Pope Leo XIV Urges Catholic Charities to Maintain Hope

Pope Leo XIV met on Monday with members of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities USA, the American member of Caritas Internationalis, the Church's charitable organization. In his address, he emphasized the importance of never succumbing to discouragement while facing the inherent challenges of providing care for the poor.

The Pope acknowledged the personal and institutional difficulties that those involved in charitable work often encounter. He noted that these challenges can include securing adequate resources and demonstrating to others that serving the disadvantaged is a crucial aspect of authentic Christian life. "These include finding sufficient resources, demonstrating to others that this type of service is an integral part of authentic Christian living, and not giving way to discouragement, particularly when we meet those whom we cannot help in the way that we would like," he said.

Pope Leo pointed out that Catholic Charities USA is "by no means immune from these challenges." He reminded the gathered members that it is during such difficult times that they should heed Jesus’ message: "I am with you always!" This encouragement followed the cuts made by the US government in late March 2026 to funding for vital programs, such as the one run by the Archdiocese of Miami that aided unaccompanied minors.

Continuing his encouragement, the Pope praised the "worthy efforts" of Catholic Charities USA in upholding the Lord's ministry of compassion. He discussed their role in alleviating suffering and finding solutions to inhumane situations. “In doing so, you seek to find solutions to inhumane situations, alleviate the suffering of individuals and families, and relieve the burden of those who are weighed down by hardship and strife," he remarked.

Pope Leo XIV reminded the Board of Directors that love for neighbor provides clear evidence of a Christian’s genuine love for God. He urged charitable workers to be motivated by the "desire to bring to others material aid with the love of the heart of Jesus, for it is in that love that they will find genuine rest and their dignity be respected." He explained that as they provide practical assistance, they come into contact with the flesh of Christ.

In his concluding remarks, Pope Leo XIV invited the Board to allow the hope of Easter, reflected in Christ’s Resurrection, to guide their work. “I offer good wishes for your noble mission and assure you and all of your colleagues of a remembrance in my prayers,” he said.