Vatican City: During a meeting with a group of Vietnamese benefactors of the Pontifical Missionary Works in the United States, Pope Francis celebrated the "steadfast faith" of many Vietnamese Catholics now living in America. The group, on a pilgrimage to Rome, was warmly received by the Pope in the Vatican's Consistory Hall on Thursday.

In his address, the Pope highlighted the joy of supporting those "on the margins of society," emphasizing the importance of outreach and charity. He praised the group’s efforts in supporting the missionary and charitable works of the Church, calling their contributions "tangible expressions of faith" that help spread the Gospel to people worldwide.

The Pope also spoke of the upcoming Jubilee Year and the opening of the Holy Door, urging the group to use this sacred time for "authentic and personal encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ." Quoting from the papal document Spes non confundit, he reminded them that Jesus should be proclaimed "always, everywhere, and to everyone as our hope."

Reflecting on the early Christian community, Pope Francis recalled how people "supported one another" and reiterated that Christians today are called to care for "the least among us" with "joyful hearts and smiling faces."

Finally, the Pope praised the faith and generosity of Vietnamese Catholics, calling their commitment to supporting Christian communities, both near and far, a "precious source of inspiration."