God’s Most Beautiful Creation

On Sunday, 17 August, Pope Leo XIV shared lunch with a group of poor people from the Diocese of Albano, in the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Speaking off the cuff before the meal, the Holy Father thanked the Diocesan Caritas for providing the opportunity to be together in the beauty of nature and creation, that causes us to reflect on the fact “that the most beautiful creature is the one created in the image and semblance of God, which is all of us”.

It is essential that we always remember this truth: we can encounter God’s presence in every individual. And so, even the afternoon’s gathering for lunch — organized by the Borgo Laudato Si’ and the Diocese of Albano Laziale — was an experience of communion, of fraternity, of being together with God.

Speaking to the more than 100 guests — poor and vulnerable people supported by the diocesan Caritas of Albano, including residents of shelters and group homes, the homeless, and those supported by listening centres — the Pope talked about the deep meaning behind “breaking bread together, a gesture that for us all is deeply significant: the act through which we recognize Jesus Christ present among us”.

Earlier in the day, the Pope had presided over Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda. In his homily, he acknowledged that while we might come to church with fear and anxiety, “immediately we are less alone” once we gather together and encounter the Word and Body of Christ.

Turning to the Gospel, the Pope stressed that “the world trains us to confuse peace with comfort and goodness with serenity”. That is why Jesus exclaimed that he came to “cast fire upon the earth”, because families and friends might be divided. Some may tell us to avoid risks and work for peace and quiet, ignoring the challenges that might come. But, Pope Leo said, Jesus took on humanity, and this was the baptism of which He spoke — a “baptism of the Cross, a total immersion into the risks that love entails”. We receive the food and strength for the journey by receiving communion at Mass. Through this, we see our decision to live for others rather than ourselves and our call to spread the fire of love, which “lowers itself and serves, which responds to indifference with care”. This fire of goodness, which — unlike weapons — “costs nothing”, may lead to misunderstandings and persecution. However, the Pope noted that “there is no greater peace than having that flame burning within oneself”.

Pope Leo expressed his gratitude to the Diocese of Albano for being committed to serving others. He urged those gathered to avoid drawing distinctions between those who serve and those who are served. “Each one is a gift to the others”, and we are all members of “a Church of the poor”.