caritas

Pope Leo XIV ended his summer retreat in a way that few world or religious leaders would — by celebrating Mass with the poor and then sharing lasagna, roast veal and a homemade dessert called “Dolce Leone” with more than a hundred homeless people, refugees and Caritas volunteers.

For Caritas volunteers, the gesture reinforced their mission.

Janinna Sesa, who met Prevost while she worked for the church's Caritas nonprofit, told the Associated Press during torrential rains in 2022 he waded through mud to help people in Chiclayo and nearby villages.

For now, Caritas will have to wait until Israel reopens the aid corridor - but when that happens, they say they will be ready.

Following a request by Pope Francis, the vehicle used during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014 is being refitted with everything needed for frontline care in a war zone, charity organisation Caritas, which is overseeing the project, said.