This is the eighth in a new series of posts sharing Pope Leo XIV’s words each Wednesday in his Weekly Audience, a time when he teaches, encourages, and shapes the mission of the Church around the world. Check back here each Wednesday to get to know Pope Leo!
“Do not be afraid to show your wounds healed by mercy.”
In this week’s Wednesday audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Christ’s appearance to the apostles in the Upper Room.
When Jesus shows the disciples his wounds—the marks of his passion—there is no anger, no resentment. Rather, Christ’s wounds confirm a love stronger than any infidelity—proof that, even in our failure, God does not retreat. He does not give up on us.
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (John 20:21). With these words, Jesus entrusts the apostles—and us—to be instruments of reconciliation in the world.
“Do not be afraid to show your wounds healed by mercy. Do not be afraid to draw close to those who are trapped in fear or guilt. May the breath of the Spirit make us, too, witnesses of this peace and this love that is stronger than any defeat.”
