Ashley Noronha joined John Morales on Morning Air to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s Wednesday General Audience from October 15th. Continuing his catechesis on the theme of hope, the Holy Father reflected on what he called the “pilgrimage of hope,” a journey rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo began by observing the paradox of the human heart: we all long for happiness and fulfillment, yet lasting joy seems so difficult to attain. The road toward peace is often marked by restlessness, but this restlessness serves a purpose. It is a divine signpost that points us toward God, reminding us that we were created for fullness, not for emptiness.
The Holy Father explained that true hope is distinct from mere optimism. Optimism can fade when life’s difficulties come, but authentic Christian hope endures because it is founded on a Person, not an idea. True hope has a face, and that face is the Risen Christ. He is the living wellspring who satisfies every thirst of the human heart and sustains us even through suffering.
As an Augustinian, Pope Leo turned to the words of Saint Augustine, who once prayed, “You touched me, and I burned for your peace.” This burning desire for divine peace, the Pope said, is the very flame of hope that draws us to seek God in all things and to persevere through the trials of life.
Each of us ask great questions of Our Lord: What is the meaning of my life? Where do I fit into God’s plan? How can I serve Him best? While the Lord may not give us direct answers in a way that satisfies human logic, He never leaves us alone in our searching. Instead, He walks beside us as a faithful companion, revealing the answers gradually as we journey through life.
Pope Leo concluded by reminding the faithful that the peace of Christ is not only the source of hope but also the guarantee of our final destination. Through His love, we are guided safely toward heaven, where we are awaited, loved, and redeemed. Without Christ, we become wanderers without direction, but with Him, every step of our pilgrimage leads us home.