Pope Leo to Celebrate Mass and Share Lunch with the Poor in Albano

Albano, August 9, 2025 – Pope Leo will celebrate Holy Mass on Sunday, August 17, in Albano with the poor assisted by the diocese, marking a significant pastoral encounter during his pontificate.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Prefecture of the Papal Household announced that the Pope will visit the Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in the small town in the Alban Hills, near Castel Gandolfo, the site of the summer Papal Residence. The Mass, scheduled for 9:30 a.m., will be attended by staff members of the diocesan Caritas office.

Following the Mass, at noon, the Holy Father will lead the recitation of the Angelus in Piazza della Libertà, Castel Gandolfo.

In a separate statement, the Diocese of Albano revealed that Pope Leo will also visit Borgo Laudato Si’, where he will share lunch with the poor. “We are filled with joy at the Pope’s return to Albano, and at the fact that he has accepted the proposal of our Caritas to have lunch with the poor, whom we carry in our hearts, and with those who assist them with care and attention every day,” said Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano. “This is the first time that Leo XIV will meet the poor during his pontificate, and we are delighted that he is starting with our diocese.”

The lunch is being organized in collaboration with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which manages the Laudato Si’ Village. About 100 guests from family homes and shelters within the diocese, along with others assisted by Caritas, will attend. They will be welcomed by Pope Leo, Bishop Viva, Caritas director Alessio Rossi, and a team of volunteers.

The Holy Father, who spent a brief summer break in Castel Gandolfo before returning to the Vatican at the end of July for the Jubilee of Youth, will come back to the hilltop town on Friday, August 15. After the Angelus on Sunday, August 17, he will return to the Vatican.

Courtesy: Vatican News