Pope Leo XIV shared lunch on Saturday with nearly 200 people in vulnerable situations at the Borgo Laudato Si’, located in the pontifical gardens of Castel Gandolfo. Among the attendees were 35 children, as well as refugees, mothers with children, people with disabilities, and participants in job integration programs accompanied by the Diocese of Rome.
Before the meal began, the Pontiff addressed a few brief words to those present, stating that he had come “without a speech, but with hunger,” adding that there is a deeper need than the material one.
“We hunger for authentic charity, we hunger for a Church that truly knows how to open its doors, welcome and receive everyone; where there is love for all and where no one is an enemy; where we all know how to live reconciliation, forgiveness and peace,” he said.
“Building bridges” toward a different society
After remarks by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, director general of the Laudato Si’ Center for Advanced Formation; Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general for the Diocese of Rome; and Monsignor Luis Marín de San Martín, prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, Leo XIV returned to one of the images he has frequently used since the beginning of his pontificate: that of the bridge.
The Pope stated that this bridge should be built not only between himself and the attendees, but also with their families and with society.
“Today we also want to build a bridge with all of you, with your families and with the society in which we want to live,” he noted.
He added that this goal involves promoting a more just society, addressing the causes of poverty and injustice, and removing what fuels dishonesty.
“We are building a different world”
During his remarks, Leo XIV thanked those who made the day possible and highlighted the value of gathering around a shared table.
“We are truly building a different world, a world of hope, a world that is light in the midst of this world, which is so often broken by violence, hatred and discrimination,” he said.
The Pontiff concluded by inviting those present to work together so that the Church may continue to be a bearer of justice, peace and love. After blessing the food, he personally greeted numerous attendees before sitting down to share the meal with them.
An initiative promoted by the Borgo Laudato Si’
The event was organized by the Laudato Si’ Center for Advanced Formation in collaboration with the Diocese of Rome and took place at the Borgo Laudato Si’, the project promoted by the Holy See in the pontifical gardens of Castel Gandolfo to foster activities in formation, sustainability and social inclusion.
According to the organizers, the gathering aims to offer a space of welcome and fraternity to people experiencing situations of particular vulnerability. Attendees at this edition come from the Diocese of Rome, and the intention is for the initiative to be repeated annually with the participation of people accompanied by various Italian dioceses.