Pope Leo XIV Calls for Hope and Renewal During Visit to Acerra

Acerra, Italy, May 24, 2026: Pope Leo XIV called on communities to embrace responsibility, protect human dignity and work towards social and environmental renewal during his pastoral visit to Acerra, a town in southern Italy affected by pollution and organised crime.

Addressing clergy and faithful on Saturday, the Pope urged families, workers, young people and civic leaders to “walk together” and place human dignity at the centre of their decisions while resisting resignation in the face of long-standing challenges.

Acerra lies in the Campania region and forms part of the so-called “Land of Fires”, an area severely affected by illegal waste dumping and toxic fires over the past two decades. The environmental crisis has led to serious health concerns and placed heavy burdens on local communities.

Pope Leo encouraged believers to unite prayer with practical action, calling for a faith that reaches out to the wounds of society. He returned to the image of the Church as a “field hospital”, describing its mission as one of healing and restoring hope through daily acts of service, honest work and care for human life.

He praised parents and grandparents for their commitment to keeping families united despite economic hardships and urged young people not to surrender to despair but instead become “craftsmen of the common good”.

The Pope also addressed concerns surrounding unemployment, poverty and corruption, calling for “clean hands and a transparent heart”. He appealed for responsible stewardship of public resources and greater protection for the most vulnerable, particularly children and the elderly.

Turning to environmental concerns, Pope Leo stressed that caring for creation is a shared responsibility. “Creation is not a warehouse to be emptied, but a gift entrusted to our care,” he said, while urging collaboration between Church communities, institutions, universities and businesses to restore the land and strengthen local communities.

He also called for stronger support for families in need, ethical employment opportunities for young people, and education that promotes hope and moral responsibility.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo encouraged young people to value their homeland and play an active role in shaping its future. “Do not let anyone steal your tomorrow,” he said, urging them to rediscover the beauty of their land, faith and culture.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Hope and Renewal During Visit to Acerra

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