Pope Leo: God visits the underworld of existence ‘on tiptoe’

At Wednesday’s general audience in rainy Vatican Square, Pope Leo XIV spoke of Christ’s descent into Hell, noting that God’s “descent” takes place at present as well. “The underworld is not only the condition of the dead, but also of those who live death as a result of evil and sin. It is also the daily hell of loneliness, shame, abandonment, and the struggle of life.” With his love, the Father descends into the underworld, “Not to blame, but to save. He does so quietly, on tiptoe, like one who enters a hospital room to offer comfort and help.”