Pope Leo XIV concluded a one-day pastoral trip to the Republic of San Marino and the Italian city of Rimini on Saturday evening, celebrating Mass for roughly 25,000 faithful gathered at the Port of Rimini. The event marked the final leg of a visit that also featured an encounter with participants at the “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples.”
Reflecting on the Day’s Gospel during his homily for the Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Holy Father pointed to St. Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, reminding the crowd that authority at every level is fundamentally rooted in service. He explained that Christ’s transfer of the “keys of the Kingdom” serves as a model for the Church: power is meant to liberate, welcome, forgive, and care for anyone trapped by sin or hardship, a responsibility shared not just by clergy, but by every baptized believer.
Drawing lessons from Scripture, the Pope highlighted how earthly stewardship and divine love work together to guide human behavior. Referencing the Old Testament passage of Eliakim replacing an unjust steward, he stressed that all personal gifts are entrusted by God to serve others in justice. Furthermore, echoing St. Paul’s reflections, he described God’s plans as vast and filled with a “disarming immensity of love” that far exceeds human understanding.
Addressing the local context of the Romagna region as summer vacations wind down, Pope Leo praised the area’s reputation for generosity and warmth, urging residents to maintain both spiritual and physical hospitality. He warned against letting periods of rest devolve into empty distraction, encouraging people to find true restoration through meaningful encounters with God and neighbor. He concluded by calling on both individuals and public institutions to show active charity toward those seeking rest, as well as vulnerable refugees and marginalized individuals seeking refuge far from home.