Pope Leo XIV: “Christ Is the Bread that restores and never runs short”

Pope Leo XIV presided over the solemn celebration of Corpus Christi on Sunday at Saint John Lateran Square, urging the faithful in his homily to rediscover the Eucharist as God’s answer to humanity’s deepest hunger.

Before thousands of pilgrims, clergy, and religious, the Holy Father proclaimed the mystery of the Eucharist as not only the heart of Catholic worship but the very heart of God’s love for the world.

“In a world scarred by war, poverty, and greed,” he said, “Jesus offers himself as the true bread of life—the only nourishment that can satisfy our hunger for meaning, communion, and hope.”

Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, Pope Leo reflected on the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. He described it not merely as a response to physical hunger but as a sign of divine compassion and presence. 

“As evening fell in that deserted place, the hunger of the crowd revealed something deeper,” he noted. “Jesus did not dismiss them; he remained, lifted his eyes, blessed the bread, and shared what little was there. And all were fed.” The gesture, he said, speaks of God’s generosity and the transforming power of even the smallest offering when united with faith.

The Pope went on to challenge the global Church to reflect on the Eucharist in light of today’s stark economic inequalities. In a Jubilee Year marked by calls to renewal and justice, he warned that many suffer not because of a lack of resources, but because of the greed of others. 

“The Eucharist compels us to multiply hope, not hoard wealth,” he said, calling for an ethic of sharing rather than accumulation.

Underscoring the theological heart of the feast, Pope Leo affirmed the Eucharist as the real and substantial presence of Christ—not simply a symbol or memorial. 

“Christ is God’s answer to our hunger,” he proclaimed. “While earthly food reminds us of our mortality, this bread offers eternal life. In receiving it, we are not just nourished—we are transformed.”

Quoting Saint Augustine, he described Christ as “bread that restores and does not run short; bread that can be eaten but is not exhausted.” 

In the Eucharist, the Pope explained, God offers himself completely—transforming not only bread into his Body but also those who receive it into members of his Body, the Church.

Recalling the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo emphasized that the unity of believers is both expressed and realized in the breaking of bread. 

“Through him, with him, and in him, we become one body,” he said, inviting the faithful to live this unity in the world.

At the close of the celebration, Pope Leo led the traditional Eucharistic procession through the streets of Rome. He described the act of carrying Christ through the city not as a ritual of display but as a journey of witness—bringing the Lord before the eyes, hearts, and consciences of all. 

“To those who believe, that they may believe more firmly" To those who don't believe, that they may see their hunger and find the only bread that can satisfy it.

The Holy Father concluded his homily with a heartfelt appeal: “Strengthened by this divine food, let us bring Jesus to every heart. He extends an invitation to everyone to join him at his table. Blessed are those who are called, for they become witnesses of this love.”

As the faithful processed in reverent silence and song, with the Blessed Sacrament elevated under a golden canopy, the meaning of Corpus Christi came alive—not only in word and worship but in the streets. 

Amid a world marked by division and despair, the Church was once again sent forth as the Body of Christ—called to heal, to feed, and to love.