During the Jubilee Audience held on September 6 in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to rediscover hope from the depths of their hearts. Inspired by the parable of the buried treasure from the Gospel of Matthew, the Pope emphasized that “hope is reborn when we break through the hard crust of superficiality.”

The Pontiff nostalgically recalled his childhood days, when “putting our hands in the earth had a special charm,” because that childlike curiosity led us to discover the life hidden beneath the surface. With that same astonishing joy, today we are called to “dig” into our own spiritual lives.

She took as her example the figure of Saint Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine. Despite her privileges, she preferred to search in the land of Jerusalem for the place where Christ lived and was crucified. Thanks to her humble faith, she discovered the supreme treasure: the Holy Cross, “the greatest hidden treasure that gives meaning to everything.”

The Pope also reflected on the human condition: “Remaining trapped in our certainties and achievements buries the childlike desire to explore the new.” Instead, recovering that spirit of discovery requires honesty, humility, and openness to others, since the treasure of the cross calls us to abandon everything when we realize its profound value.

Tenderly, the Pope added that we must learn to see like children in order to rediscover the Kingdom: “Instead of trampling on what is under our feet, let us walk with humility, recognizing that God is always ready to lift us up.”

Dear brothers and sisters, today we reflected more deeply on the gift of hope. Like children digging in the earth, we are called to dig beneath the surface of life with curiosity and trust to discover the hidden treasure of God’s Kingdom. Once freed from persecution, the early Christians began to excavate the land in places connected to Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Among them was the mother of Emperor Constantine, Empress Helena, who, motivated by her humble faith, found Jesus’ cross in Jerusalem. Let us imitate her example by rekindling in our hearts the desire to clear away hardness and pride, uncovering the greatest treasure of all: friendship with the Lord Jesus.