Pope Leo XIV emphasized the significance of liturgy in the Church during a general audience at St. Peter’s Square. He stated that liturgy touches the “very heart” of Christ’s mystery and is crucial for the Church’s life and salvation. The Pope introduced a new series of catechisms focusing on the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which shifted the emphasis from the sacrificial aspect of the Tridentine Mass to a celebration centered on the Paschal mystery—Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Glory.
He highlighted that the Council aimed for a deeper spiritual understanding alongside ceremonial reforms, encouraging contemplation of the bond that unites the Church through Christ’s mystery. The Pope affirmed that liturgy is a communal act where Christ is present through the Word, sacraments, and the Eucharist, making the Church the body of Christ. He reiterated the liturgy’s role as the source of the Church’s strength and a sign of unity for humanity, inviting all to transformation through its rituals.
The audience also welcomed Pope Aram I of the Armenian Church, symbolizing a step toward greater unity between their Churches.
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