Quick Read
- Pope Leo XIV hosted Mass and lunch with the homeless and refugees at Borgo Laudato Si’ on August 17, 2025.
- The event highlighted the Pope’s belief in lived faith and the dignity of all individuals.
- Guests included a Peruvian refugee family and an elderly Roman woman, representing diverse realities of poverty.
- The Pope emphasized unity and equality, stating that everyone has something valuable to offer.
- The luncheon underscored a stark contrast with political leaders who often fail to address homelessness compassionately.
Pope Leo XIV, continuing his legacy of compassion and inclusivity, concluded his summer retreat on August 17, 2025, in a heartwarming and symbolic manner. At Borgo Laudato Si’, the Vatican’s environmental education center located in the gardens of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope celebrated Mass with over a hundred homeless individuals, refugees, and volunteers from Caritas, a Catholic charity. Following the service, he shared a meal with the attendees, emphasizing the values of charity, dignity, and unity.
Pope Leo XIV’s Message of Inclusion
The gathering served as a powerful testament to Pope Leo’s belief that faith is not merely a set of proclamations but a practice lived through action and presence. In his homily, the Pope spoke passionately about the “fire of charity” that unites people, regardless of their social or economic status. “In the church, everyone is poor and precious, and all share the same dignity,” he remarked, as reported by Salon. By choosing to sit side by side with society’s marginalized, the Pope sent a clear message: compassion transcends words and policies; it requires genuine human connection.
The event featured a diverse group of attendees, including a Peruvian refugee family and an elderly Roman woman, symbolizing the universality of poverty and displacement. For the volunteers of Caritas, the Pope’s gesture reaffirmed the significance of their work. One volunteer expressed that the moment “showed us that what we do every day is recognized, that we are not alone.” For the homeless and refugees present, the Pope’s actions conveyed a deeper message of dignity and belonging.
A Simple Meal with Profound Implications
The lunch, held at the picturesque Borgo Laudato Si’, was a modest yet meaningful affair. The menu included lasagna, roast veal, eggplant parmesan, and a dessert named “Dolce Leone” in honor of the Pope. While the meal itself was simple, its significance was profound. As AP News noted, Pope Leo commented that “breaking bread” together in such a beautiful setting reminded everyone of the intrinsic beauty of humanity, created in God’s image.
For Pope Leo XIV, the act of sharing a meal was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a tangible demonstration of the unity and equality he preaches. He emphasized the importance of not distinguishing between those who give and those who receive, highlighting that everyone has something to offer, whether it be time, skills, or compassion. This philosophy echoes his years of work as an Augustinian missionary in Peru, where he supported local Caritas efforts by establishing soup kitchens and shelters for migrants and even rallying resources to build oxygen plants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Tradition of Compassion
Pope Leo’s actions are reminiscent of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who similarly prioritized outreach to marginalized communities. Pope Francis famously opened Vatican buildings as shelters and often dined with the homeless. Pope Leo, however, has brought his own unique approach, shaped by his experiences in Peru and his deep connection to grassroots charity work.
The luncheon also marked the end of Pope Leo’s summer retreat, a tradition he has revived after Pope Francis chose to forgo the Castel Gandolfo estate in favor of staying at the Vatican. According to AP News, Pope Leo found the retreat relaxing, taking time to enjoy the estate’s tennis court and swimming pool. However, his brother John Prevost revealed that the Pope’s favorite escape remains driving, a pastime he greatly misses due to his papal responsibilities.
The Broader Implications
Pope Leo XIV’s actions stand in stark contrast to the attitudes of many political leaders who claim to uphold Christian values but fail to address issues like homelessness and poverty with compassion. In recent years, some U.S. states have implemented policies criminalizing homelessness, such as bans on camping in public spaces or restrictions on food distribution. Pope Leo’s decision to host this gathering serves as a poignant reminder that true leadership involves not only addressing systemic issues but also engaging directly with those affected.
As Salon aptly put it, the Pope’s lunch raised an age-old question: Is Christianity a creed to be spoken or a practice to be lived? For Pope Leo XIV, the answer seems clear. His actions speak louder than any sermon, challenging both religious and political leaders to prioritize humanity over bureaucracy.
Whether this event becomes a mere footnote in papal history or a catalyst for change depends on how its message resonates with global leaders and communities. What remains undeniable is that Pope Leo XIV has set a powerful example of compassion and inclusivity, reminding the world of the enduring value of shared humanity.