Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel participate in Pope Leo's weekly General Audience
Pope Leo XIV's General Audience Emphasizes Peace, Unity, and Faith
At the Paul VI Hall, Pope Leo XIV held a significant General Audience, continuing his catechesis series on the Jubilee theme "Jesus Christ our Hope." The event, which attracted approximately 14,000 individuals, was marked by a strong emphasis on deep spiritual themes such as sincere sorrow, forgiveness, and God’s loving mercy, encouraging conversion, peace, and personal reflection among the faithful.
A Celebration of Diversity and Intergenerational Faith
The event was noteworthy for its inclusive and intergenerational nature. The presence of Hebrew-speaking Catholics and the group of young people from the "Giorgio La Pira" Youth Work symbolized the Pope’s engagement with diverse Catholic communities and youth, fostering unity and active participation in faith.
The Hebrew-speaking Catholics' participation underscored the Church’s respect and connection with Jewish heritage within Catholicism. Meanwhile, the participation of the young people from the "Giorgio La Pira" Youth Work tied in with the Pope’s call for youthful engagement in peace and justice missions, inspired by La Pira’s legacy.
A Platform for Teaching and Inspiration
The General Audience served as a platform for teaching about Christ’s passion, forgiveness, and hope. Fr. Piotr Zelazko, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics, spoke about the group’s Jubilee pilgrimage and their hopes for bridges between the Jewish and Catholic worlds.
Eva Vukina, a young Croatian artist, presented her painting Habemus Papam, created on the day of Pope Leo XIV's election, which depicted the Holy Spirit's action in the Church. Fr. Benedetto Di Bitonto, parish priest of Sts. Simeon and Anna, mentioned that the faithful felt a sense of freedom to express and live their faith during the event.
Youthful Engagement and International Unity
The "Giorgio La Pira" Youth Work group, currently being hosted from August 10 to 21 at Villaggio La Vela in Castiglione della Pescaia, was well-represented at the General Audience. A group of 150 young people from the international camp were present, demonstrating the possibility of peace, regardless of religion, culture, and nationality, as stated by Gabriele Pecchioli, the group’s president.
Elia Granchi, among the youths, expressed his appreciation for the unconditional welcome and peace built through daily sharing. Michal Libant, founder and head of the Dismas community, presented a painting made by a lifer from Leopoldov to Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the possibility of change within prisons.
Reflecting on Peace and Mercy
Fr. Zelazko expressed a desire for forgiveness and offering comfort to those in pain, stating that a mother’s tears have no flag, and Christians must offer a light for everyone. Sr. Matija Pačar accompanied Eva Vukina to the audience and shared her admiration for the heavenly qualities found in Eva’s artwork.
The event, held amid ongoing conflicts, underscored the need for prayer and fasting for global peace. The inclusion of these specific groups—Hebrew-speaking Catholics, linking to Jewish-Christian dialogue, and youth from a work named after Giorgio La Pira, a notable Italian politician and peace advocate—underscores the Pope’s pastoral approach to reconciliation, peace, and hope through faith lived actively across cultures and generations.
Since 1965, young altar servers have been arriving in the Vatican every summer from Malta, even before the Second Vatican Council was concluded. Their presence at this year’s General Audience was a testament to the enduring love of God demonstrated at the Last Supper and the power of forgiveness over hatred. The shared prayer and reflection among the faithful served as a reminder of the need for peace and unity in turbulent times.
- Recognizing the diverse tapestry of faith, Hebrew-speaking Catholics and the "Giorgio La Pira" Youth Work embodied the Pope's call for peaceful coexistence, transcending boundaries of religion, culture, and nationality.
- A indicative symbol of the event's aim to foster intergenerational faith, the Young Altar Servers from Malta, present since 1965, underscored the enduring hope and power of faith, inspiring a lifestyle of peace and unity amidst turbulent times.
