On Sunday morning, Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican Grottoes to celebrate Holy Mass at the altar near the tomb of Saint Peter, Vatican News reports.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Alejandro Moral Antón, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV spent time in silent prayer at the tombs of his predecessors. He also paused before the Niche of the Pallia—the woolen stoles that symbolize the unity between the Pope and metropolitan archbishops around the world.
Celebrating Mass in the Vatican Grottoes: Giving Our Lives to Christ
In his homily, delivered first in English and then in Italian, Pope Leo described the day as a particularly “significant” Sunday. Reflecting on the Gospel of the Good Shepherd, he said he draws inspiration from Jesus as he begins his Petrine ministry.
On this Mother’s Day, which he acknowledged with warmth, the Pope remarked: “One of the most wonderful expressions of the love of God is the love that is poured out by mothers, especially to their children and grandchildren.”
Searching for Vocations Together
Addressing the theme of vocations—central to the World Day of Prayer for Vocations—Pope Leo noted that it had been a major focus in meetings of the cardinals both before and after his election.
“We must all search together,” he urged, “primarily by giving good example, living with joy the message of the Gospel—not discouraging others, but encouraging young people to listen for the voice of the Lord, to follow it, and to serve the Church.”
The Power of Listening
Pope Leo emphasized the need for courage and openness in proclaiming the Gospel: “Take heart! Don’t be afraid!”
He stressed that the mission often requires sacrifice, but that listening is foundational—listening to God’s Word and to one another.
“Listening is what allows us to enter into true dialogue,” he said, calling it the foundation for building bridges—something he has promoted since the beginning of his pontificate
“We must know how to listen—not to judge, not to slam doors as if we possess the whole truth and others have nothing to offer,” he said. From this humility, he added, we gain clarity on where the Lord is calling us.
