Cardinal Marx to Lead “Pope’s Sunday” Service in Munich Cathedral
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – On Sunday, May 3rd, at 10 AM, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, will celebrate a solemn service in the Munich Liebfrauendom. This event, known as “Pope’s Sunday,” commemorates the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV, who was chosen on May 8, 2025, in Rome as the successor to the late Pope Francis.
“With this service, we want to give thanks for the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV and ask for God’s blessing on his work,” stated the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. “In the first year of his tenure, I have consistently experienced Pope Leo XIV, even in personal encounters, as someone who seeks balance and unity, and who places his pontificate at the service of peace in the world. He tirelessly reminds us with clear words of Christ’s universal message of love, non-violence, and mercy. Pope Leo has repeatedly and clearly spoken out against war and terror, raising his voice for the poor and oppressed who otherwise receive little advocacy. For this, I am very grateful to him in these difficult times, where war is accepted or even deliberately used by many powerful figures.”
A Tribute to Pope Francis
The service will also serve as an occasion to “remember the late Pope Francis and his blessed twelve-year tenure,” Marx added. “Without being a copy of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV stands in clear continuity with Pope Francis, who always drew the world’s attention to marginalized people and tirelessly advocated for peace and reconciliation. This testimony remains unforgettable!”
The Significance of Pope’s Sunday
The “Pope’s Sunday” is an annual observance by the global Church, held around the anniversary of the Pope’s election. It provides an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the Holy Father’s leadership and to pray for his intentions and the well-being of the Church. This year’s celebration in Munich underscores the German Church’s solidarity with the new pontiff and its appreciation for his efforts in promoting peace and unity.
The service at the Liebfrauendom is expected to draw a significant congregation, including clergy, dignitaries, and lay faithful from across the archdiocese. The Liebfrauendom, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is a prominent landmark in Munich and serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Its historical and spiritual significance makes it an apt venue for such an important ecclesiastical event.
The message of Pope Leo XIV, as highlighted by Cardinal Marx, resonates deeply in a world grappling with numerous conflicts and social injustices. His consistent calls for peace, compassion, and support for the vulnerable align with the core tenets of Christian teaching and offer a beacon of hope for many.
The legacy of Pope Francis, characterized by his humility, focus on the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue, continues to inspire. Pope Leo XIV’s continuation of these themes, while forging his own path, demonstrates a consistent vision for the Catholic Church’s role in the modern world.
This “Pope’s Sunday” not only commemorates a significant anniversary but also reinforces the spiritual leadership of the papacy and its enduring mission to guide humanity towards a more just and peaceful future.
Source: Erzbischöfliches Ordinariat, Rainer Nitzsche
