Pope Leo XIV says "be witnesses of peace" - "even your daily work bears witness to the Gospel" at Holy Mass for Vatican Police

HOLY MASS FOR THE VATICAN GENDARMERIE
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday celebrated a second Mass in front of the Vatican Lourdes Grotto with members of the Vatican Gendarmerie on the feast of their patron saint, St Michael the Archangel. In his homily, the Pope thanked them for their daily service and urged them to live their mission as “witnesses of peace” in the heart of the universal Church.
Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 5, 2025
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Dear brothers and sisters,
According to a beautiful tradition, I have the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist with you on the feast of your patron, Saint Michael the Archangel. We have gathered at the altar of the Lord, under the maternal gaze of the Immaculate Virgin.
Our prayer begins first with listening to the Word of God, which offers us a strong and clear message today. The apostle Paul exhorts us: "Do not be ashamed of testifying to our Lord" ( 2 Tim 1 :8). It is Jesus' testimony that gives meaning to what we do: otherwise we risk becoming dull, lukewarm Christians, without a heart ardent for the Gospel.

Dearest friends, as Gendarmes of the Vatican State, yours is not just a profession: it is a service for the good of the Church. Indeed, even your daily work bears witness to the Gospel. Therefore, never be ashamed of the example you set. Often—and you know this from experience—your discreet and confident presence can express an evangelical spirit not just in words, but also with a watchful gaze, a caring gesture that protects everyone around you.

To resist the temptation of habit and laziness, St. Paul himself encourages us thus: "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God that is in you [...]. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-control" ( 2 Tim 1 :6-7).

These are certainly the virtues of a good Christian, and therefore also of a Vatican gendarme: you have the power of the law, but not to dominate; you have charity toward the lowly, but not to please authority; prudence in action, but not out of fear of your own responsibilities. This is the program I entrust especially to you, young gendarmes who have recently taken your oath. That promise was not a simple formula to be repeated, but an act of freedom and dedication. You have affirmed a public "yes," before God and the Church. You have promised fidelity to the Pope and to a service that involves your life, in the commitment of your daily work. Thank you for the courage and willingness you have shown in faithfully serving the Holy See!

In order to persevere in choosing good and justice, which fulfills your duty as policemen, we make our own the request we heard in the Gospel, when the apostles ask Jesus: "Increase our faith!" ( Lk 17:5). Yes, Lord: stay by our side, convert our hearts, make us witnesses to your Word! May our faith, that is, our relationship with You, always grow, amid the joys and trials of life. It is You yourself, Lord, who nourishes it with the grace of your Holy Spirit, so that it may bear within us the fruits of good works.

Let us then pronounce these words with the hope of those who know they are loved by God, and therefore desire to live according to his will. When the days of toil and misunderstanding come, we will find in the Lord's grace the comfort and loyalty that sustain us.

Dear friends, your service takes place primarily "behind the scenes." It's rarely seen, yet it does so much. It's a task that builds security, order, and respect: carry it out together, as a team, in mutual agreement with those who have worked there longer. It's a service that protects not only places and people, but reflects a mission, the mission of the Church. Therefore, live this same mission, which is the proclamation of the Gospel, with your uniform and, above all, with your humanity.

My gratitude also goes to your families: your wives, children, fathers, and mothers. Your "yes" is also supported by their silent "yes." Without them, your service would be more fragile. May the Lord bless them, protect them, and fill them with peace.

May the Virgin Mary be your model of faith and dedication, and may Saint Michael, the Archangel who fights evil in the name of God, always protect you and your families. With a humble and faithful heart, you will be witnesses of peace in this tiny state, which has the horizon of the world.

Source: Vatican.va