Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass for Local Homeless and Invites Them to Lunch at Summer Villa
Pope Leo XIV spent the last Sunday of his summer vacation with homeless individuals, celebrating a special Mass and hosting them for lunch at the Vatican's lakeside estate.
CASTEL GANDOLFO: Pope Leo XIV dedicated the final day of his summer vacation to serving the less fortunate, presiding over a special Mass for around 110 individuals cared for by local Caritas church charity and volunteers.
The event took place in St. Mary sanctuary of Albano, near the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the 'fire of charity' that united them, encouraging everyone to recognize the shared dignity and value of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
He highlighted that within the church, everyone is considered equally poor and precious, with each person possessing something to offer in terms of time, skills, and help.
Pope Leo XIV, who previously served as Robert Prevost, has a history of working closely with impoverished communities, particularly in Peru.
Throughout his career, he supported local Caritas initiatives by establishing soup kitchens, shelters for migrants, and rallying funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic through oxygen plants.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV invited the attendees to Borgo Laudato Si', a Vatican environmental educational center located within the papal villa gardens in Castel Gandolfo.
The menu featured lasagna, eggplant parmesan, roast veal, fruit salad, and desserts named after the pope, including 'Dolce Leone'.
This gesture by Pope Leo XIV not only celebrates the importance of charity but also serves as a reminder of the shared humanity among all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The event took place in St. Mary sanctuary of Albano, near the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the 'fire of charity' that united them, encouraging everyone to recognize the shared dignity and value of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
He highlighted that within the church, everyone is considered equally poor and precious, with each person possessing something to offer in terms of time, skills, and help.
Pope Leo XIV, who previously served as Robert Prevost, has a history of working closely with impoverished communities, particularly in Peru.
Throughout his career, he supported local Caritas initiatives by establishing soup kitchens, shelters for migrants, and rallying funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic through oxygen plants.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV invited the attendees to Borgo Laudato Si', a Vatican environmental educational center located within the papal villa gardens in Castel Gandolfo.
The menu featured lasagna, eggplant parmesan, roast veal, fruit salad, and desserts named after the pope, including 'Dolce Leone'.
This gesture by Pope Leo XIV not only celebrates the importance of charity but also serves as a reminder of the shared humanity among all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
