According to a statement released this Monday by the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV received in audience a delegation from the Equestrian Circle of Barcelona on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of this historic Catalan institution.
During the meeting, held in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Pontiff focused his remarks on the need to live an authentically Christian charity, recalling that commitment to others cannot be separated from faith or reduced to mere philanthropic work.
“The Christian is not a mere philanthropist”
In his address, Leo XIV recalled that “every believer in Christ is called to keep their own existence open to the action of the Holy Spirit” and to live Christian charity as a concrete expression of love for God and neighbor.
“Therefore, the Christian is not a mere philanthropist, but someone compassionate, who loves without self-interest and actively seeks the integral well-being of others,” the Pope affirmed before the members of the Equestrian Circle.
The Pontiff also emphasized that Christian charity does not consist solely in social or charitable action, but arises precisely from love for God and the recognition of Christ in one’s neighbor.
Looking to Christ to recognize the most in need
Leo XIV invited those present to keep “their gaze fixed on Christ,” assuring that only from this perspective is it possible to truly recognize His presence “in the smallest and most needy brothers and sisters.”
The Pope also encouraged the attendees to live a personal commitment to the service of God and others, accompanying people “with patience and compassion.”
“Through your personal dedication to the service of God and others, ready to accompany them with patience and compassion, may the Lord grant you growth in His love,” he expressed.
Audience in the Apostolic Palace
The audience took place this Monday, May 25, in the Consistory Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace. Leo XIV thanked the Catalan delegation for their gesture of closeness to the Successor of Peter on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the Equestrian Circle.
The meeting concluded with the apostolic blessing imparted by the Pontiff to those present and their families.