Pope Leo XIV Hosts Mass, Lunch for 110 Homeless at Castel Gandolfo

Pope Leo XIV spent the last Sunday of his summer vacation at the Vatican’s lakeside estate in Castel Gandolfo, celebrating a special Mass with around 110 homeless, refugees, and poor individuals cared for by the local Caritas charity. Following the Mass at the St. Mary sanctuary of Albano, he invited the guests and church volunteers to a luncheon at the Borgo Laudato Si’ environmental educational center, serving lasagna, eggplant parmesan, roast veal, and desserts named “Dolce Leone.” In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized the shared dignity of all people, urging attendees not to distinguish between those who give and those who receive, highlighting that everyone is both poor and precious in the eyes of the church. Having spent much of his life working with the poor in Peru, Leo was praised for strengthening Caritas’ efforts, including opening shelters and supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. The event continued the tradition established by Pope Francis of sharing meals with disadvantaged groups, embodying the Gospel by welcoming those in need into the church community. Cardinal Fabio Baggio noted that the Pope is realizing the vision of the Borgo Laudato Si’ center as a living expression of Christian discipleship and charity.