Pope Leo XIV at Last Public Audience before Entering Hospital says "The charity generated by the Holy Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts: a love that becomes a commitment to life and service." FULL TEXT

Pope Leo XIV in his last public audience before entering the hospital for surgery met with the Circolo San Pietro. The association founded in 1869, which, "in the name of the Pope," reaches "many needy people" in the city of Rome, offering daily meals, "night shelters for the homeless," "housing for families in difficulty," and other services. "A praiseworthy work," Leo XIV called it, receiving approximately 800 members in audience today, October 12, in the Hall of Blessings of the Apostolic Palace.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE CIRCOLO SAN PIETRO
Hall of Blessing on Monday, October 12, 2026
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Dear brothers and sisters, welcome!

I am very pleased to welcome the Circolo San Pietro for the first time.

I sincerely thank the President and all of you members who have gathered today.

Since 1869, your worthy Association has reached out, on behalf of the Pope, to many needy people in our beloved city of Rome, offering the meals you distribute daily, night shelters for the homeless, housing for families in difficulty, and other services. It is a praiseworthy work, fulfilling the Lord's commandment of a charity that, in secret, awaits its reward from God alone (cf. Mt 6:3-4). You help shape the beautiful face of the Church, which bears witness to the Gospel among the poor and the least. Thank you!

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

First and foremost, prayer is the foundation of charity. It is no coincidence that the first word of your motto refers to the bond with God. One can only give what one has received. And prayer is precisely that relationship through which we receive the same 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 perspective toward which we direct the love received from God. Prayer, in fact, becomes effective when it is directed toward others. The charity generated by the Holy Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts: a love that becomes a commitment to life and service. This love must become the goal, style, and meaning of our lives.

The third pivot around which your charism revolves, sacrifice, finally, refers to the heart of charity, showing us how to live the balance between prayer and action. "True sacrifice," writes Saint Augustine, "is every work by which we strive to unite ourselves in holy communion with God. Therefore, even the good with which we help man, if it is not done in relation to God, is not sacrifice. Indeed, although the sacrifice is accomplished and offered by man, it is something divine" ( De Civitate Dei , X, 6). In offering your time, your enthusiasm, and even your toil for the benefit of the least of our brothers, you participate in the very work of Christ, who loved us and gave his life for us. United in his sacrifice, therefore, it is no longer we who live, but Christ himself who lives in us (cf. Gal 2:20).

Dearest ones, may charity always be the source of your prayers, the soul of your actions, and the expression of your spiritual sacrifice.

I am grateful for the Peter's Pence you present today as a sign of your fidelity and devotion to the Holy Father. Your devotion is ever present with me, for I also always carry the gift you gave me at my election, and I thank you sincerely. It supports—and here I speak of the Peter's Pence you present today—the Bishop of Rome's concern for this city and, at the same time, supports the needs of the Apostolic See in its service to the entire Church.

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