Vatican City: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has sent a heartfelt message of encouragement to participants of the Catholic Men’s Conference Day held across North America on October 17, calling on men of faith to embody compassion, humility, and solidarity with the poor and marginalized.
The message, conveyed through a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, extended the Pope’s “good wishes” to all those involved in the Catholic Men’s Conferences throughout the United States and Canada. The Holy Father expressed his hope that these gatherings would serve as moments of spiritual renewal and deeper commitment to living the Gospel in everyday life.
“The Holy Father hopes that through these gatherings, Catholic men will be renewed in their desire to bring the love of Jesus to their families, parishes, and wider communities through concrete gestures of closeness, compassion, and respect for others, especially the poor and most vulnerable,” the message read.
Drawing inspiration from St. Joseph, whom the Pope described as “the just man who found happiness in the joyful and generous giving of himself,” the message highlighted the importance of selflessness and responsibility in Christian life, particularly among men who serve as fathers, brothers, and leaders within their communities.
Pope Leo XIV also emphasized the value of the Catholic Men’s Conferences as vital platforms for prayer, reflection, and fraternity, helping participants grow in faith and strengthen their personal relationship with Christ.
“The Holy Father trusts that the various opportunities for prayer, reflection, and fraternity organized every year by the Men’s Conferences will always be occasions for participants to be strengthened in the faith and in their relationship with the Lord,” the message stated.
In closing, Pope Leo entrusted all participants to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and imparted his Apostolic Blessing, assuring them of his spiritual closeness and prayers.
The Catholic Men’s Conference Day, observed annually on October 17, unites thousands of men across North America in a day of Mass, confession, adoration, and faith-based discussions. Each local conference features inspiring Catholic speakers and aims to rekindle a spirit of discipleship, encouraging participants to bring their renewed faith back into their families, workplaces, and parish communities.
Through his message, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s call for men to lead lives of integrity and service, reminding them that the strength of their faith is best measured not by words, but by acts of mercy and solidarity toward the most vulnerable in society.