Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on September 15, focusing on those experiencing pain and hardship due to illness, bereavement, violence, or abuse. The event marked the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows and was part of the Jubilee of Consolation organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization.

During his homily, Pope Leo acknowledged that some members of the Catholic Church have caused harm. “The church ‘kneels with you today before our Mother (Mary). May we all learn from her to protect the most vulnerable with tenderness!’” he said. He urged Catholics to listen to those who are suffering and walk alongside them: “May we learn to listen to your wounds and walk together.”

The pope emphasized that pain should not lead to violence. “Pain must never give rise to violence, and every Catholic needs to learn to safeguard with tenderness those who are vulnerable,” he stated. He also highlighted hope despite suffering: “May we receive from Our Lady of Sorrows the strength to recognize that life is not defined only by the evil we suffer, but by the love of God, who never abandons us and guides the whole church.”

Two women shared personal stories during the vigil. Lucia Di Mauro recounted forgiving and supporting a young man involved in her husband’s murder in Naples in 2009. Diane Foley spoke about her son James W. Foley—a U.S. journalist kidnapped and killed in Syria by ISIS in 2014—describing her struggle with anger and eventual comfort found through faith.

Foley discussed meeting one of her son’s captors after his guilty plea: “The three days of meeting with Alexanda became moments of grace,” she said, adding, “God gave me the grace to see him as a fellow sinner in need of mercy, like me.” She went on to establish the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation which works for hostage safety and education.

Pope Leo reflected on these testimonies: “The testimonies we have heard speak of a truth: that pain must not give rise to violence, and that violence never has the final say, for it is conquered by a love that knows how to forgive.” He added that forgiveness offers a glimpse of God’s kingdom even if past violence cannot be erased.

He called for comfort within communities facing deep distress: “Finding someone who cries with you and gives you strength is a medicine that we cannot do without because it is a sign of love.” He also drew attention to global suffering caused by war, hunger, and violence.

“The true consolation we must offer...is showing that peace is possible,” Pope Leo said while urging world leaders to protect children’s futures. He expressed hope that acts inspired by compassion would bring help where needed.

Prayer intentions included victims persecuted for their faith; people affected by terrorism or human trafficking; abused children; those abandoned or struggling with addiction; and individuals mourning loved ones.

Attendees received an Agnus Dei wax medallion depicting symbols tied both to resurrection and Marian devotion—blessed personally by Pope Leo—as tokens representing hope amid adversity.

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