"He understood the central importance of this place, next to Termini station and at a unique crossroads in the city."
During his second Lenten visit to a parish of his diocese, Pope Leo went to the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus near Termini station. In his homily, the Holy Father reflected that freedom is not "the pursuit of personal power, but love that gives itself."
Delving into the history of the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the 267th pope recalled that it was Leo XIII who asked St. John Bosco to build this church. "He understood the central importance of this place, next to Termini station and at a unique crossroads in the city," the Pontiff pointed out.
The readings of today's Mass are uniquely rich, including both an account of Original Sin and Jesus being tempted in the desert.
Before an assembly of several hundred faithful, the Pope explained that it is "not so much a prohibition" as a "possibility" that tempts Adam and Eve in Genesis: Human beings are "free to welcome the Creator."
To prevent this relationship, Satan makes our first parents believe that they can do without God by giving them the illusion that they can "become like God."
"This fresco from Genesis is an unrivaled masterpiece that represents the drama of freedom," said Leo XIV.
Then, as the devil tempts Jesus Christ in the desert, we see the "true humanity of Jesus," said the Successor of Peter. He emphasized the importance of baptism, which "accompanies us with absolute respect for our freedom."
In this Roman parish, five catechumens will receive Baptism at the Easter Vigil. The freedom offered by baptism must not be a "search for personal power, but love that gives itself and makes us all brothers and sisters," he said.
Workers and illicit trafficking coexist in this area
At a crossroads of the city, the parish is well placed to observe the "contradictions of our time" according to Leo XIV. Separated by only a few yards, those who travel "in comfort" rub shoulders with those "who have no roof over their heads," as well as honest workers and "illicit drug trafficking and prostitution."
At this crossroads, "your parish is called to take charge of these realities," the Pontiff emphasized. Thanking the Salesians, who are in charge of this church, he called on everyone to "be a small flame of light and hope here." The parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus offers a number of initiatives to help the most vulnerable. In particular, every Friday evening, dinners are distributed to homeless people who sleep near Termini station. There are also residences for young people.
Leo XIV concelebrated this Mass with Cardinal Baldo Reina, his vicar for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Catholic Education, and numerous priests. After the celebration, Leo XIV met privately with the Salesian community in charge of this parish and the pastoral council.
He also visited and prayed in the room where St. John Bosco lived.
