Pope: God, not consumerism, brings true fulfilment

Christians, the Pope said at his Angelus address at Castel Gandolfo on July 26, must learn to recognise the true treasure: a relationship with God that opens people to joy and helps them build better relationships with one another.

Commenting on the Gospel parables from Matthew of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value, the Pope said that the Kingdom of God brings a joy so profound that leaving everything behind is no longer experienced as a loss, but as a gain.

“Encountering his Kingdom marks a turning point that does not limit life, but enlarges it,” Pope Leo said. “If anything must change on our part, it is only so that our lives may be opened to greater possibilities, not fewer.”

The Pope noted that Jesus reveals the beauty of the Kingdom through images drawn from the lives of ordinary people: farmers, merchants, fishermen, scribes, women preparing bread, builders, administrators, shepherds and farmers.

Through these examples, Jesus shows that the Kingdom can be encountered in many different circumstances and calls everyone – men and women, young and old, poor and rich – to a profound renewal.

Pope Leo said that the Church today reflects this same diversity, bringing together people of different origins, cultures and responsibilities, all called to recognise their unity in Jesus Christ.

“He is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, the net that gathers those who are scattered,” the Pope said.

During his address, Pope Leo XIV also appealed for an end to violence in the Holy Land and the Middle East, urging dialogue, diplomacy and prayers for peace.

FULL STORY

Pope at Angelus: God brings true fulfilment, not consumerism (Vatican News)

Pope calls for renewed negotiations for a just peace in the Middle East (Vatican News)