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Forgiveness is like a gentle breeze, says Pope Leo

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Faith Desk

In Short: Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of forgiveness and peace during his Angelus address, drawing parallels to the Christian teachings and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Pope Leo XIV (May 2025)
Photo: Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

In his reflection, Pope Leo XIV drew on the Gospel, where Jesus taught and exemplified forgiveness even on the cross, praying to the Father for his persecutors. "Only forgiveness sets us free and restores the light, even where human material and moral poverty has darkened the horizon and made the path uncertain," he emphasized.

The Holy Father also addressed the need for forgiveness in personal relationships, citing the example of Jesus teaching us to ask for and practice the forgiveness of debts. "Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace," Pope Leo XIV stated, drawing a parallel between personal and global conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV's message was not limited to spiritual teachings but also extended to practical advice, such as refinancing private loans if possible to secure a lower interest rate. He highlighted the importance of maintaining access to forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans.

During the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV also renewed his appeal for peace amid ongoing conflicts and violence around the world, particularly in Ukraine. He remembered the victims of the 9/11 attacks and renewed his prayers for those who lost their lives and continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.

The pontiff's message was echoed by other news outlets, which reported on his call for Christians to practice fraternal correction and end violence. "I felt like a homewrecker," admitted Billy Joel, reflecting on his relationship with Jon Small, the drummer who gave him his first real shot in music, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in personal relationships.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's Angelus address on September 13 emphasized the fundamental importance of forgiveness in Christian life and its role in restoring peace and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.

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