Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “It is Jesus’ love that begets love within us” and “because God loved us first, we too can love.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV, speaking to the pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square during the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday, described the source that enables us to follow the Church’s commandments. The Pope recalled Jesus’ words to the Apostles at the Last Supper, which were included in the reading from the Gospel of John for this Sunday, May 10.

“If you love me,” Jesus says to his disciples, “you will keep my commandments.” Pope Leo emphasized that this statement “frees us from the misconception that we are loved because we keep the commandments, as if our righteousness were a prerequisite for God’s love. On the contrary, God’s love is the basis for our righteousness. We truly keep the commandments, according to God’s will,” the Bishop of Rome continued, “when we recognize His love for us, just as Christ revealed it to the world. Jesus’ words are therefore an invitation to enter into a relationship, not a blackmail or a suspicious ultimatum.” This is why, the Pope added, the Lord commands us “to love one another as he has loved us: it is Jesus’ love that begets love within us.”

“Because God loved us first,” Leo XIV recalled today, “we too can love, and when we truly love God, we truly love one another. It is like life itself: just as only those who have received life can live, so too, only those who have been loved can love.”

Furthermore, Pope Prevost added, quoting Jesus’ words from the Gospel of John: “because he loves us, the Lord does not leave us alone in life’s trials: he promises us the Paraclete, that is, the Defense Advocate, the ‘Spirit of truth.’ It is precisely because he loves us that the Lord does not leave us alone in life’s trials; he promises us the Paraclete, that is, the Advocate, the “Spirit of truth”. This gift is one that “the world cannot receive”, as long as it persists in evil, oppressing the poor, excluding the weak and killing the innocent. Those who respond to Jesus’ love for all, on the other hand, will find in the Holy Spirit an ally who will never fail: “You know him,” says Jesus, “for he dwells with you, and will be in you”. We can therefore bear witness to God, who is love, always and everywhere. Love is not an idea of the human mind, but the reality of divine life, through which all things were created out of nothing and redeemed from death.”

After reciting the Regina Caeli, Leo XIV expressed his concern “regarding the growing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali, which have recently suffered terrorist attacks.” The Pope offered the assurance of his heartfelt prayers “for the victims who are suffering,” and expressed his hope “that every form of violence may cease,” and encouraged “all efforts aimed at fostering peace and development in that beloved land.”
The Pontiff also recalled that May 10th is celebrated each year as the “Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship.” “I extend my fraternal greetings,” Pope Leo added, “to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and assure the entire beloved Coptic Church of my remembrance in prayer. It is my hope that our journey of friendship will lead us to perfect unity in Christ, who has called us “friends”.”

Speaking in Spanish, the Bishop of Rome also thanked “the people of the Canary Islands who, with the hospitality characteristic of them, welcomed the cruise ship Hondius and the passengers infected with the Hantavirus. I look forward to seeing all of you next month during my visit to the Islands.” Finally, Leo XIV addressed a “special thought” to all mothers: “Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our own Mother, let us pray with love and gratitude for every mother, particularly those living in very difficult circumstances. Thank you!
May God bless you.” (Source: Fides News Agency, 10/5/2026)