Pope Leo’s talk at the conclusion of the spiritual exercises
Apostolic Palace – Pauline Chapel – Friday, 27 February 2026
“Conduct yourselves, therefore, in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ”.
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Before concluding this week of spiritual exercises and retreat –with a moment of blessing – I would like to take this opportunity to thank our preacher who has accompanied and helped us, during these days to experience a profound, spiritual journey.
This journey began on Sunday with ‘The Temptations’, and we reflected on the example and witness of St Bernard, monastic life, and many other elements of the life of the Church.
I must admit that I personally found myself reflecting on things at times.
For example, this morning, when he was talking about the election of Pope Eugene III and St. Bernard, he said: “What have you done? God have mercy on you.”
Then, on 8 May, when we gathered here for the Eucharistic celebration, I reflected on this chapel…
Above is the inscription from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians which contains these words: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
In this context, we gathered together in communion, despite being separated at times.
Finding ourselves in prayer is also a very important moment in our lives, as we reflect on questions that are important for our lives and for the Church.
I don’t intend to review the whole week, but I will share some elements.
For example, the reference to Church Doctor John Henry Newman and the poem “The Dream of Gerontius,” in which he uses Gerontius’s death and judgement to encourage readers to contemplate their fear of death and their sense of unworthiness before God.
Other elements, such as freedom and truth, are also important in our lives.
This evening, as I reflected on hope and its true source, Christ, I returned to the Letter to the Philippians.
Continuing the text written above, Paul says:
“But if living in the body means working fruitfully, I really do not know what to choose.
For I am caught between these two things:
I have the desire to leave this life and be with Christ, which would be much better,
however, it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue to be among you all for the progress and joy of your faith.”
Paul then says: “Conduct yourselves therefore in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ”.
This is the invitation that the Word of God addresses to all of us at the end of these days of prayer and reflection: “Conduct yourselves, therefore, in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ”.
On behalf of everyone present, I would like to thank you, Monsignor Varden, for everything you have given us during these past few days.
Wisdom, your testimony and that of St. Bernard, and the richness of your reflections on monastic life will continue to be a source of blessing, grace and encounter with Jesus Christ for us for a long time to come.
At this time, I would also like to thank the Office of Liturgical Celebrations for preparing all the material for our prayers, and the choir, who I believe are still here.
Thank you for providing the music, which is also an important part of our prayer.
As Monsignor Varden said, music helps us in a way that words cannot, raising our spirits towards the Lord.
Thank you very much indeed for your presence and participation over these past few days.
We can now conclude with the blessing.
