In his Angelus address on Sunday, July 27, Pope Leo XIV placed the “Our Father” prayer at the center of his reflection, describing it as the heartbeat of Christian life and unity.
Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father reflected on the day’s Gospel, where Jesus teaches his disciples to pray.
“This is the prayer that unites all Christians,” Pope Leo said, emphasizing that in the Our Father, Jesus invites us to approach God with childlike trust, calling Him ‘Abba’ — Father. The prayer, he noted, reveals not only who God is, but also who we are: beloved children.
Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Pope said: “The Lord’s Prayer reveals us to ourselves at the same time that it reveals the Father to us.” He stressed that the more we pray with confidence, the more we discover God’s immense, personal love.
Drawing from the Gospel’s imagery — of a man rising at midnight to help a friend, or a parent eager to provide good things for their children — Pope Leo underscored God’s attentiveness. “God never turns His back on us,” he said. “Even when His answers are hard to understand, they are shaped by a wisdom far beyond our own.”
The Pope urged the faithful not only to rejoice in being God’s children but also to live as such. Citing Church Fathers, he reminded listeners that we cannot call God “Father” and remain cruel or indifferent to others. “Let God’s mercy shape your heart,” he said. “So that His face may be reflected in yours.”
He concluded by calling believers to love as God loves — with sincerity, kindness, and compassion.
