Pope Francis on Friday morning made a pastoral visit to the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the heart of Rome, near Termini Station. Addressing parishioners during Mass on the first Sunday of Lent, the Pope called on them to be “leaven of the Gospel” and “a sign of closeness and love” in a neighborhood marked by stark contrasts.
The area surrounding Termini Station sees a constant flow of people – affluent travelers and those experiencing homelessness – existing side-by-side. The Pope, in his homily, urged the congregation to “take responsibility for reality,” acknowledging the proximity of wealth and poverty, opportunity and violence, honest work and illicit activities like drug trafficking and prostitution.
“Dear brothers and sisters, a few days ago, with the Rite of Ashes, we began the time of Lent,” Pope Francis stated. “Lent is an intense liturgical time that offers us the opportunity to rediscover the richness of our Baptism, so that we may live as fully renewed beings, thanks to the fact that Jesus was incarnate, died and rose again.”
The Pope’s message centered on the significance of Baptism as a source of freedom and fraternity. He reflected on the meaning of Lent and the grace of Baptism, drawing a parallel to the story of creation. He posited that the temptation in the Garden of Eden wasn’t simply about a prohibition, but about the opportunity to build a relationship with the Creator, an opportunity the serpent sought to undermine by suggesting humans could become like God.
“The scene of Christ’s temptation essentially addresses this dramatic question: can I fully realize my life by saying ‘yes’ to God? Or, to be free and happy, must I free myself from Him?” the Pope asked. He explained that Jesus, by resisting temptation, demonstrates a “new humanity,” a free person who finds fulfillment in saying “yes” to God.
He emphasized that Baptism initiates individuals into a relationship with Jesus and, through Him, with the Father, fostering genuine closeness with others. This closeness, he stressed, is not about seeking power but about a self-sacrificing love that recognizes all people as brothers and sisters. He cited St. Paul’s words, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Pope Francis noted that Pope Leo XIII had requested St. John Bosco to build a church in this very location, recognizing its central importance. He highlighted the unique crossroads the area represents, a place frequented by university students, commuters, immigrants seeking work, and refugees who find opportunities for integration through Salesian initiatives. He similarly acknowledged the presence of those without shelter who find refuge in Caritas facilities on Marsala Street.
The Pope specifically thanked the Salesians for their tireless work and encouraged the congregation to continue to be “a small flame of light and hope” in the area. The Vatican News reported that the Pope’s visit aimed to encourage the faithful to embody the spirit of the Gospel in a challenging urban environment.
The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Daugavpils, Latvia, also shares the same namesake, offering services in Latvian, Polish, and Russian, according to information available on katolis.lv. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held daily, and the church observes special feast days dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Therese of the Child Jesus on October 1st.
