Pope Leo XIV celebrated Pentecost on Sunday, June 8, in St. Peter’s Square, drawing tens of thousands for the final Sunday of Easter celebrations. During his homily, the pope criticized political movements that he said foster division.
“Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for ‘security’ zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,” Pope Leo said.
The pontiff prayed for unity and fraternity in the world, celebrating the Mass alongside cardinals, bishops and priests dressed in red vestments to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles on Pentecost.
Before concluding, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals, bishops and representatives of ecclesial associations, movements and communities in Rome for their presence and witness of faith.
On Saturday, June 7, the pope joined 70,000 people in St. Peter’s Square for a prayer vigil. He listened to testimonies from individuals affected by crises in Gaza, Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of the Congo before delivering a homily that received extended applause.
Churches worldwide marked Pentecost with prayer, hymns and gatherings focused on themes of unity and spiritual growth. Many communities used the occasion to reaffirm commitments to helping the disadvantaged, emphasizing the link between faith and social justice — a principle Pope Leo highlighted in his message.