Pope Leo XIV met on Tuesday evening in the Vatican with more than a hundred leaders of Hispanic ministry from the United States. He encouraged them to be witnesses of God’s love and to accompany especially the poor and migrants. He reminded them that “God never abandons anyone” and thanked them for their pastoral service, calling it a sign of hope and faith in a world wounded by violence and hatred.
Vatican News
“You have a very great task in your hands—to accompany people who truly, deeply need a sign that God never abandons anyone: the least, the poorest, the stranger, everyone.”
With these words, Pope Leo XIV addressed about a hundred representatives and leaders of Hispanic ministry in the United States, whom he met on Tuesday in the early evening in the courtyard of Saint Damasus at the Apostolic Palace. Leading the group, which included pilgrims from more than 50 dioceses, was Elisabeth Román, president of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry.
Witnesses of welcome in a suffering world
Welcomed with warm applause and joy as he stepped down from the Popemobile and approached the microphone, the Pope gave an unscripted greeting in Spanish. He welcomed his guests to the Vatican, calling it “the place of Saint Peter’s martyrdom.” “It is a joy to meet you all and to be able to give you a blessing,” he said, emphasizing the meaning and importance of Hispanic ministry in the U.S. “You, through the service you offer in ministry, are clearly that testimony that is so important—perhaps especially in the United States, but also throughout the world, a world that suffers so much from war, violence, and hatred,” Pope Leo XIV said.
“We are the Body of Christ”
He concluded by reminding them: “We, as followers of Jesus, as disciples, want to live the Gospel.” And before giving his blessing, he added: “Thank you for everything you do. May God bless you, may He strengthen you, and may your hearts always be filled with faith and hope, so that you can share with others that sign which is truly the fruit of God’s grace, of God’s love for all of you.” The meeting ended with the recitation of the Our Father and an Ave Maria, entrusting the evangelizing mission of Hispanic ministry in the United States to the Virgin Mary. As the Pope greeted each person individually and exchanged a few words with them, the song “Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo / We are the Body of Christ” was sung.
