Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Monday warmly welcomed members of the Milan-based charity, Opera San Francesco per i Poveri (“St. Francis’ Work for the Poor”), to the Vatican, praising their enduring commitment to service guided by the Franciscan tradition.
“When you see a poor person,” the Pope said, invoking the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “you are placed before the mirror of the Lord and his poor Mother.” He further reminded the society’s members to perceive Christ in the sick, urging them to see the infirmities that Jesus took upon himself.
For nearly seven decades, the Opera San Francesco per i Poveri has extended its charitable mission to more than 30,000 people annually, managing cafeterias, health clinics, and providing employment guidance and psychological support for the vulnerable. Pope Leo lauded the society’s unwavering spirit of fraternity and faithful service since its founding.
Quoting the society’s statutes, he said, “Your institution has been committed to ensuring assistance and hospitality to people in need and promoting the comprehensive human development of the person in accordance with Christian tradition, especially the Franciscan tradition, the doctrine of the Church, and its Magisterium.”
In the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, members clad in white shirts bearing the society’s logo and the phrase “a helping hand to man every day” had the privilege to greet the Holy Father personally. Pope Leo highlighted the vision of the society’s founder, Venerable Fra Cecilio Maria Cortinovis, describing him as a “humble doorman” whose generosity inspired a collaborative mission of charity.
“Thus began the beautiful adventure of which all of you are witnesses and protagonists today,” the Pope said. He emphasized that the society’s work embodies three fundamental aspects of charity: assisting, welcoming, and promoting.
“Assisting means being present for the needs of others,” Pope Leo explained, noting the extensive range of services offered over the years. “Welcoming involves making room for others in our hearts and lives, offering time, listening, support, and prayer.”
On the third point, promoting, he underscored the importance of fostering human dignity and selflessness: “Care for those we encounter simply for their good, so they can grow to their full potential and proceed on their own path, without expecting anything in return or imposing conditions.”
Concluding the private audience, Pope Leo imparted his blessing and assured the society of his prayers. “Thank you for what you do and for the witness you give by your journey together!” he said, celebrating a legacy of charity deeply rooted in faith.