Pope Leo XIV continues an annual tradition of hosting individuals in financial distress at the “Borgo Laudato si’” in Castel Gandolfo. This initiative, organized by the “Zentrum für höhere Bildung Laudato si’”, the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, and the Diocese of Rome, brings together approximately 200 people from social peripheries for a day of prayer, shared meals, and tours of the papal gardens.
How the “Borgo Laudato si’” Initiative Functions
The program serves as a practical application of the concept that environmental stewardship and human care are inseparable missions. According to Cardinal Fabio Baggio, the General Director of the Hochschule, the site is designed to demonstrate this intersection. The event begins with a Eucharistic celebration and a “Liturgy for the Care of Creation,” followed by guided tours of the facility and a communal lunch with the Pope.
The model is intentionally collaborative. It integrates local church networks, including the Caritas and various parish services in Rome, to identify and support attendees. The structure is meant to evolve, with organizers planning to invite different dioceses each year to highlight the experiences of those facing poverty, migration, or displacement.
The “Borgo Laudato si’” initiative was inspired by a specific event on August 17, 2025, when the Pope held a similar lunch for individuals in poverty from the Diocese of Albano. This initial gathering served as the blueprint for the current, recurring annual program.
Why Does the Church Prioritize Direct Interaction?
Church officials frame these meetings as a move toward the “social peripheries.” Erzbischof Luis Marín de San Martín, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, states that the initiative confirms the Church’s belief that charity is defined by proximity and shared experience. By placing vulnerable populations at the center of the event, the Church aims to make the Gospel visible and emphasize that no one remains on the margins within the “heart of God.”
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope’s Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, echoes this sentiment. He notes that the primary participants of the day are the individuals who receive daily support from local parishes. The encounter is intended to restore a sense of dignity to those who are often overlooked and to remind the broader Christian community of its responsibility toward social inclusion.
Future Trends in Social Outreach
The shift toward "integral ecology"—a term central to the Laudato si’ mission—suggests a growing trend in how religious institutions manage their estates.
When researching the impact of faith-based social initiatives, look for data on how “integrated ecology” projects impact local employment and community health. Organizations like the Vatican News portal provide ongoing updates on these specific programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is invited to the lunch at Castel Gandolfo?
The initiative invites approximately 200 people from the Diocese of Rome who are currently facing significant social or financial difficulties, including those experiencing poverty, migration, or displacement.
What is the “Borgo Laudato si’”?
It is an educational and social center located within the papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo. It serves as a hub for the “Zentrum für höhere Bildung Laudato si’,” which focuses on the intersection of environmental protection and human dignity.
Is this a one-time event?
No, the event is now an annual tradition. Organizers intend to rotate the invitation process to include different dioceses in future iterations.
What is the role of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity?
The Dicastery coordinates with local church institutions to ensure that the individuals served by parishes and the Caritas are the central participants in these encounters, facilitating the logistical and social aspects of the visit.
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