This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the members of the Circolo San Pietro (“Saint Peter’s Circle”).

The following is the address delivered by the Pope to those present during the meeting:

Address of the Holy Father

In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!

Dear brothers and sisters, welcome!

I am delighted to welcome the Circolo San Pietro here for the first time. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the President and to all of you members gathered here today.

Since 1869, your commendable association has been reaching out, on behalf of the Pope, to so many people in need in our beloved city of Rome, providing the meals you distribute daily, night shelters for the homeless, accommodation for families in difficulty, and other services. It is a commendable work, which fulfils the Lord’s commandment of charity which, in secret, expects its reward from God alone (cf. Mt 6:3–4). You help to shape the beautiful face of the Church, which bears witness to the Gospel amongst the poor and the least of these. Thank you!

Reflecting on the three cornerstones of your charism – prayer, action and sacrifice – I would like to offer you today a word that brings them together in perfect harmony: charity.

Indeed, first of all, prayer is the foundation of charity. It is not a coincidence that the first word of your motto recalls the bond with God. One can only give what one has received. And prayer is precisely that relationship through which we receive the very charity we are called to give. I always encourage you to return to the Word of God and to prayer as the inexhaustible source of your dedication.

The second word of your motto, “action”, indicates the direction towards which the love received from God should be oriented. Prayer, in fact, becomes effective when it is directed towards our neighbour. The caritas generated by the Holy Spirit is God’s love poured into our hearts: a love that becomes a lifelong commitment and a service. This love must become the goal, the way of life and the meaning of our existence.

The third pivotal point around which your charism revolves, sacrifice, ultimately points to the very heart of charity, showing us how to live out the balance between prayer and action. “A true sacrifice”, writes Saint Augustine, “is every work which is done that we may be united to God in holy fellowship, and which has a reference to that supreme good and end in which alone we can be truly blessed. And therefore even the mercy we show to men, if it is not shown for God’s sake, is not a sacrifice. For, though made or offered by man, sacrifice is a divine thing” (De Civitate Dei, X, 6). In offering your time, your enthusiasm and also your efforts on behalf of the least among us, you are taking part in the very work of Christ, who loved us and gave His life for us. United to His sacrifice, therefore, it is no longer we who live, but Christ Himself who lives in us (cf. Gal 2:20).

Dearest friends, may charity always be the source of your prayer, the soul of your action, and the expression of your spiritual sacrifice.

I am grateful to you for the offering of Peter’s Pence, which you are presenting today as a sign of your fidelity and devotion to the Holy Father. Your devotion is always with me, for I also carry with me at all times the gift you gave me upon my election, and I thank you sincerely. It supports – here I am referring to the offering you are presenting today – the Bishop of Rome’s care for this city and, at the same time, assists the Apostolic See in meeting the needs of the Church as a whole.

I entrust the Circolo San Pietro to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, and I wholeheartedly bless all of you, your families and those whom you meet in the course of your charitable apostolate. Thank you.