Pope Commends Volunteers in Madrid, Calling Selflessness the “Leaven” of a Better World

Newsroom (09/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) At the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey to Madrid, the Pope delivered a heartfelt address to thousands of volunteers gathered at IFEMA Pavilion 3, elevating their service as a living example of Christian selflessness. The encounter, marked by gratitude and reflection, served as the final official event of his visit and a symbolic closing note centered on humility, generosity, and faith-driven action.

“Each and every one of you… deserve a very special ‘thank you,’” the Pope told the assembled volunteers, acknowledging not only those present but also the many others who contributed behind the scenes. He praised their willingness to dedicate time, energy, and talent “out of love for the Lord, the Church and the Pope,” emphasizing that their contributions extended beyond logistics into the spiritual life of the Church.

A Collective Effort Beyond Expectations

Organizers had initially called for a limited number of volunteers, but the response exceeded expectations within days. The Pope noted this overwhelming commitment as a sign of deep faith and enthusiasm. Some participants took leave from their jobs, while others committed months of full-time service.

“You gave what you could,” he said, highlighting the diversity of contributions—“your heart, hands, ideas, talents and smiles.” This collective effort, he suggested, reflects a deeper spiritual reality: a community united not by obligation, but by generosity.

The Pope also expressed appreciation for testimonies shared during the event, as well as the production teams and performers who helped bring the gathering to life.

The “Leaven” of Selflessness

At the core of the Pope’s message was a simple but profound metaphor drawn from the Gospel of Matthew: the kingdom of heaven as yeast that transforms dough from within. He applied this imagery to the work of volunteers, describing selflessness as the “leaven” capable of transforming society.

“In a world… influenced by a logic of self-interest and profit,” he said, selflessness becomes a countercultural force. It fosters not only ethical and social growth but also spiritual development—what he described as “integral human development,” extending beyond economic or material measures.

Quoting the Gospel of Luke, he challenged conventional notions of reciprocity: “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” Instead, he encouraged acts of generosity without expectation of return, aligning with Christ’s teaching and example.

A Call to Live the Gospel in Action

The Pope framed volunteer service as more than charitable work—it is a tangible expression of the Gospel. He recalled Christ’s mission to “bring the leaven of the kingdom of heaven into the world,” healing humanity through sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit.

After the Resurrection, he noted, this mission was entrusted to the disciples, who were called to become “signs and instruments” of a kingdom defined by love, justice, and peace. Today, he suggested, volunteers continue that mission—not only through words but through daily actions that embody faith.

“This is accomplished through preaching, but even more so through a way of life,” he said, underscoring that authentic witness lies in behavior as much as belief.

Madrid Transformed by Service

Although the tangible outcomes of volunteer work may not be fully captured in statistics, the Pope argued that their impact is nonetheless profound. “In these days… this city has grown,” he said, meaning spiritually rather than materially.

Importantly, he rejected any notion of personal merit. “Is it our own merit? No! It is all his grace!” he affirmed, attributing the transformation to divine love working through human generosity.

He concluded this reflection by invoking a passage from the Acts of the Apostles: “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” reinforcing the spiritual reward inherent in selfless service.

A Symbol of Unity: The Gift of the Chalice

In a symbolic gesture, the Pope presented a chalice to the Church in Madrid, describing it as a sign of communion and unity within the wider Catholic family. The gift, offered after the blessing of a cornerstone, carried liturgical and spiritual significance.

“May we never forget what we celebrate in the memorial of Christ, who has saved us,” he said, linking the act of giving to the central mystery of the faith.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Path of Service

As the event drew to a close, the Pope encouraged volunteers to remain steadfast in their mission. He called for humility, meekness, and unwavering faith, urging them to continue serving generously without presumption.

“Let us continue on this path,” he said, entrusting their ongoing work to the guidance of the Virgin Mary, whom he asked to help them remain “leaven of the kingdom always and everywhere.”

With a final apostolic blessing and a promise of reunion—“See you in Rome!”—the Pope concluded both the gathering and his visit to Madrid, leaving behind a message that framed volunteerism not merely as service, but as a transformative force rooted in faith.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News