Pope Leo XIV on Monday explained that in order to allow God\u2019s action in our personal lives, people must \u201cempty\u201d themselves and cultivate a deep inner life.<\/p>\n
The pontiff made the observation during a Dec. 29 audience at the Apostolic Palace with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcal\u00e1 de Henares, Spain.<\/p>\n
The event took place in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which the Holy Father described as \u201ca particularly significant time for the Church.\u201d Leo XIV thanked the pilgrims for their spiritual closeness and support for the successor of Peter \u201cwith their prayers and generosity,\u201d emphasizing that this is \u201ca gesture of communion and closeness.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his greeting, the pope recalled the figure of St. Thomas of Villanova, an Augustinian Spanish bishop and the patron saint of the pilgrims\u2019 parish, highlighting that he was a man \u201copen to God\u2019s action in his life.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThat openness led him to do much good,\u201d Pope Leo said.<\/p>\n
The pontiff invited the faithful to be inspired by some of the distinctive traits of the Spanish saint, beginning with his intense spiritual life.<\/p>\n
Recognize talents, put them at service of community<\/p>\n
\u201cIn his life and in his writings, he reveals to us an unceasing search for continuous prayer; that is, a holy restlessness to be in God\u2019s presence at every moment,\u201d he said. This attitude involves profound interiority, emptying yourself to listen to and allow the Lord to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo XIV also highlighted the saint\u2019s \u201csobriety and simplicity\u201d as well as \u201chis selfless labor,\u201d especially in the university setting, and his \u201capostolic zeal.\u201d The pope emphasized that all these attitudes lead us to believe that \u201cwe must recognize the talents we have received and put them at the service of the community, with effort and dedication, so that they may multiply for the benefit of all,\u201d especially in a world that \u201cseems to offer us everything more and more quickly and easily.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the simplicity of St. Thomas of Villanova (1486\u20131555), historically known as the \u201cArchbishop of the Poor\u201d or the \u201cAlmsgiver of God\u201d because of his immense charity. \u201cI would like to emphasize his love for the poor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Referring to the parish life of the pilgrims, Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for their concrete sensitivity toward those most in need, reminding them that \u201cthe poor are not only someone to be helped but the sacramental presence of the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.<\/p>\n