Pope Leo XIV: "Even in Darkness, Love and Forgiveness Are Still Possible"

In his first public appearance in the Vatican following his return from Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV delivered a moving message on the transformative power of forgiveness during his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, August 20.

Held inside the Paul VI Hall due to the sweltering Roman summer heat, the Audience gathered faithful from around the world. As reported by Vatican News, the Pope took time to greet those who couldn’t fit inside and remained nearby in shaded areas.

Continuing his catechesis on the Jubilee theme, “Christ Our Hope,” the Holy Father reflected on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus through the lens of divine forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal. He drew particular attention to the Gospel scene of Jesus at the Last Supper, where He offers a morsel of bread to Judas.

“This is not just a gesture of sharing,” the Pope said. “It is love’s last attempt not to give up.” He described the act as a meek yet powerful offering, revealing Christ’s unwavering love even when confronted with rejection and betrayal.

“Jesus does not submit to time, He chooses it,” Pope Leo emphasized. “He continues to love, not in ignorance, but in full awareness of what is to come. He offers forgiveness freely, even before it is accepted.”

Citing Vatican News, the Pope explained that the Gospel's mention of Satan entering Judas after receiving the morsel should not overshadow the salvific power of that gesture. “It tells us God does absolutely everything to reach us, even when we reject Him.”

Forgiveness, the Pope taught, is not forgetfulness or denial of wrongdoing. Rather, it is the power to stop evil from creating more evil, and the courage to move forward in love, even in pain.

“Each betrayal,” he concluded, “can become an opportunity for salvation, if chosen as a space for a greater love.”