Pope Leo XIV shared advice with a devout wife and mother in a letter published in the Italian monthly magazine Piazza San Pietro, saying Mary is a guide for all families in times of doubt and uncertainty.
The Italian magazine — an editorial project initiated by Pope Francis — features a column of letters exchanged between Catholic faithful and the Holy Father. Pope Leo’s letter and a letter from a woman named Laura were published in the magazine’s August edition.
In her letter, Laura shared with the Holy Father that she is blessed with a loving husband but, at times, faces difficulties as a Catholic mother trying to raise children in the faith.
“I am the mother of three wonderful daughters whom I try to nourish with prayer and the word of the Gospel every day, words that, at times, I fail to translate into action,” she wrote in her letter to the pope.
“The chaotic life and the hectic pace don’t help me appreciate the grace I have around me,” she continued. “I pray every day that the Lord will enlighten me so that I may be a guide for my daughters, and I wonder how the Virgin Mary raised the Lord.”
Describing her faith as “stronger than ever,” Laura said she feared “temptations are taking control” and shared doubts her faith is solid enough to overcome problems affecting her family.
In response, Pope Leo praised the Italian mother’s “enthusiasm for the faith” and “sincerity of heart,” saying that they are a blessing for her and her family.
“Take care of this spiritual treasure, which will always be guarded by the love of God,” he wrote in his letter. “If your point of reference, dear Laura, is Mary, you will be able to face any uncertainty.”
“When you turn to her, the Virgin leads you to Christ,” he continued. “Mary’s strength is always new and surprising, because she entrusts herself completely to the Son, the Word incarnate through love.”
“And in him, with Mary, we are all one,” he said.
Emphasizing that she is not alone in her struggles to raise a Catholic family, the Holy Father encouraged Laura to share her experiences with others in the Church.
“It can be very important for your journey to share your family’s faith and mission with other families, especially in the parish community, in diocesan settings, with movements or associations,” he said.
“Sharing projects of Christian love,” he continued, “is fundamental to spiritual progress and collaborating with God’s grace and will.
“I bless you and your family; thank you for your kind words,” he wrote at the end of his letter.
By Kristina Millare
This article was originally published by the Catholic News Agency on Aungust 19, 2025.