A Meditation by Pope Leo XIV on the Centurion of the Gospel for Military Personnel and Military Chaplains

(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 08.24.2026).- On Monday morning, August 24, the Holy Father received a Delegation from the Military Ordinariate for Portugal in audience in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. Below is the English translation of the Pope’s words, originally delivered in Italian.

* * *

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Peace be with you!

Your Most Reverend Excellency, Distinguished Authorities, Reverend Chaplains, Dear Brothers and Sisters!

You have come to Rome, and in a certain sense, the other members of your units have come with you. In welcoming you, I extend my greetings to all members, both Christian and non-Christian, of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Republican National Guard, and Public Security Forces of Portugal. In a special way, in the light of the Risen Christ, I remember the two young soldiers who lost their lives last Friday while, generously, like the Good Samaritan, they stopped by the roadside to offer assistance; I commend them and their families to the Lord.

It was with the well-being of the Armed Forces and Security Forces as a whole, and that of their members and their families, in mind that the Vicariate was established sixty years ago; in 1981, it took the name Military Ordinariate, and twenty-five years ago, it received its first Bishop. Hence, you have wished to come to Rome precisely to commemorate this anniversary. May the Ordinariate, through its invaluable contribution to spiritual well-being and the understanding of Christian values, continue to be a space for constructive collaboration with State, Governmental, and Military Authorities.

For those who believe in Christ, the pilgrimage to this city represents a unique opportunity for personal renewal, recognizing God’s centrality in one’s life and strengthening faith through prayer at the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Each day, you are entrusted with the noble mission of defending the sovereignty of the homeland and the rule of law, watching over the safety of your fellow citizens and protecting them from injustice. I would therefore like to repeat to you this exhortation from Saint Paul: «Be strong in the Lord […] Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace» (Ephesians 6:10, 14-15).

Be strong in the Lord, like the centurion who approached Jesus in Capernaum. He was well acquainted with the values ​​that guide your lives: obedience, discipline, self-denial, loyalty, camaraderie, dedication, responsibility, and courage. At the same time, that soldier felt a need for God; he knew that human beings are not self-sufficient but aspire to something more, something that transcends them. When a servant of his was suffering terribly, he approached Jesus, who assured him He would come to heal him. He then replied: «Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too, a subordinate, have soldiers under my command and say to one, ‘Do this,’ and he does it» (Matthew 8:8-9). In this attitude, we can see how the centurion valued hierarchy and how this aspect of his daily life shaped his understanding of his relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, whom he acknowledged as his Lord and his God. Marveling at these words, Jesus said: «Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith in any one in Israel» (v. 10). While this soldier was certainly aware of his own authority, he also demonstrated the strength of faith and the courage of humility before the Son of God. Indeed, no matter how much responsibility human being hold, how much power they wield, or how impeccable their conduct, they always hunger for the infinite and thirst for eternity. Yet, the infinite and eternity are within our reach in Jesus Christ; they are gifts from the Lord.

Your Most Reverend Excellency, beloved chaplains: the Church entrusts to you the spiritual growth of the military personnel and law enforcement officers of your nation. Welcome everyone, listen to them, enlighten them with the wisdom of God’s Word, stand by their side, acting in the name of Christ in the celebration of the Sacraments, and accompany each one of them, without forgetting their families. From this specific ministry of yours, fruits will be reaped in the form of personal growth in the practice of the Christian life and the strengthening of the esprit de corps within the Military and Security Forces you serve. Thank you for the closeness that you, as good shepherds, offer to those who perform such an important, special, and demanding service for the good of Portugal and beyond. Your witness of love for the Church and for the homeland is balm that brings comfort and hope.

And finally, I wish to express to all of you who have come here my esteem, appreciation, and gratitude for the work you carry out in the Ordinariate. May Our Lady of Fatima accompany you in your various missions, both in Portugal and abroad. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. God bless you! Thank you.