CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy. Pope Leo XIV marked the final Sunday of his summer retreat by celebrating Mass with refugees, homeless individuals, and the poor, before inviting them to lunch at the papal summer residence.
Around 110 guests, cared for by the local Caritas charity and accompanied by volunteers, joined the pope for the Mass at the Sanctuary of St. Mary in Albano. In his homily, he spoke of the “fire of charity” and urged the faithful not to distinguish between those who give and those who receive, stressing that all share equal dignity in the church.
The luncheon took place at the Borgo Laudato Si’, the Vatican’s environmental education center within the gardens of Castel Gandolfo. The menu included lasagna, eggplant parmesan, roast veal, and desserts named “Dolce Leone” in honor of the pope.
Guests included Rosabal Leon, a Peruvian refugee, and Gabriella Oliveiro, an 85-year-old Roman who lives alone. The pope shared the meal with them and expressed joy in “breaking bread” together in a setting that highlights both the beauty of creation and the dignity of every person.
Pope Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, has long worked with the poor, particularly during his years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, where he expanded Caritas’ efforts with soup kitchens, shelters, and COVID-19 relief projects.
The pontiff is expected to return to the Vatican on Tuesday but is likely to continue using Castel Gandolfo as a retreat. His brother, John Prevost, told NBC Chicago that the pope found relaxation during the getaway, enjoying tennis and swimming, though he missed the freedom of driving something he once found “totally relaxing.”
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
