Pope calls for a “Church on Her Feet,” embracing service and compassion

At the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis called on the Church to embody a spirit of active service, urging the faithful to become a “Church on her feet” that “gets its hands dirty” in responding to the world’s suffering. 

Reflecting on the Gospel account of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar healed by Jesus, Pope Francis highlighted the Church’s need to listen to the cries of the poor and marginalized, just as Jesus stopped to respond to Bartimaeus’ pleas.

“God always hears the cry of the poor,” the pope emphasized, adding that the Church must do the same by engaging actively rather than remaining “sedentary.”

He cautioned against the Church becoming too comfortable, warning that a passive, distant stance risks losing sight of the pressing needs of society.

Bartimaeus, who rose and followed Jesus after being healed, represents the Church’s call to rise, shed complacency, and pursue a journey of dynamic faith and compassion, said Pope Francis. 

He further encouraged the Church to confront its own “blindness” to truly see the suffering around it and to seek renewed vision through the Holy Spirit.

In his final remarks, Pope Francis pointed to the ancient Chair of Saint Peter as a reminder of the Church’s mission of love, unity, and service. 

“To follow Christ,” he said, “is to walk with him through the streets of the world—not alone, but as a community inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

The Pope concluded with a powerful message: “A Church that walks alongside Christ must shed any cloak of resignation and bring the joy of the Gospel to all.”

This, he noted, is the essence of the synodal journey—a journey of faith and compassion that brings the light of the Gospel to those most in need.