Pope Leo XIV calls for unity and renewed faith on Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV presided over a special Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, delivering a strong appeal for unity, fraternity, and renewed faith across the Catholic Church. 

The celebration also featured the traditional blessing of the Sacred Pallium for newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops.

Speaking before a congregation that included pilgrims, clergy, ecumenical guests, and special Church delegations, the Holy Father reflected on the witness and legacy of the two Apostles, whom he described as “pillars of the Church and patrons of Rome.”

Highlighting their unique journeys, Leo XIV noted that although Peter and Paul came from very different backgrounds and often held contrasting views, they were ultimately united by their shared faith and martyrdom for the Gospel. 

“Peter and Paul walked different paths and often held contrasting views, yet they were united by their undying loyalty to Christ,” the pope said. 

He recalled their disagreements, such as the well-known confrontation in Antioch over the treatment of Gentile converts, but emphasized that such tensions led to a deeper unity within the early Church.

The Holy Father reminded the faithful that true ecclesial communion embraces diversity of thought and background. “Their brotherhood did not erase their different backgrounds,” he said. “We are called to turn our differences into a workshop of unity and reconciliation.. 

Leo urged bishops, priests, and laypeople alike to cultivate fraternity at every level of Church life. He called for stronger relationships between laity and clergy, between bishops and priests, and even among bishops and the Pope himself.

Turning to the need for spiritual renewal, the pope warned against complacency in faith life. He encouraged Catholics to move beyond religious routine and to respond with energy and openness to today’s pastoral challenges. 

Referring to the day’s Gospel reading, the pope urged the faithful to personally reflect on the question posed by Jesus to his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15). 

“This is not a question for the past,” the pope stressed. “It is a question for each of us today. We must ensure that our faith remains alive and burning with hope.” 

He invited pastors and parish communities to explore new methods of evangelization and to remain responsive to the realities and concerns of the faithful.

A central highlight of the liturgy was the blessing and imposition of the Sacred Pallium on the new Metropolitan Archbishops. The pallium is a traditional woolen vestment symbolizing their pastoral authority and their unity with the Bishop of Rome. 

Leo XIV encouraged the archbishops to carry out their mission in close communion with the pope and in faithful service to their local churches.

The Pope also extended warm greetings to members of the Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church present at the celebration. He expressed gratitude for their pastoral work and prayed for peace in Ukraine. 

He also welcomed the official delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, sent by His Holiness Bartholomew. The gesture underscored the ongoing commitment to ecumenical dialogue and Christian unity.

Concluding his homily, the Holy Father invited all present to seek the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul for unity, peace, and renewed missionary zeal within the Church and throughout the world. 

“Strengthened by the witness of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,” he said, “let us walk together in faith and communion, invoking their intercession upon ourselves, the city of Rome, the Church, and the whole world.”