Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass for Homeless at Castel Gandolfo, Invites Guests to Lunch at Papal Villa in Gesture of Dignity and Compassion

Published Time: 08-17-2025, 15:00

Pope Leo XIV spent the final Sunday of his summer retreat extending compassion to those in need, welcoming homeless individuals and volunteers for a special Mass and communal lunch at the Vatican’s lakeside villa in Castel Gandolfo. The gathering highlighted the pontiff’s long-standing commitment to social outreach and dignity for the poor.

A Mass Dedicated to the Marginalized

The Mass was celebrated at the Sanctuary of St. Mary in Albano, just outside the papal residence. According to the Diocese of Albano, more than 110 people attended, including individuals supported by the local Caritas charity and volunteers who provide food, shelter, and medical assistance through diocesan programs.

During his homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the shared humanity of the gathering, reminding participants that distinctions between the helper and the helped should not exist within the Church.

“I encourage you not to distinguish between those who assist and those who are assisted, between those who seem to give and those who seem to receive,” he said. “In the Church, everyone is poor and precious, and all share the same dignity.”

His remarks underscored the theme of mutual respect, reinforcing the Church’s teaching that all members of society—regardless of economic or social status—have equal worth before God.

A Pontiff Shaped by Service

Born Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV has a long history of pastoral service among marginalized communities. Before ascending to the papacy, he worked for decades in Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and later as a bishop. There, he supported the development of soup kitchens, shelters for migrants, and crucial health initiatives, including the construction of oxygen plants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former parishioners recall him as a leader deeply invested in social justice and humanitarian aid, often prioritizing the most vulnerable members of society. His leadership style reflects a continuity of that mission, now carried out on the global stage of the papacy.

Lunch at the Papal Villa

Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV welcomed his guests to Borgo Laudato Si’, the Vatican’s environmental education center located within the gardens of Castel Gandolfo. The center takes its name from Laudato Si’ (Praise Be), the landmark 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis addressing ecological responsibility and stewardship of creation.

Local caterers provided a menu that balanced traditional Italian flavors with festive hospitality. Guests were served lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and roast veal, followed by fruit salad and a special dessert prepared in the pope’s honor, called Dolce Leone.

The gathering offered an opportunity not only for fellowship but also for recognition of the essential role volunteers play in sustaining the Church’s charitable mission.

Caritas and Community

Caritas, the Catholic Church’s global charity network, plays a central role in outreach to vulnerable communities. In Albano, the organization runs shelters, clinics, and social service offices, offering a lifeline to individuals facing poverty and homelessness. Sunday’s celebration was a visible sign of how this work connects directly with the Church’s highest leadership.

By inviting both the poor and their caretakers, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of unity in service, blurring traditional divisions between givers and receivers. His actions at Castel Gandolfo echo his broader message: that Christian service must be rooted in humility, compassion, and shared humanity.

Continuing a Tradition of Compassion

The Pope’s decision to dedicate his final Sunday of vacation to those in need reflects a broader pattern in his papacy. Similar to past gestures by previous pontiffs, Leo XIV continues to use symbolic acts of inclusion to remind the Church of its responsibility toward society’s most vulnerable.

As the Church faces ongoing challenges—including global poverty, migration crises, and social inequality—such acts reinforce the Vatican’s message of solidarity.

Looking Ahead

While Sunday’s gathering was a local event in Castel Gandolfo, its message extends far beyond Italy. Pope Leo XIV’s words and actions emphasized that service to the poor is not an optional part of Christian life but a central expression of faith.

As he returns to Rome to resume papal duties, the event at the summer villa stands as a reminder that charity is not seasonal but a daily calling—one that unites the Church across cultures and continents.