Pope Leo’s message was both a tribute and a call to action, encouraging Catholic Charities’ to persevere despite challenges posed by poverty and migration
Newsroom (09/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a message to Catholic Charities USA on the occasion of its 115th Annual Meeting, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Pope Leo XIV lauded the organization’s leaders and volunteers as “agents of hope” who embody the Gospel’s call to recognize Christ in the poor, hungry, homeless, and marginalized. Delivered on October 9, 2025, the pontiff’s words underscored the vital role of the network’s 168 diocesan agencies in serving millions across the United States, particularly migrants, refugees, and those without resources.
A Gospel Mandate in Action
Drawing from his recent Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te, Pope Leo XIV rooted his message in the Christian imperative to see Christ in the vulnerable, a theme central to his pontificate. He praised Catholic Charities for its tireless work providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and countless “gestures of kindness” that reflect what Pope Francis described as God’s “style” of closeness, compassion, and tenderness. These efforts, the pope noted, bring tangible hope to those in dire need, fulfilling the Gospel mandate to serve the least among us.
Quoting Pope Francis’ definition of hope as “the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring,” Pope Leo framed Catholic Charities’ mission as a beacon of light in a world shadowed by poverty and displacement. The organization’s work, he said, not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a vision of a more just and compassionate society.
Migrants as ‘Missionaries of Hope’
Pope Leo described migrants and refugees as “witnesses to hope,” whose resilience and faith inspire the communities that welcome them. Far from being mere recipients of aid, they are “missionaries of hope,” strengthening parishes and forging connections across cultures and nations. Their presence, he emphasized, enriches the Church and society, building bridges where division might otherwise prevail. This perspective echoes his earlier remarks in Dilexi Te, where he declared that “in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks” (75).
The pope’s focus on migrants resonates deeply in the context of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory grappling with its own history of migration and economic challenges. By highlighting the contributions of migrants, Pope Leo challenges narratives that frame them solely as burdens, instead presenting them as vital agents of renewal and faith.
A Call to Persevere
Pope Leo’s message was both a tribute and a call to action, encouraging Catholic Charities’ members to persevere despite the immense challenges posed by poverty and forced migration. He acknowledged the scale of their task—serving millions through diverse programs across the U.S.—and expressed gratitude for their daily commitment to living out the Gospel. Their work, he said, is a powerful witness to God’s love, transforming lives and communities through acts of mercy and justice.
This encouragement builds on the themes of Dilexi Te, where Pope Leo urged the Church to reject indifference and embrace the poor as family, not mere objects of charity (104, 111). By commending Catholic Charities, he reinforces their role as a cornerstone of the Church’s mission to embody a “poor Church for the poor” (110).
A Timely Message for a Global Mission
The pope’s address to Catholic Charities USA comes at a critical juncture, as global migration surges and economic disparities deepen. His words resonate with his broader vision, articulated in Dilexi Te and his recent address to journalists, of a Church and society that confront systemic injustices with compassion and truth. By calling Catholic Charities “agents of hope,” Pope Leo XIV not only honors their legacy but also challenges them to continue bridging divides, uplifting the vulnerable, and witnessing to the Gospel in a world yearning for hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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