During the general audience on Wednesday, May 6, Pope Leo XIV offered a deep reflection on the eschatological nature of the Church, as described in chapter VII of the conciliar constitution Lumen Gentium. The Pontiff reminded that the Christian community is called to live in history without losing sight of the ultimate goal: the Kingdom of God. This perspective, he observed, risks being overlooked when we focus only on the immediate dynamics of church life. Yet it is precisely from the final promise that the Church draws the meaning of its action in the present time.
The Pope emphasized how the people of God are suspended between the "already" and the "not yet" of the Kingdom: already inaugurated by Jesus Christ, but not yet fully realized. In this tension, the Church is called to be a sign and instrument of salvation, proclaiming the good news and witnessing God's love through works of mercy. "We are not called to build the Kingdom with our own strength," the Pope said, "but to cooperate with God's grace, sowing hope and justice in a wounded world."
A Prophetic Task: Denouncing Evil and Defending the Poor
From this eschatological identity springs a prophetic mission. The Church, the Pope stated, "is entrusted with the mission of speaking clear words to reject everything that mortifies life" and of "taking a stand for the poor, the exploited, the victims of violence and war, and all who suffer in body and spirit." A strong and timely call that challenges every believer not to remain indifferent to the injustices of our time.
The Pontiff warned against the risk of a self-absorbed Church that proclaims itself instead of Christ. "The Church does not proclaim itself, but salvation in Christ," he reiterated, urging humility and service. A message that echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: "I am the Lord; that is my name; I will not give my glory to another" (Isaiah 42:8).
The Social Dimension of Christian Hope
Christian hope is not an escape from reality, but a force that drives concrete commitment to transform the world. The Pope quoted the Second Vatican Council, which in Gaudium et Spes states: "The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ" (GS 1).
Leo XIV then invited the faithful not to separate faith from daily life, but to let themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit to be leaven of fraternity and peace. "The Church is the guardian of a hope that illuminates the path," he said, "and this hope drives us to build bridges, to heal wounds, to defend the dignity of every person."
Reforming Structures and Denouncing Social Sin
The Pope did not hesitate to speak of "reforming the structures" that perpetuate injustices and inequalities. "Individual charity is not enough," he explained, "we also need a commitment to change the institutions and laws that oppress the poor and the weak." A theme dear to Catholic social teaching, which recalls the need for conversion not only personal but also structural.
"The Church must be the voice of the voiceless," the Pontiff continued, "and courageously denounce the death-dealing logics that generate wars, exploitation, and indifference." A call that echoes the words of the prophet Amos: "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24).
The Role of the Laity in Building the Kingdom
In this mission, the laity have an irreplaceable role. The Pope reminded that they are called to live their faith in the midst of the world, being witnesses of the Gospel in the family, work, and society. "You are the leaven in the dough," he said, "called to transform reality from within, with the strength of God's love." A call not to delegate the responsibility of proclaiming Christ only to priests and religious, but for each one to take their part in building the Kingdom.
Comments