaim.
Encounter Christ in the Eucharist
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Uruguay, Pope Leo said he had come to remind the faithful of the joy that comes from encountering Christ.
“May this encounter be like a visit to Bethlehem, so that you can return to your lives in a new way!” he said.
He encouraged the people to make the experience of prayer a turning point, allowing them to return to their families and communities with renewed faith and commitment.
The Pope stressed that Jesus Christ was not merely a historical figure but remained alive and present among believers.
“That same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, who died and rose again, lives forever and remains with us,” he said, reminding the faithful that Christ continues to await them and is truly present in the Eucharist.
Pope Leo urged them to seek Christ through Eucharistic adoration, explaining that believers could encounter Him in every tabernacle.
“We can continue to encounter Him — so near and so humble — in every tabernacle,” he said.
He encouraged the faithful to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.
“Speak to Him, as you would to a friend,” he suggested, adding, “Let Him look upon you.”
Follow the example of Our Lady
Concluding his address, Pope Leo invited the faithful to place their lives under the loving gaze of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three, the patroness of Uruguay.
He described Mary as the Morning Star who leads believers towards her Son and prayed that she would teach them to recognise Christ and follow His path.
The Pope concluded by asking the faithful to seek God's grace to respond wholeheartedly to His call, following Mary's example of trust, obedience and surrender.
“Here I am, Lord; here is your servant. Let your will be done in me!” he said.
Through his message in Montevideo, Pope Leo called on Christians to move beyond routine religious observance and embrace a deeper, more personal commitment to Christ. He urged them to make holiness visible through their choices, family life, relationships and service to others, reminding them that a life rooted in faith and love can become a powerful witness and inspire others to discover the joy of the Gospel.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
