Pope emphasizes divine affection during Mass and meal with the underprivileged
Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Warmth and Love in Church and Society
Pope Leo XIV, in a recent visit to the Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale, Italy, called upon Catholics to make their parishes welcoming of all people, embodying the gentle strength of God's love.
During his homily at the Mass, which was attended by about 110 clients and volunteers of the Diocese of Albano's Caritas programs, including people experiencing homelessness and residents of its shelter for families, the pope said that each person is a gift for others and that in the church, "each person is a gift for others. Let us tear down walls."
The day's Gospel reading was Luke 12:49-53, in which Jesus spoke of setting the earth on fire. Pope Leo XIV interpreted this as the fire of love, not the fire of weapons or words that harm others, but a love that serves, responds to indifference with care, and to arrogance with gentleness.
He prayed that Catholics would allow Jesus' fire to burn away prejudices, caution, and fears that marginalize the poor. The pope also thanked the people in Catholic communities around the world who work to facilitate the encounter between people of different origins and economic, psychological or emotional situations.
After the morning Mass, Pope Leo returned to Castel Gandolfo to lead the recitation of the Angelus prayer and then to host lunch for the Caritas clients and some of the volunteers. The luncheon was held in the Borgo Laudato Si', a project for education and training in integral ecology begun by Pope Francis in the gardens of the papal summer villa.
The pope was seated at a round table with Rosabal Leon, a Peruvian migrant who was present at the lunch, and Gabriella Oliveiro, 85, who lives by herself on the outskirts of Rome. Pope Leo described the Shrine as making people feel welcomed into the womb of God. He also expressed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a sign and foretaste of God's maternity.
Before blessing the food, the pope said the setting was a reminder of the beauty of God's creation and that each person represents God's image and likeness. The Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda is built in the round on the site of a first-century pagan temple.
Cardinal Fabio Baggio, director general of Borgo Laudato Si', welcomed the pope and said the lunch with the poor was a beautiful way to celebrate Pope Leo's first 100 days in office. The pope prayed that Catholics would make sure their parishes are welcoming of all people and would be "on fire" with God's love.
