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Pontifical Greetings of Pope Leo to “lunch with the pope“
Laudato si Village, Gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo)
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Good morning everyone and welcome!
Thank you for being here.
I came without words, but with hunger.
I came with a hunger for justice and authentic charity.
I came with a hunger for a church that truly knows how to open its doors and welcome everyone.
I want a church where there is love for all, where no one is an enemy, and where we all know how to live reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.
As you know, the Pope’s titles include “Pontiff,” which means “builder of bridges.”
Today, we would like to build a bridge with all of you, your families, and the society in which we want to live—a society based on justice.
We want to be a Church that eliminates the causes of poverty and injustice in our world.
I would like to thank everyone who organized this beautiful lunch and event.
When we come together and share a meal, we are truly building a different world, a world of hope and light.
This reality is often broken by violence, hatred, and discrimination. Let us work together and always strive to embody the values of the Church: justice, peace, and love.
So, let us ask the Lord to bless us and bless this food and this table that we share together.
In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
May your blessing descend upon us, Lord – upon each one of us and upon this food that we will now share, thanks to the generosity of so many benefactors.
Bless our families and all those who are experiencing difficulty or pain.
May they find peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, too.
Bless us, Lord, and these gifts we receive from your providence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
