Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV began his pastoral visit to the Marian Shrine of Pompeii on Friday with a strong message of hope, prayer, and trust in Jesus, encouraging people to remain close to Christ who, he said, “never abandons or rejects us.”
Pope visited the “Temple of Charity” at the Shrine of Pompeii, where he met volunteers and workers involved in the Shrine’s charitable activities. The visit also marked the first anniversary of his election as Pope and the beginning of his pastoral journey to Pompeii and Naples.
Addressing the gathering, Pope Leo thanked the volunteers for their dedication and generosity toward the poor and needy. He said it was meaningful for him to begin the visit in the footsteps of Saint Bartolo Longo, founder of the Shrine and a man deeply committed to charity and prayer.
he Pope recalled that he had canonized Saint Bartolo Longo last year and described Pompeii as a place where people from every background come together through faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He said the Shrine continues to be “a place of grace” where people are led toward God through prayer, charity, and love for others.
Reflecting on the charitable mission of the Shrine, Pope Leo said the power of Christ’s Resurrection is experienced there every day through acts of love and service. He noted that prayer and charity go hand in hand, explaining that prayer nourishes the spirit of welcome and generosity shown by volunteers, while acts of love create hope and healing in society.
Pope recalled that when Saint Bartolo Longo first arrived in Pompeii, the region was marked by poverty, disease, and hardship. Despite the difficult conditions, the future saint was able to see the face of Christ in every person, especially among poor families, orphans, and children of prisoners.
Pope Leo said Saint Bartolo transformed the area into a worldwide center of Christian devotion by placing prayer at the heart of his mission. He stressed that the Holy Rosary remains a powerful spiritual force capable of changing hearts and lives.
He urged the faithful to preserve and spread devotion to the Rosary, calling it an ancient and beautiful prayer that helps people contemplate the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary.
Pope encouraged those working in the Shrine’s charitable activities to become “men and women of prayer” and to reflect God’s light through their actions and words. He said their commitment should continue the flame of love first lit by Saint Bartolo Longo and serve as an example for younger generations.
Speaking directly to children, adolescents, and young people, Pope Leo offered words of encouragement and reassurance. He asked them to trust the people who care for them but above all to place their trust in Jesus Christ.
“Jesus is the Friend who never abandons or rejects us,” the Pope said. “He is the Brother who understands us and always walks beside us.”
Pope invited everyone to entrust humanity to the care of Christ through the intercession of Mary, expressing hope for a future of peace throughout the world.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo assured the volunteers and workers of his prayers and invoked the protection of the Queen of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii and Saint Bartolo Longo.