In his Wednesday general audience this morning, Pope Leo XIV offered a powerful meditation on the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who cried out to Jesus in desperation—and faith.
Bartimaeus, whose name means “son of honor” or “admiration,” had been reduced to begging on the streets. Yet, instead of giving in to despair, he cried out to Jesus as He passed by. And while many in the crowd—those with physical sight—scolded him for making a scene, Bartimaeus actually saw more clearly than they did.
He recognized Jesus not just as a teacher, but as the Son of God.
Pope Leo reminded the crowd in St. Peter’s Square that Bartimaeus is a model of spiritual perception—he teaches us how to recognize God even in the midst of our darkness.
Pope Leo said that there is no cry that God does not hear. Even when we don’t know how to address God, or feel unworthy to speak, He listens. Bartimaeus didn’t pray a polished prayer; he simply shouted from the heart, and Jesus responded.
But there’s an interesting twist: Jesus didn’t go to Bartimaeus. Instead, He called the blind man to come to Him. This required something radical.
Before moving toward Jesus, Bartimaeus cast off his cloak—his only possession, his symbol of safety and security. Pope Leo explained that this act shows what real trust looks like.
When Christ calls us, He asks for everything. We are invited to let go of whatever we’ve been clinging to, our fears, comforts, or even our identities, and step forward with full trust in Him.
In Bartimaeus, we see the blueprint of Christian healing: call out in faith, let go of what holds us back, and respond to Christ’s invitation. Pope Leo concluded by urging the faithful to bring their own infirmities, spiritual, emotional, or physical, to Jesus, trusting that He still heals those who cry out with faith.
“This blind man teaches us to see,” Pope Leo said. “To see with the eyes of the heart, and to trust the One who truly sees us.”
