Pope Leo XIV Says God's Table Is Set for All in Castel Gandolfo Angelus

Pope Leo XIV led the Marian prayer of the Angelus from the Pontifical Villa at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence in the hills southeast of Rome, on August 16, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Commenting on the day's Gospel, the pope spoke about the Canaanite woman, saying that "from the Canaanite woman we learn humility and determination." Through her faith, he added, "we learn that God's table is set for everyone and that no one is owed crumbs, because each person has his own place beside the Father."

Addressing the thousands of faithful and pilgrims gathered in Piazza della Libertà, the square in front of the villa, the pope said that "today too the Church can let herself be surprised by God's work and communicate the peace of Christ beyond the borders already drawn."

The bond between Mary and Jesus

The pope recalled that the previous day was the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, saying that the relationship between Mary and her Son is "indissoluble," a connection that "not even death could interrupt." He said that "every Sunday reminds us that this same fullness is reserved for those who follow Jesus: his resurrection is not an event of the past, but a new life that commits us."

The Canaanite woman's perseverance

Commenting on Sunday's Gospel, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the perseverance of the Canaanite woman, who did not belong to Jesus' people and who approached him with faith and determination despite obstacles. "They had probably never met, but mysteriously faith had already arisen in her," the pope said. He noted that the woman was not seeking anything for herself but peace for her tormented daughter, and that she recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

The pope also spoke about the difficulties the woman faced, saying the disciples saw her as a nuisance and that she received a reluctant response from Jesus. In the end, he said, Jesus was moved by her faith and told her: "Woman, how great is your faith: let what you desire be done."

Opening the heart to God's work

The pope said Christians need to be open to what God wants to communicate, even in situations that interrupt their plans. "In every encounter, even those that disturb our intentions, we must open our hearts to what God wishes to say to us," he said. That openness, he said, allows the Church to be surprised by grace and to communicate the peace of Christ beyond the limits drawn by human institutions.

Inequality and human dignity

The pope closed his reflection by saying that, in the light of the Canaanite woman's faith, the inequalities and forms of discrimination that affect the dignity of many of God's sons and daughters become unbearable. Citing his encyclical Magnifica humanitas (244), he said, "We are the Church of Jesus Christ in a tormented world, a world seeking peace."

The Magnificat

The pope asked for the intercession of Mary, recalling that "from her lips comes the strongest and most innovative hymn ever spoken, the Magnificat," a song he described as reflecting hope and charity in God's gaze. Mary spoke the hymn during her visitation to Elizabeth.

Meeting the faithful

After the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV went over to the faithful in the square, blessing children and talking with some of them, who gave him drawings. He said goodbye to the crowd before returning to the Apostolic Palace, where he will remain until Tuesday, August 18, continuing his pastoral activities.