Pope Leo XIV Tells Military "Be strong in the Lord" - Recognize the "centrality of God in one's life and strengthening one's faith through prayer" FULL TEXT

Pope Leo XIV met with a military group at the Vatican on Monday, August 24; and gave an address to the members of the Military Ordinariate of Portugal . He also remembered two young soldiers who passed away on Friday, August 21. The two military men were hit by a vehicle on a highway as they were helping a truck driver with a flat tire.

The members of the Military Ordinariate were in Rome to celebrate a series of anniversaries including the founding of the vicariate 60 years ago in 1966, its elevation to a military ordinariate in 1981 and the nomination of its first Bishop 25 years ago.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE DELEGATION OF THE MILITARY ORDINARIATE FOR PORTUGAL

Consistory Hall on Monday, August 24, 2026
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen! Peace be with you!

Most Reverend Excellency, Distinguished Authorities, Reverend Chaplains, Dear brothers and sisters!

You have come to Rome, and with you, in a certain sense, have come the other members of your units. In welcoming you, I extend my greeting to all the members—Christian and non-Christian—of the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Republican National Guard, and the Public Security Forces in Portugal. In particular, in the light of the risen Christ, I remember the two young Army soldiers who lost their lives last Friday when, generously, like the Good Samaritan, they stopped along the road to lend assistance. I entrust them to the Lord, along with their families.
It was with the well-being of the entire Armed and Security Forces, their members, and their families in mind that the Vicariate was established sixty years ago. In 1981, it took the name of Military Ordinariate and, twenty-five years ago, received its first bishop. You have therefore chosen to come to Rome to commemorate this very anniversary. May the Ordinariate, making its invaluable contribution to spiritual well-being and the understanding of Christian values, continue to be a forum for constructive collaboration with state, governmental, and military authorities.

For those who believe in Christ, the pilgrimage to this city represents a unique opportunity for self-renewal, recognizing the centrality of God in one's life and strengthening one's faith through prayer at the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Every day, each of you is entrusted with the noble mission of defending the sovereignty of your homeland and the rule of law, safeguarding the safety of your fellow citizens and protecting them from injustice. I would therefore like to repeat to you this exhortation from Saint Paul: "Take strength in the Lord [...] Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" ( Eph 6:10, 14-15).

Be strong in the Lord like the centurion who approached Jesus in Capernaum. He knew well the values ​​that guide your life: obedience, discipline, sacrifice, loyalty, camaraderie, dedication, responsibility, and courage. At the same time, that soldier felt the need for God; he knew that human beings are not self-sufficient, but aspire to something more, something transcendent. Having a servant who was suffering terribly, he approached Jesus, who assured him that he would go and heal him. He answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Do this,' and he does it" ( Mt 8:8-9). In this attitude, we can see how the centurion considered hierarchy important and how this dimension of his daily life led him to interpret his relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, whom he professes as his Lord, his God. Amazed by these words, Jesus said: "Truly, I say to you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith" (v. 10). While this soldier was aware of his authority, before the Son of God he displayed the strength of faith and the courage of humility. Indeed, human beings, no matter how much responsibility they have, no matter how much power they wield, no matter how blameless they are, always hunger for the infinite and thirst for eternity. Now, infinity and eternity are within our reach in Jesus Christ: they are a gift from the Lord.

Your Most Reverend Excellency, dear chaplains, the Church entrusts to you the spiritual growth of your nation's military and law enforcement personnel. Welcome everyone, listen to them, enlighten them with the wisdom of God's Word, remain at their side, acting in Christ's name in the celebration of the Sacraments, and accompany each of them, never forgetting their families. From this specific ministry of yours will come the fruits of personal growth in the practice of Christian life and the strengthening of the esprit de corps of the Military and Security Forces you serve. Thank you for the closeness that, as good shepherds, you offer to those who perform such an important, special, and demanding service for the good of Portugal and beyond. Your testimony of love for the Church and the country is a balm that comforts and gives hope.

And finally, I wish to express to all of you who have come here my esteem, appreciation, and recognition for the work you do in the Ordinariate. May Our Lady of Fátima accompany you on your various missions, both in Portugal and abroad. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. God bless you!

Thank you.

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Translated from https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/08/24/0663/01231.html