Pope Leo XIV delivered a significant homily during the Corpus Christi Mass held in Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid.
He challenged the understanding of religiosity, urging that it should not lead to private introspection nor become a mere relic of the Church's past social influence. Instead, he proposed a vision of faith as a "true school" that fosters commitment, encounter, welcome, and self-giving. Such a school, he suggested, draws from the rich traditions of popular piety, art, music, and architecture that have characterized Spanish religiosity.
In his address, the Pope remarked, "The Christ who processes through the streets in the monstrance is the same Christ who identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken." He emphasized that the solemnity of Corpus Christi in Spain should intertwine with the call to charity and social commitment. The message he left was clear: in a culture where popular religiosity remains vibrant, it must not become a mere museum of memories but a school of faith from which to draw even today.
Continuing his message, Pope Leo XIV asserted the importance of learning to kneel before God as well as before one’s neighbor. He stated, "no one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother," highlighting the act of selfless love that must flow among believers. He called for an active Church that is present in the realities and challenges of society, advocating for a commitment to the common good.
Concerning the polarized nature of contemporary society, the Pope's homily addressed the need for Christians to embody and live the core message of the Corpus Christi celebration: a God who draws near and asks us to draw near in turn, recognizing him in the brother or sister who suffers, who lacks food or shelter, or who is a migrant. He emphasized that the Church’s social relevance is found in service: in responding to the needs of the poorest, in fostering reconciliation, in overcoming polarization, in working for justice, and in building a more inclusive society.
Pope Leo XIV stated, "The Eucharistic Jesus is that eternal spring that is hidden: a spring that flows and quenches thirst, yet without blinding, without imposing itself through outward power, without presenting itself in a spectacular way." He urged that the public celebration of Corpus Christi does not enclose us in private devotion, but sends us out to refresh our brothers and sisters, our families, the poor, the suffering, and those who have lost hope.
The Pope also warned against the risk of becoming trapped in polarizing confrontations and sterile simplifications, which might give the illusion of clarity while actually filling the world with ghosts and enemies. He marked the importance of viewing the tradition of Corpus Christi processions not as an anchor to nostalgia but as an invitation in the present moment, in our daily lives, in our relationships, in society, for service and peace. This would address the profound thirst of humanity for reconciliation and hope.
