Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, gathered in Rome for the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Pope Leo began by noting that the Order’s origins lie in pilgrimage and service.

Founded to protect the Holy Sepulcher and care for pilgrims, its members, he said, continue that mission today "with humility, dedication, and a spirit of sacrifice".

The Pope also expressed his gratitude for the Order’s support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which extends to seminaries, schools, universities, and charitable works. Their contributions, he stressed, have been particularly important during times of crisis, including the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts in the region.

"Protecting the Tomb of Jesus", the Pope continued, "means supporting a Church made of living stones… which remains a sign of Easter hope".

Three dimensions of hope

Pope Leo then turned his address to focus on three aspects of hope.

The first, he said, is hopeful expectation. At the Lord’s tomb, believers renew their trust in the God who keeps His promises. "In a world where arrogance and violence often prevail over charity", he said, "You are called to show that life conquers death, love conquers hatred, forgiveness conquers vengeance, and mercy conquers sin".

He urged the members to sustain their witness through a strong spiritual life rooted in the sacraments, Scripture, and prayer.

The second aspect, he continued, is hope in service, symbolized by the women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Their steadfast care, he said, reflects the Order’s own charitable activity in the Holy Land, which brings "a glimmer of light" to those facing hardship. "Your charity recognizes in people’s needs the signs of the times," he said, "and transforms them into signs of hope", he added.

Speaking then of the third aspect, Pope Leo discussed hope directed toward the goal. Referring to Peter and John running to the tomb on Easter morning, he spoke of hope as a journey. "You too have completed your pilgrimage", he said, "but treat your time here not as an arrival, but as a stage on your path toward the final goal - full communion with God".

Perseverance in mission

Bringing his discourse to a close, Pope Leo XIV called on the Knights and Dames to continue their work with determination and faith. "Be guardians of the Tomb of Christ", he urged them, "with the hopefulness of expectation, the zeal of charity, and the joy of those who walk in hope".

Finally, quoting Saint Augustine, he added: "Advance in goodness. Do not stray from the path, do not turn back, and do not stop".