Pope Francis Celebrates Corpus Domini, Calls for Selfless Love and Gratitude

On June 2, 2024, Pope Francis celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, marking a return to tradition after years of pandemic-related disruptions. The event drew over 3,000 participants, including cardinals, bishops, priests, and lay members of confraternities and sodalities.

In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of selfless love and appreciation in a reality ravaged by war and egoism. He highlighted the three dimensions of the Eucharistic mystery: thanksgiving, memory, and presence. 'The word Eucharist means 'thank you'. It means thanking God for his gifts, and in this sense, the sign of bread is important,' he said.

The celebration began with a Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández was the main celebrant. The Mass was followed by a Eucharistic procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a route established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575. Rome Auxiliary Bishop Baldo Reina carried the Eucharist under a canopy during the procession.

Pope Francis' emphasis on selfless love and appreciation in a reality fragmented by war and egoism has significant implications for global peace and unity. If heeded, his call could lead to a reduction in conflict and an increase in international cooperation.

Pope Francis, who often uses a wheelchair because of health issues, was driven to St. Mary Major to welcome the procession and lead adoration and Benediction. This marked the first time in years that he participated in Corpus Christi celebrations in Rome, after health issues and COVID-19 restrictions had limited his involvement.

In his address, Pope Francis underscored the need to bring back the 'good, fresh aroma of the bread of love' to a world marred by conflict. Every day we see too many streets, perhaps once smelling of baked bread, reduced to piles of rubble as a result of war, selfishness, and indifference. It is urgent to bring back into the world the good and fresh aroma of the bread of love, to continue to hope and rebuild without ever tiring what hatred destroys,' he stated.

The Pope also prayed for war-torn countries, including Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar, appealing to the wisdom of those who govern to cease the escalation and to put every effort into dialogue and negotiation. 'We urgently need to bring back to our world the good, fresh aroma of the bread of love, to continue tirelessly to hope and rebuild what hatred destroys,' he reiterated.

Pope Francis concluded the procession with a blessing from the steps of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, emphasizing that the Eucharistic procession is not meant to show off or flaunt faith but to invite everyone to share in the life that Jesus gives by making himself a gift. 'When Catholics carry the Eucharist through the streets, we are not doing this to show off or to flaunt our faith, but to invite others to share in the life that Jesus gives by making himself a gift,' he explained.

Pope Francis' celebration of Corpus Domini at San Giovanni in Laterano highlighted the significance of appreciation, selfless love, and Eucharistic attitudes amidst conflict and egoism that divide us. His call for peace and unity resonated deeply with the faithful, urging them to live out these values in their daily lives.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis celebrated Corpus Christi at St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome.
• He emphasized selfless love and appreciation in a world ravaged by war and egoism.
• The celebration included a Mass and Eucharistic procession to St. Mary Major Basilica.
• Pope Francis prayed for war-torn countries and appealed for dialogue and negotiation.
• He stressed that the Eucharistic procession is an invitation to share in Jesus' gift of life.