Pope Leo XIV will share lunch Aug. 17 with 100 people experiencing poverty in the Diocese of Albano, Italy, in a meal that organizers say was planned so that “our poor will be the first to dine with the Pope.”
The lunch will follow Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano, with some guests participating in the liturgy, Vatican News reported. Afterward, the group will gather in Borgo Laudato Si’, a garden area within the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope and guests will sit together at a single, shared table.
“The homeless people who will be dining with the Pope on Sunday in the Pontifical Villas have asked us for the chance to take a shower — and to receive clean, nice clothes to wear for the occasion,” said Alessio Rossi, director of Caritas Albano, the diocesan charitable agency coordinating the event.
Local cafés and pizzerias are contributing to the meal, which will be served by a catering company from Albano.
Guests come from Caritas shelters and centers across the region, including programs for the homeless, families in social housing, and individuals receiving psychological support. Rossi said that many will arrive early to prepare.
“Many have said they’ll be at Caritas Albano as early as 8 a.m. to prepare for Mass with the Pope,” he said. “A number of homeless guests told us they are eager to talk with him — to share their life stories and hardships. They’re ready — and very moved.”
Rossi said the idea came after Pope Leo’s pastoral visit to Albano in July. Rossi proposed the plan to Bishop Vincenzo Viva, who presented it to the Holy Father.
“The bishop asked the Pope, and told us that he was very pleased with the idea,” Rossi said.
Looking ahead to the gathering, Rossi added, “We want to create a completely family-like atmosphere.”