Pope Leo XIV warned that today’s culture of consumerism can distort people’s priorities, saying that the “consumer industry modifies our tastes” by creating endless new desires and then offering answers that “do not satisfy and sometimes poison the heart.” Speaking during the Angelus in Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, the Pope contrasted this with the Kingdom of God, which he said brings true freedom, hope and a fuller life.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Pope Leo explained that Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price, illustrating the joy of discovering something beyond all expectations. He stressed that an encounter with God is a turning point that “does not restrict life, but expands it.” Rather than taking something away, God’s call opens “more possibilities, not fewer.”
The Pope also highlighted how Jesus used people from many different walks of life in His parables, including farmers, merchants, fishermen, women, shepherds and administrators, showing that the message of the Gospel is for everyone. He said that the Church today is likewise a communion of people from different cultures, backgrounds, abilities and responsibilities, united in Christ, who is “the hidden treasure, the precious pearl and the net that gathers those who are scattered.”
Pope Leo added that God’s special love is directed towards those who are small, vulnerable and often overlooked by society. He encouraged Christians to ask for the wisdom of King Solomon, so they may recognise what truly matters and choose the treasure that is worth giving everything for.
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