Acerra: Pope Leo XIV called on the people of southern Italy to reject corruption, protect the environment, and restore hope to struggling communities during his visit to the city of Acerra on Saturday. Addressing clergy, families, young people, workers, and civic leaders at the Cathedral of Acerra, the Pope urged everyone to walk together with courage and place human dignity at the centre of public and personal life.
Speaking to a region burdened by unemployment, pollution, organised crime, and economic hardship, the Pope said faith must move beyond words and become a force that heals society’s wounds. He encouraged Catholics to create space for prayer that leads to service and to stand against injustice without losing hope.
The Holy Father returned to the image of the Church as a “field hospital,” a vision often used by the late Pope Francis. He said the Church is called to remain close to wounded people and communities through patience, compassion, and daily acts of goodness. Honest work, transparent governance, and care for human life from its beginning to its natural end, he said, are all part of rebuilding trust in society.
Pope Leo praised parents and grandparents who continue to hold families together despite rising living costs and uncertain employment. He also addressed young people directly, urging them not to abandon their homeland because of despair or lack of opportunities.
“Do not let anyone steal your tomorrow,” the Pope told the youth, encouraging them to rediscover the beauty of their land, culture, faith, and traditions. He invited them to become builders of a better future for their communities.
The Campania region, where Acerra is located, has long struggled with poverty, unemployment, and environmental damage linked to illegal waste disposal and industrial pollution. Many families survive on temporary or seasonal jobs, while thousands of young people leave in search of work elsewhere. Public institutions in the area have also faced criticism over corruption and inefficiency.
In this difficult context, Pope Leo appealed for what he described as a “conversion of the heart” in public and political life. He urged citizens and leaders alike to reject corruption, manage public resources responsibly, and protect the weakest members of society, especially children and the elderly.
The Pope also addressed the environmental crisis affecting the region. Referring to the teachings of Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato sì, he stressed that creation is a gift entrusted to humanity’s care and cannot be exploited without consequences.
He called for stronger cooperation between Church communities, public authorities, universities, and honest businesses to ensure transparent and scientifically reliable clean up efforts. The Pope said the land must be allowed to “breathe again” so families can continue living there with dignity and security.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical reading from the Book of Ezekiel, Pope Leo spoke about the need to combine personal conversion with civic friendship. He encouraged parishes and dioceses to focus more on helping struggling families, the unemployed, and those suffering from illness.
The Pope also underlined the importance of education, lawful employment, and preserving memory and culture. He prayed that the hardships faced by many people would not turn into bitterness but instead become a source of patience, solidarity, and love.
At the end of his address, Pope Leo thanked priests, religious sisters, and lay volunteers who continue serving people quietly in difficult circumstances. He also praised public officials who work honestly for the common good rather than personal gain.
His visit to Acerra carried strong echoes of Pope Francis, who had expressed a desire to visit the area because of its social and environmental struggles. Pope Leo’s message focused on hope, responsibility, and the belief that communities can recover when people choose honesty, solidarity, and care for one another.