Pope Leo XIV has paid a private visit to the Santa Marta Home for the Elderly in Castel Gandolfo, offering words of comfort, encouragement, and spiritual closeness to the women residing there and to their carers. Source: Vatican News.
In a post on Telegram, the Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope was welcomed on Monday by the community of religious sisters who run the facility located in the same area as Villa Barberini, where the Pope is taking a brief summer break. He was then accompanied by the superior to the chapel, where he paused in silent prayer.
Afterwards, the Pope took time to greet each of the 20 elderly women living in the home, all aged between 80 and 101. He took time to speak with all of the residents and the sisters who care for them, listening to their stories and sharing words of affection.
A young nurse offered a few words of welcome, followed by a moment of shared prayer with hymns.
Addressing those present, Pope Leo reflected on the Gospel reading from the previous day’s Mass, drawing from the themes of the songs and Scripture.
“In each of us, there is a part of Martha and a part of Mary,” the Pope said, referring to the Gospel account of the two sisters who welcomed Jesus into their home. “This stage of life,” he added, “is a precious time to embrace the ‘Mary’ within us – to sit at the feet of Jesus, to listen to His word, and to pray.”
He expressed gratitude for the prayers of the elderly residents, affirming their value in the life of the Church.
“Prayer is so important, far greater than we can imagine,” he said. “Age doesn’t matter. It is Jesus who draws near to us. He becomes our guest and invites us to be His witnesses, whether young or not-so-young.”
FULl STORY
Pope Leo thanks residents at Home for the Elderly for their witness of faith (By Linda Bordoni, Vatican News)
