Pope marks Jubilee: Holiness must guide the curia

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on June 9 with officials and employees of the Roman Curia to mark the Jubilee of the Holy See, emphasizing that the sanctity of each member contributes to the Church’s vitality and mission.

The day began with a spiritual meditation led by Sr. Maria Gloria Riva, followed by a symbolic procession. Leo carried the Jubilee Cross through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by Curial officials.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the dual spiritual character of the Apostolic See—Marian and Petrine—highlighting that Mary’s spiritual motherhood supports and enriches the ministry of Peter and his successors.

“The Holy See lives in a particular co-presence of two poles: Marian and Petrine,” the Pope said. “It is Mary who ensures the fruitfulness and holiness of the Petrine office through her motherhood and the gift of the Spirit.”

He noted that the Jubilee celebration coincides with the liturgical memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, observed the day after Pentecost. Referring to the Gospel of John, Leo recalled how Jesus entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross, underscoring Mary’s enduring role in the life of the Church.

“The Church’s fruitfulness is the fruitfulness of Mary,” he said, “manifested in the lives of each believer through conformity to Christ.”

Leo stressed that the Holy See derives its holiness from its sacred origins and the daily holiness of those who serve it. “The best way to serve the Holy See,” he affirmed, “is to strive for holiness in our respective vocations and duties.”

He offered heartfelt examples: a priest who faithfully served despite personal hardships and a lay official balancing work with a challenging home life, both bearing witness to God’s grace through their commitment.

Recalling Mary’s presence at Pentecost, Leo said her “archetypal motherhood” remains active throughout the Church’s history, nurturing its mission and growth through the Holy Spirit.

He concluded by urging all Holy See employees to let the Word of God guide their steps, quoting the day’s Collect prayer: “Grant, O Father, that your Church, supported by the love of Christ, may be ever more fruitful in the Spirit, rejoice in the holiness of her children, and gather into her womb the whole human family.”