Pope: Care for poor difficult but ‘integral part of Christian life’

Vatican, May 5, 2026: As he met members of Catholic Charities, Pope Leo XIV urged the American Caritas affiliate not to give in to discouragement despite ongoing challenges, emphasising that caring for the poor is an integral part of authentic Christian life.

Pope Leo XIV met on Monday with members of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities USA, the American member of Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s charitable organisation.

In his address, the Pope acknowledged that both personal and institutional challenges often face those striving to proclaim the Gospel through service to the poor and those most in need.

“These include finding sufficient resources, demonstrating to others that this type of service is an integral part of authentic Christian living, and not giving way to discouragement, particularly when we meet those whom we cannot help in the way that we would like,” he said.

Pope Leo noted that Catholic Charities USA is “by no means immune from these challenges.”

“Yet, it is precisely when we are confronted with such obstacles that we must learn to hear Jesus’ voice saying to us once more, ‘I am with you always!’” he said.

In late March 2026, the US government withdrew funding from a programme operated by the Archdiocese of Miami, which had provided services for unaccompanied minors for decades.

Operation “Pedro Pan” had supported the Office of Refugee Resettlement in placing children in foster care and reuniting them with their families since 1960.

The Pope further encouraged the “worthy efforts” of Catholic Charities USA to continue the Lord’s “ministry of compassion, especially to the least among us.”

“In doing so, you seek to find solutions to inhumane situations, alleviate the suffering of individuals and families, and relieve the burden of those who are weighed down by hardship and strife,” he said. “In all of these circumstances, it must be the charity of Christ that compels you in your daily work.”

Catholic Charities USA comprises more than 170 diocesan agencies and is among the largest social service organisations in the United States.

Pope Leo recalled that love for one’s neighbour provides concrete evidence of a Christian’s genuine love for God.

Catholic charitable workers, he said, must be motivated by “the desire to bring to others material aid with the love of the heart of Jesus, for it is in that love that they will find genuine rest and their dignity be respected.”

As they extend assistance to those in need through practical means, he added, Catholic Charities encounters the flesh of Christ.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Board of Directors to recognise that Christ’s Resurrection “makes all things new” and to allow the organisation’s work to be guided by the hope of Easter.

“I offer good wishes for your noble mission and assure you and all of your colleagues of a remembrance in my prayers.”

Courtesy: Vatican News