Pope Leo XIV shared lunch with about 200 people experiencing social vulnerability at Borgo Laudato si’ in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo on 11 July, highlighting the church’s mission of welcome and solidarity.
The gathering, which included nearly 40 children from the Diocese of Rome, began with Mass before guests toured the gardens and shared a meal with the Holy Father.
Speaking without prepared remarks, Pope Leo said he came with “hunger for justice” and for “a church that truly knows how to open its doors,” calling Christians to build bridges, promote reconciliation, and address the root causes of poverty and injustice.
The annual initiative, launched after the pope’s first meeting with vulnerable people in 2025, will invite a different diocese each year to bring people living in poverty, migrants, refugees and others facing hardship to meet the pope.
Church leaders said the event reflects the Gospel through closeness, shared meals and hope.
