International News: Pope Leo XIV reminds importance of gathering for Sunday mass

By Zoila Palma:  Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics to sanctify Sundays by attending Holy Mass in person rather than relying solely on virtual participation.

During Wednesday’s General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope told more than 5,000 pilgrims that celebrating the Eucharist is essential to observing Sunday as the Lord’s Day and emphasized the importance of the faithful gathering together.

Reflecting on the Second Vatican Council’s constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, Pope Leo said the celebration of the Eucharist involves both listening to the Word of God and participating in the Body of Christ.

He stressed that the liturgical assembly “cannot be replaced by a merely virtual presence” or reduced to passive attendance, explaining that Christians are called to actively participate in giving thanks to God and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Pope also described Sunday as the foundation of the liturgical year, referring to it as the “Lord’s Day” and the weekly celebration of Easter.

Looking ahead to the August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to turn to Mary in prayer and follow her example of closeness to God and concern for others.

During the audience, Pope Leo also expressed solidarity with the people of Colombia following a recent earthquake that caused deaths, injuries and significant property damage.

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