Pope Leo XIV sends a message of support to Catholic Charities USA, calling its members “agents of hope” as they gather for their 115th Annual Meeting.
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
Pope Leo XIV encouraged leaders and volunteers of the Catholic Charities USA network to persevere in their work pointing out that they follow the Gospel mandate to recognise Christ in the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and all those in need.
His words of gratitude came in a message to the network is gathered in San Juan, Puerto Rico or its 115th Annual Meeting.
Agents of Hope
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 underlined the importance of Catholic Charities’ work across its 168 diocesan agencies.
He described them as “agents of hope” for millions of people in the United States, especially the most vulnerable, the migrants, refugees, and those unable to rely on their own resources.
“Through providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and many other gestures of kindness,” he wrote, “Catholic Charities affiliates across the United States show what Pope Francis often referred to as God’s ‘style’ of closeness, compassion, and tenderness.”
Witnesses of Hope
The Pope said that while poverty and forced migration bring immense challenges, migrants and refugees also serve as “witnesses to hope,” both by their resilience and through the faith they bring to the communities that welcome them, to find their new homes in your country.
He described them as “missionaries of hope,” strengthening parishes and building bridges across nations and cultures.
Encouragement
Encouraging Catholic Charities to persevere in their mission, Pope Leo praised their daily efforts to live out the Gospel mandate recognizing Christ in the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and all those in need.
