It is one of the most anticipated moments of the year: a meal for the needy with the Pope.
This year, it was presided over by Pope Leo XIV, who did not forget his predecessor, the one who promoted this initiative:
POPE LEO XIV
With great joy we gather this afternoon for lunch, on the [World Day of the Poor] that our beloved predecessor, Pope Francis, cared for so deeply. A big round of applause for Pope Francis.
Around 1,300 people ate in the Paul VI Hall. Among them were migrants, single mothers, the unemployed, and the sick. The Pope, like any other person, sat down and shared a meal with them.
This meal was organized by the St. Vincent community, to whom Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for their work and dedication.
POPE LEO XIV
This lunch that we now receive is offered by Providence and by the great generosity of the St. Vincent Community, the Vincentians, to whom we want to give thanks. And moreover, it is an anniversary: it is the 400th year since the birth of their founder. They will accompany us by serving at the tables. Congratulations to all of you.
In fact, this gesture of solidarity also extended to the Vatican Gardens. Many had lunch outside, and the Pope went out to greet them as well.
This is not the first time that Pope Leo XIV has sat down with people in need. He already did so for the first time in August during his visit to Castel Gandolfo, where he shared a meal with 100 low-income people.
BAM
Trans. CRT
