Pope Calls for Responsible Stewardship of Life and Goods, Appeals for Peace in Gaza

At the Sunday Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square  on September 21, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel parable of the dishonest steward (Lk 16:1-13), urging Christians to recognize life and material possessions as gifts from God entrusted to their care. 

He reminded the faithful that all will one day give an account before God and others of how they have managed their lives, possessions, and the earth’s resources.

“Everything has been given to us as a gift by the Lord, who has entrusted this to our care, our freedom, and our responsibility,” the Pope said.

He explained that the steward in the Gospel, faced with the loss of his position, chose to give up profit in order to win friends, highlighting that material wealth is fleeting, but relationships built in solidarity endure. 

“We can recognize everything we have as a gift from God, to be managed and used as an instrument for sharing, to create networks of friendship and solidarity, to work for the common good, and to build a world that is more just, equitable and fraternal,” he added.

Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to place friendship with God and with one another above worldly wealth, and prayed that the Virgin Mary would help Christians to live with justice and responsibility.

Following the recitation of the Angelus, the Pope turned his thoughts to the ongoing suffering in Gaza, expressing appreciation for Catholic associations working in solidarity with its people. 

“I appreciate your initiative and many others throughout the Church that express closeness to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in that tormented land,” he said. 

Recalling the words of Church leaders in the Holy Land, he insisted, “There is no future based on violence, forced exile, or revenge. The people need peace; those who truly love them work for peace.”