Pope Leo XIV’s Powerful Message on Work, Hope & Dignity | Workers’ Jubilee 2025 | Vatican News
In a moving celebration of the Workers’ Jubilee, Pope Leo XIV stood before 35,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square to deliver a message bursting with hope, courage, and inspiration. On this day marking six months since his election, the Pope called on governments, institutions, and society at large to unite in creating real, dignified job opportunities — especially for young people. “Work is not just a task,” he said, “it is a source of life, dignity, and hope.” The Holy Father urged everyone to help build a future where youth can realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the common good. Pope Leo XIV’s message was deeply rooted in the inspiring story of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, the patron saint of laypeople in the Congo. Born under colonial oppression, Isidore never had the chance to attend school but worked humbly as a mason’s apprentice and later as a farmer. Despite suffering brutal abuse from a cruel employer who hated Christianity, Isidore’s faith and hope never wavered. He wore his scapular with the image of the Virgin Mary close to his heart, enduring torture without bitterness or hate. Before his death, Isidore forgave his oppressors and promised to pray for them — a profound witness of love overcoming cruelty. Pope Leo XIV reflected, “To wait is to witness. This is the power of the cross: a lived word that shatters the chains of evil, a force that humbles the proud and topples the powerful.” His words remind us that hope is a revolutionary force. In the face of injustice and hardship, through patience and faith, new life and justice can arise. This Workers’ Jubilee is a call to every heart — to stand for dignity, to fight for justice, and to believe in a future where work brings life and hope for all. #PopeLeoXIV #WorkersJubilee #HopeAndWork #FaithAndJustice #VaticanNews #BlessedIsidoreBakanja #DignityInWork #Inspiration #SocialJustice #YouthEmpowerment #CatholicChurch #VaticanMessage #pope #inspiration
