On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV concluded the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year—a year marked by unprecedented transitions, global pilgrimages, and a powerful message of faith and reflection. The year-long Jubilee saw over 33 million pilgrims flock to Rome, navigating a period of change that began with the opening of the Holy Door by the late Pope Francis in December 2024 and ended with its closure by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history.
In a deeply symbolic and solemn act, Leo knelt in prayer at the threshold of St. Peter’s Basilica before closing the Holy Door, officially bringing an end to a Jubilee that was as much about spiritual renewal as it was about addressing the challenges of modern society.
As the Vatican turns its attention to the future, Pope Leo XIV has already signaled his intention to confront pressing issues within the Catholic Church and the world at large. His remarks during the closing ceremony, which called for a rejection of consumerism and a renewed focus on welcoming the stranger, have set the tone for what promises to be a transformative pontificate.
The Jubilee Year: A Time of Transition
The 2025 Holy Year was historic for many reasons, not least because it spanned the final days of Pope Francis’ life and the election of his successor. This marked only the second time in history that a Holy Year was opened by one pope and closed by another, the first instance occurring in 1700.
The Jubilee was a time of spiritual renewal for the Catholic Church, offering the faithful an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God and their responsibilities to one another. For Pope Leo XIV, the year also served as a moment of pause—a chance to honor the legacy of his predecessor while preparing to embark on his own papal journey.
Pope Leo’s Vision: Faith in Action
In his homily during the closing ceremony, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message that challenged Christians to resist the consumerist and anti-foreigner sentiments that often dominate modern society.
“Around us, a distorted economy tries to profit from everything,” Leo said. “Let us ask ourselves: has the Jubilee taught us to flee from this type of efficiency that reduces everything to a product and human beings to consumers? After this year, will we be better able to recognize a pilgrim in the visitor, a seeker in the stranger, a neighbor in the foreigner, and fellow travelers in those who are different?”
These words reflect a central theme of Leo’s early papacy: the call to see Christ in the marginalized and to prioritize compassion over materialism. His emphasis on welcoming the stranger and promoting fairness resonates deeply with the biblical mandate to care for the oppressed and love our neighbors as ourselves.
A New Era for the Catholic Church
With the Jubilee now concluded, Pope Leo XIV is preparing to address some of the most pressing issues facing the 1.4-billion-strong Catholic Church. He has summoned the world’s cardinals to the Vatican for two days of meetings to discuss governance and the liturgy, signaling his intention to confront the divisions within the Church head-on.
One of the key issues on the agenda is the celebration of the old Latin Mass, a topic that has been a source of contention among Catholics in recent years. By addressing this issue early in his papacy, Leo is demonstrating a willingness to tackle difficult conversations and foster unity within the Church.
A Broader Perspective: What About Venezuela, Cuba, and Greenland?
While Pope Leo XIV’s focus has been on the spiritual renewal of the Church, the geopolitical events unfolding in the Americas and beyond cannot be ignored. The capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces has raised questions about the future of the region, particularly for Cuba, a longtime ally of Venezuela.
For Cuban Americans and Venezuelan exiles, the potential fall of Cuba’s communist regime represents a moment of hope. However, it also raises ethical questions about the role of foreign intervention and the balance between liberation and exploitation.
As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV’s voice carries significant weight on the global stage. How might he address these issues? Would he support efforts to liberate oppressed nations, or would he caution against the risks of geopolitical destabilization?
Similarly, the effects of climate change on Greenland and the Arctic region present another pressing challenge. Pope Francis was a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship, and it remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV will continue this legacy. Will he call for greater action to combat climate change, or will he focus on other aspects of social and economic justice?
A Christian Response to Global Challenges
Pope Leo XIV’s closing remarks during the Jubilee offer a framework for how Christians can approach these complex issues. His call to “replace the industry of war with the craft of peace” and promote a “redistribution of the land and its resources” challenges us to consider our responsibilities as stewards of God’s creation and advocates for justice.
Welcoming the Stranger
One of the most striking aspects of Leo’s homily was his emphasis on welcoming the stranger and recognizing the humanity in those who are different from us. This message is particularly relevant in the context of the global refugee crisis, as millions of people are displaced by conflict, persecution, and climate change.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, regardless of their nationality, religion, or background. This includes advocating for policies that protect refugees and immigrants and working to build bridges of understanding and compassion.
Resisting Consumerism
Leo’s critique of consumerism challenges us to examine our own priorities and values. In a world that often prioritizes material wealth and efficiency over human dignity, Christians are called to live counter-culturally, placing God and others above the pursuit of personal gain.
This is particularly relevant in the context of the global economy, where inequality and exploitation are rampant. As Pope Leo XIV reminded us, true justice requires a commitment to fairness and the equitable distribution of resources.
Promoting Peace and Justice
Finally, Leo’s call to replace war with peace challenges us to consider how we can work toward reconciliation and healing in a divided world. This includes addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice, and promoting dialogue and understanding between nations and communities.
A New Chapter for the Church and the World
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy in earnest, he faces a world filled with challenges and opportunities. From addressing divisions within the Catholic Church to grappling with global issues like climate change, immigration, and geopolitical conflict, his leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Church and its role in the world.
For Christians, the 2025 Holy Year serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the oppressed, welcome the stranger, and work for justice and peace. As we reflect on Pope Leo’s message, let us ask ourselves: How can we live out these values in our own lives?
The road ahead may be uncertain, but our faith provides a firm foundation. As Pope Leo XIV so eloquently put it, “In the place of inequality, may there be fairness, and may the industry of war be replaced by the craft of peace.”
Let us pray for wisdom, courage, and compassion as we navigate these challenging times, trusting that God’s love and justice will guide us every step of the way