As the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception approaches, we propose some excerpts from the meditation given by Pope Leo XIV on the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality (Rome, 11 October 2025).

During this Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, our hope is guided by the gentle and persistent light of Mary’s words as recounted in the Gospel.  Her last words at the wedding feast in Cana are particularly precious.  Referring to Jesus, she said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). This was the last time she spoke.  These words, which almost seem to be a testament, must be treasured by her children, as any mother’s testament would be.

Whatever he tells you. She is certain that the Son will speak; that his word is not yet final; that he continues to create, generate and work; that he fills the world with springtime and the amphorae of the feast with wine.  Like a beacon, Mary points beyond herself, showing that the final destination is the Lord Jesus and his word: the center toward which everything converges; the axis around which time and eternity revolve.

Follow his word, she urges. Live the Gospel: embody it, living it out with determination and joy.  Live the Gospel and life will be transformed from being empty and dull to something full and vibrant.

Do whatever he tells you: the Gospel in its entirety, with all its demands and consolations, reproaches and embraces.  Do what you understand and even what you do not.  Mary urges us to follow the example of the prophets, not letting even one of the Lord’s words fall to the ground (cf. 1 Sam 3:19).

The words of Jesus that we should never let “fall to the ground,” and which resonate in a particular way during this vigil of prayer for peace, are those which he addressed to Peter in the Garden of Olives: “Lay down your sword” (cf. Jn 18:11). Disarm your hands and, even more importantly, your hearts.  As I have said before, peace is unarmed and disarming.  It is not deterrence, but fraternity; it is not an ultimatum, but dialogue.  Peace will not come as the result of victories over the enemy, but as the fruit of sowing justice and courageous forgiveness.

Lay down your sword is a message addressed to the powerful of this world, to those who guide the fate of peoples: have the courage to disarm!  At the same time, it is an invitation to each one of us to recognize that no idea, faith or policy justifies killing.  We must first disarm our hearts because unless we have peace within ourselves, we cannot give it to others.