Pope Leo XIV says freedom is fulfilled by saying yes to God

Pope Leo XIV visited the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish near Rome's Termini station and told parishioners that true freedom is fulfilled by saying yes to God; he encouraged the community to be a visible sign of charity amid local social contrasts.

Pope Leo XIV made a Lenten pastoral visit to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rome's Castro Pretorio neighborhood, close to Termini station. He used the occasion to invite Catholics to rediscover baptism as a source of freedom and new life. Drawing on readings from Genesis and the Gospel of the temptations, he linked baptism to human freedom and to Jesus' rejection of temptation. He also spoke about the parish's calling in a neighborhood marked by contrasts and thanked the Salesians serving there. What happened: - The visit was part of the Pope's Lenten round of pastoral stops at parishes across Rome. - He said true freedom "is fulfilled by saying yes to God" and urged believers to see baptism as an inner source of renewal. - He reflected that Genesis and the Gospel passages illuminate how baptism encounters human freedom and warned against the illusion of becoming like God. - He noted the sharp contrasts near Termini — travelers' comfort alongside people without shelter, potential for good alongside expanding violence and illicit trade — and encouraged the parish to be a sign of closeness and charity. - The Pope arrived shortly after 8:15 a.m., was welcomed with applause and a banner, greeted the faithful, and told passing journalists, "Let us pray for peace." - In a lighthearted moment he recalled visiting Salesian communities before joining the Augustinians, saying "They came in second place," and noted he has visited many Salesian communities in his first months as pope. Summary: The visit highlighted the Pope's Lenten emphasis on baptism, freedom, and service to neighbors in a neighborhood of social contrasts. It reinforced the parish's role as a visible sign of charity and is part of his ongoing round of parish visits across Rome. Undetermined at this time.