The title of the encyclical, “Magnificent Humanity,” in English, points to the immeasurable dignity of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God.
We celebrate this month the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of St. Peter. As we did from the first moment of his pontificate, we express gratitude to the Lord for the gift of the Holy Father and entrust him to God’s protection as he carries out his duties as the Church’s supreme pastor. In greeting the world, the Holy Father’s first words were “Peace be with you all.” These words, which our Risen Lord spoke to his disciples, continue to anchor our hopes for our world, our nation, and our lives.
As we journey through the sacred season of Easter, the church encourages us to begin each new day with renewed faith. Our Lord is alive and with us! We can be confident that he will lead, guide and protect us in all our days to come.
As we journey together through the sacred season of Lent, we are reminded that each of us will one day be judged justly and mercifully by God. Although we often think of Lent in terms of activities or habits from which we might resolve to refrain until Easter, Lent is about far more than what we choose to do without.