Pope Leo tells families to turn homes into prayer spaces
During a Mass in Buenos Aires on Sunday, the new pontiff urged Christians to focus on daily forgiveness and family devotion.
By Kofi Costa ·
Pope Leo XIV told Catholic families to make their homes centers of prayer on Sunday. He made the call while presiding over Mass in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The service marked the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran.
The Pope argued that daily faith practices renew the Church and society. He listed specific actions that families should prioritize. These include praying together, listening to one another, and offering forgiveness. He also said families should help children build a relationship with God.
Leo highlighted the specific role of grandparents in this process. He noted they have a unique opportunity to teach their grandchildren to pray. He described this transmission of faith as essential to the Church's mission in Argentina.
The address connected domestic life to the wider unity of the Church. The Lateran Basilica serves as the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. It represents the communion shared by Catholic communities globally. The Pope used this symbolism to frame the family as a foundational unit of that global body.
He referenced the Gospel account of Jesus driving merchants from the Temple. Christ restored the sacred space to its purpose as a house of prayer. Leo explained that believers should trust God's generosity. He advised against treating the relationship with God as a negotiation for favor.
The Pope concluded by entrusting families to Mary and Joseph. He asked that their homes become dwelling places of Christ's presence. This shared prayer and witness would strengthen the Church. The service ended with the faithful receiving the grace of Christ's Resurrection.
