Puerto Rico: In a heartfelt message to the members of Catholic Charities USA during their 115th Annual Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Pope Leo XIV hailed the organization’s volunteers and leaders as “agents of hope,” recognizing their tireless work on behalf of the most vulnerable in American society.
Pope Leo emphasized that the work of Catholic Charities spanning 168 diocesan agencies across the United States embodies the Gospel call to see Christ in every person in need. “Through providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and countless acts of kindness,” the Pope wrote, “Catholic Charities affiliates demonstrate what Pope Francis has often called God’s style: closeness, compassion, and tenderness.”
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 urged Catholic Charities to recognize the profound spiritual dimension of their service. He highlighted that their daily engagement with migrants, refugees, and the poor transforms despair into hope for countless individuals and families.
The Holy Father also reflected on the broader significance of migration, observing that migrants and refugees are not merely recipients of charity but “witnesses to hope.” He underscored their resilience, faith, and courage as sources of inspiration for the communities that welcome them, noting, “In their journey and struggles, they become missionaries of hope, strengthening parishes, building bridges across cultures, and enriching the social fabric of your country.”
Pope Leo encouraged Catholic Charities to continue its mission with dedication and perseverance. He acknowledged the challenges posed by poverty, displacement, and social marginalization but reminded volunteers and leaders that their work reflects the heart of Christ. “In recognizing Christ in the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized, you live out the Gospel in a profound and transformative way,” he wrote.
He concluded with words of gratitude and encouragement, affirming that the organization’s efforts offer a model for compassion, solidarity, and human dignity. “Your service turns vulnerability into opportunity, suffering into resilience, and strangers into brothers and sisters,” Pope Leo said, urging all participants to remain steadfast in their mission of hope.
The Pope’s message resonated beyond the Annual Meeting, serving as a reminder to the wider Church of the centrality of charity, accompaniment, and the recognition of Christ in every human being. For the volunteers and leaders of Catholic Charities USA, his words reaffirmed their calling to transform lives, uphold human dignity, and witness God’s love through action.
In an era marked by social challenges and human displacement, Pope Leo XIV’s message frames migrants not only as recipients of aid but as heralds of hope, inspiring the Church and society alike to embrace solidarity, compassion, and a vision of a more inclusive and caring world.