Pope Leo: 'No One Possesses the Whole Truth'
Roman pontiff emphasizes humility, service, and inclusivity in church life; remarks draw concern over perceived relativism.
VATICAN CITY — During his Sunday homily at the Jubilee Mass of the Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies on Oct. 26, Pope Leo XIV called for a more humble and inclusive church, stating that “no one possesses the whole truth” and that “no one is excluded” from participation in Church life.
“The supreme rule in the Church is love. No one is called to dominate; all are called to serve,” the Pope said. “No one should impose his or her own ideas; we must all listen to one another. No one is excluded; we are all called to participate.”
The Roman pontiff described the Church as a place of mutual listening and shared discernment, saying, “Being a synodal Church means recognizing that truth is not possessed, but sought together, allowing ourselves to be guided by a restless heart in love with Love.”
He urged Catholics to “dream of and build a more humble Church” — one that “bends down to wash the feet of humanity” rather than standing “upright like the Pharisee.”
As reported by Life Site News, Pope Leo’s remarks echoed the language of “synodality” often used by his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing communion, service, and openness. However, some observers noted the absence of distinction between personal fallibility and the Roman Catholic church's typical claim of having a divinely revealed deposit of faith, warning that his statements could be interpreted as relativizing Catholic doctrine.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Magisterium holds authority from Christ to define dogmas and proclaim truths of faith (CCC 88).
Catholic author and commentator Erick Ybarra responded critically to the Pope’s assertion that “no one is excluded,” questioning on social media whether the Church still upholds apostolic commands regarding unrepentant believers. “I think Catholic liberals would vomit at the teaching of Jesus and the Church of the Apostles,” Ybarra wrote, suggesting the modern Church risks prioritizing human approval over divine truth.
The Vatican has not issued further clarification regarding Pope Leo’s comments.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Vatican had announced that the guiding phrase for Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Asia Minor, set for the end of November, will be “One Lord, one faith, one baptism."
