Pope Leo XIV on Monday morning visited St. Martha Home for the Elderly in Castel Gandolfo, the Italian town where he is spending his vacation.
Newsroom (22/07/2025, Gaudium Press ) On Monday, July 20, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made a visit to the St. Martha Home for the Elderly in Castel Gandolfo, the picturesque Italian town where he is spending his summer vacation. The pontiff’s visit, which began at 10:30 a.m. local time, offered a moment of spiritual connection and encouragement for the residents and staff, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The St. Martha Home, operated by the Sisters of St. Martha, a religious order founded in 1946 by Blessed Tommaso Reggio, provides care rooted in compassion and faith. The order’s mission, as stated on its website, is to serve as “humble presences of peace and hope,” prioritizing the well-being and relationships of the nursing home’s residents.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV spent time in the chapel, engaging in quiet prayer before personally greeting approximately 20 residents, ranging in age from 80 to 101. He also met with a young nurse, acknowledging the dedication of the staff. The gathering included prayer and songs, with the pope drawing inspiration from the music and Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke to deliver a poignant message.
Reflecting on the biblical figures of Martha and Mary, the Holy Father encouraged the residents to embrace the contemplative spirit of Mary during this stage of life, urging them to listen to Jesus’ words and prioritize prayer. “Prayer is so important, much greater than we can imagine,” he said, emphasizing that Jesus seeks to be a guest in every heart, regardless of age. “Age doesn’t matter: It is Jesus who wants to draw near to us, who invites us to be witnesses, young and not so young.”
Addressing the elderly directly, Pope Leo XIV praised their enduring contributions, calling them “signs of hope” who have given much to the world and continue to offer a powerful testimony through prayer and faith. “You are a family that offers to the Lord what it has,” he said, affirming their spiritual legacy.
The visit concluded with a communal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, after which the pope spent additional time touring the residence. He departed for Villa Barberini, his temporary residence in Castel Gandolfo, shortly before 11:30 a.m.
The pontiff’s visit underscored his ongoing commitment to uplifting the marginalized and reinforcing the dignity of all, particularly the elderly, in line with his broader pastoral mission.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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