Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that the mystery of the Holy Trinity teaches Christians to see every creature as made for communion — and warned that division, polarization, and contempt for differences leave the world spiritually barren.
Speaking before the Angelus on May 31, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the pope reflected on Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John, saying the feast reveals that God's own life is a communion of love into which humanity is invited.
"The Trinity helps us to love everyone and everything: we discover that every creature is made for communion, relationship and encounter," Pope Leo said from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square. "On the other hand, we understand why division, polarization and contempt for diversity bring destruction, sadness and barrenness to the world."
The pope said the Church's Easter journey, which concluded last week with Pentecost, helps believers contemplate the divine life given to humanity in Christ — a communion of love that draws believers in through the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit, he said, "unites the Father and the Son" and "has been poured into our hearts." In this way, he added, "the Church becomes a sacrament of communion, a place of encounter, love and life where heaven and earth already touch."
Turning to Nicodemus, whom the Gospel describes as an important figure in Israel who came to Jesus at night, Leo said Christ "welcomed him and took his search for answers seriously."
Jesus, the pope said, "surprised Nicodemus by suggesting that it was even possible for an adult to be reborn and led him to realize that the life of God could transform his own life."
Leo noted that Nicodemus later defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin, urging others to listen before condemning him.
"He had received the Spirit of communion from God through Christ himself, which opens the heart to new truths and to true renewal," the pope said. "Whoever does not welcome this Spirit grows old quickly, in sorrow, feeling all alone and without joy in their hearts."
By contrast, Leo said, the solemnity of the Trinity is "a day of celebration."
"God's feast is also ours," he said, citing St. Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians: "Rejoice, strive for perfection, encourage one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
After leading the Angelus, the pope recalled the prayers for peace raised throughout the Church during May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
"In this month of May, a united chorus of prayers for peace has resounded throughout the Church," he said. "Above all, through the prayer of the Holy Rosary — like an unbroken chain — the peoples ravaged by war have been entrusted to the intercession of the Virgin Mary."
"May Divine Wisdom enlighten the consciences of those in authority and guide their decisions toward a sincere search for a just and lasting peace," he said.
Leo also marked Italy's 25th National Day of Relief, expressing closeness to the sick and those who care for them.
"I offer my spiritual closeness to the sick and those who care for them; and I thank and encourage all who promote a culture of solidarity and care," he said.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
