Pope Leo XIV turned a lunch in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo into a message about justice, welcome, and shared dignity. Speaking to about 200 people in vulnerable circumstances, he said he came with “hunger for justice” and “hunger for genuine charity.”
The gathering took place at Borgo Laudato si’ and included nearly 40 children, with guests accompanied by the Diocese of Rome and charitable organizations. The day was built around encounter, prayer, and a meal shared with the Pope.
A Church That Opens Its Doors
Leo told those present that he had arrived “without a prepared speech,” but with a desire for “a Church that truly knows how to open its doors, to welcome and receive everyone.” He added that this is a place “where there is love for all and no one is an enemy,” and where reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace shape community life.
He also said the Church should express God’s love to every person and become a sign of justice in society. “This,” he said, “is the Church we want to be.”
Building Bridges Around One Table
In his remarks, the Pope described one of his titles as Pontiff, meaning a builder of bridges. He said the meal itself was a sign of that mission, linking families and society through justice and solidarity.
“Today we too want to build a bridge with all of you, with your families, and with the society in which we want to live,” he said, adding that this should be “a society marked by justice” where the causes of poverty and injustice can be overcome.
The day began with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Director General of the Laudato Si’ Centre for Higher Education, and concelebrated by Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Pope’s Almoner and Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Guests also took a guided visit through the Borgo Laudato si’ initiative.
| Part of the Day | Who Was Involved | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mass | Cardinal Fabio Baggio | Director General of the Laudato Si’ Centre for Higher Education |
| Concelebration | Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín | The Pope’s Almoner and Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity |
| Lunch gathering | Pope Leo XIV and about 200 guests | Nearly 40 children were among those present |
Praying For Peace Before The Meal
Before the meal began, Pope Leo offered a blessing for those present, their families, and people who are suffering. He prayed that those in difficulty would find “peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.”
The lunch was prepared as a shared moment of encounter, with the Pope saying that whenever people come together around the same table, “the one table where Jesus is also present among us,” they help build “a world of hope.” www.vaticannews.va described the event as a day centered on hospitality, charity, and communion with the poor.
