Pope: Christian mission counters ‘imperialist occupation of the world’

MANILA, Philippines — The Christian mission is an antidote to the “imperialist occupation of the world,” Pope Leo XIV said during the chrism mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 2, adding that “neither in the pastoral sphere nor in the social and political spheres can good come from abuse of power.”

The pope said that God entrusts the mission to his people and warned that it must never be distorted by “a desire for domination, entirely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ.”

“The imperialist occupation of the world is thus disrupted from within; the violence that until now has been the law is unmasked,” he said.

Pope Leo noted that great missionaries embody “quiet, unobtrusive approaches, whose method is the sharing of life, selfless service, the renunciation of any calculated strategy, dialogue and respect.”

Even in places marked by secularization, the pope said the Church must not think in terms of conquest or reconquest but of listening, accompaniment and witness.

“That is possible only when the Church walks together, and when mission is not a heroic adventure reserved for a few, but the living witness of a body with many members,” he said.

The chrism mass, one of the principal liturgies of Holy Thursday, includes the blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and holy orders.

During the mass, priests also renew the promises they made at ordination.

Presiding over the rite for the first time, the pope addressed nearly 1,000 priests in St. Peter’s Basilica and emphasized that the Christian mission is never lived in isolation or in rupture with the Church.

He asked Catholics to renew their commitment to a mission marked by unity and peace, and warned that mission has too often been warped by worldly logic but authentic Christian love cannot be tied to force or display.

“Love is true only when it is unguarded; it requires little fuss, no ostentation and gently cherishes weakness and vulnerability,” the pope said.

He also warned against approaching the poor with worldly signs of influence.

“There is no ‘good news to the poor’ if we go to them bearing the signs of power, nor is there authentic liberation unless we free ourselves from attachment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo also congratulated Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula as the bishop celebrates his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination and 25th anniversary of episcopal consecration.

Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio in the Philippines, read the congratulatory letter from the pope dated March 2, during the Chrism mass held at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday.

“We recall with gratitude the long years of your pastoral mission in the ecclesial communities entrusted to you and your diligent service in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and in various Dicasteries of the Apostolic See,” the pope said in his letter.

He cited Advincula’s commitment to the formation of seminarians and his care for the clergy and the faithful, emphasizing the importance of unity in the Church.

“We pray that, always listening to the voice of Christ, you may continue to fulfill your ministry in fidelity and obedience,” the pope said.

He also offered prayers for Advincula as he continues to lead the Manila archdiocese.

Pope Leo’s message also serves as a reminder of the essential role that bishops play in guiding their flocks in faith and unity.