“Live in a manner worthy of the Gospel”
Pope Leo XIV has concluded a week-long Lenten retreat at the Vatican with a heartfelt appeal to Catholics everywhere to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
The Holy Father ended the Spiritual Exercises on Friday alongside members of the Roman Curia and Cardinals gathered in Rome. Reflecting on the retreat preached by Bishop Erik Varden, he described the days as “a profound spiritual experience” that accompanied the Curia along its Lenten journey.
The meditations began with the Gospel account of the Temptations and unfolded through reflections on monastic life, particularly the witness of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
A Moment for Deep Reflection
The Pope recalled being deeply moved by a meditation on the election of Pope Eugene III. He cited Saint Bernard’s striking words to the newly elected Pontiff: “What have you done? May God have mercy on you.”
He also pointed to the chapel where the retreat was held, recalling May 8, when he and the Cardinals gathered there for the Eucharist. Above them is inscribed Saint Paul’s words from the Letter to the Philippians: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
“In this context and with this spirit of communion,” Pope Leo said, “all of us gathered together work side by side, though often very separately.” Coming together in prayer, he added, is “a very important moment in our life” — a time to reflect on questions vital both for personal holiness and for the life of the Church.
Newman, Freedom and Hope
Among the themes highlighted during the week was the thought of Saint John Henry Newman, especially his poem The Dream of Gerontius. The Pope noted that Newman presents death and judgement “as a prism” through which believers confront their fear and unworthiness before God.
Freedom and truth also emerged as essential dimensions of Christian living.
Returning to Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, the Pope reflected on the Apostle’s words about being “hard pressed” between the desire to depart and be with Christ and the call to remain for the sake of others’ “progress and joy in the faith.”
He underscored Paul’s exhortation: “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
“This,” the Pope said, “is the invitation at the end of these days of prayer and reflection, which the very Word of God addresses to all of us.”
Gratitude and the Gift of Music
Pope Leo XIV thanked Bishop Varden for his preaching, describing his reflections and witness — rooted in the monastic wisdom of Saint Bernard — as a lasting source of grace.
He also expressed appreciation to the Office for Liturgical Celebrations and to the choir.
“Music,” he observed, “is so important in our prayer… It helps us in a way that words cannot, raising our spirit to the Lord.”
