Pope Leo calls Charismatic Renewal a gift to the Church

Pope Leo has urged the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to remain rooted in communion, charity, and missionary service, telling members that the Holy Spirit must always lead them toward unity within the Church and care for those on the margins.

Addressing representatives of the worldwide Catholic Charismatic Renewal and leaders of CHARIS at the Vatican, the Pope described the movement as a “gift” to the Church and praised its role in fostering prayer, evangelization, and a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit.

It was his first meeting with the movement since the beginning of his pontificate.

Reflecting on the movement’s spiritual foundations, Pope Leo highlighted five key pillars: baptism in the Spirit, prayer of praise, Sacred Scripture, communion, and charity.

He said an authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit transforms faith from an abstract idea into a living relationship with God, inspiring Christians to become witnesses of Christ’s love.

The Pope also commended the Charismatic Renewal’s emphasis on worship and praise, saying it has helped many Catholics rediscover essential dimensions of Christian prayer.

He stressed that Scripture remains a vital source of spiritual nourishment and discernment for believers.

Focusing on unity, Pope Leo called the Holy Spirit the “wellspring of communion” and encouraged members to strengthen harmony within the Church and foster Christian unity.

He also praised charitable initiatives born from the movement, urging continued closeness to the poor and suffering.

Concluding his address, the Pope warned against self-promotion and the pursuit of prestige, encouraging members to place their gifts at the service of dioceses, parishes, and the Church’s evangelizing mission.