He Pope Leo XIV He had lunch this Saturday with a hundred poor people and migrants in the “Borgo Laudato Si‘”, the project launched by the Vatican for the defense of biodiversity, in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfowhere he is spending a few days on vacation, and asked to “can eliminate the causes of poverty”.
After having celebrated mass, he sat at one of the round tables that were placed for the occasion in the shade of the trees of this paradisiacal place along with people in vulnerable situations and some migrants and about 35 children and gave a brief speech.
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Irene had lunch at his side, Tanzaniaa refugee with her two children, ages 7 and 5; a Ukrainian welcomed by a Roman parish; Isabel, of Perualso a refugee, who studies at the university with the support of the Astalli Center; and Condé, of Sudanwho has assisted in the “Borgo Laudato Si‘” to a training course and work in pastry.
“I come without a prepared speech, but hungry; hungry for justice, for authentic charity; hungry for a Church that truly knows how to open the doors, welcome and receive everyone, where there is love for everyone and where no one is an enemy, where we know each other, live reconciliation, forgiveness and peace“, said.
The pontiff called for a society where “we can live with justice, where the causes of poverty can be eliminated, where the causes of injustice that still exist in our world can be eliminated.”.
He also wanted to builda different world, a world of hope, a world that is often torn apart by violence, hatred and discrimination. Let’s work together. Let us always try to be this Church experience of justice, peace and love”he added.
The Pope already celebrated this initiative on August 17, 2025, when he had lunch with people in poverty from the diocese of Albano, to which Castel Gandolfo belongs, and this year it was the diocese of Rome.
Each year, one diocese will be invited to engage with people living in poverty, refugees, migrants and other socially vulnerable groups.
This Saturday’s menu was pasta alla amatriciana, roast beef, radicchio and strawberries with cream.
Leo XIV moved last Sunday to Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfoabout 30 kilometers from Rome, to begin a period of rest that will last until July 27.
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During these weeks all general, private and special audiences will be suspended, so their agenda only includes the prayer of the Angelus on Sundays of this month in the Liberty Square of the town.
General hearings are scheduled to resume as usual on Wednesday, August 5.
The American Pope thus repeats his month of vacation in this town, although on this occasion he will reside in the apostolic palace and not in the villa Barberiniwhere he spent last summer and usually goes every Tuesday to spend the day off.
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