Pope Leo XIV Highlights Charity as the Heart of Prayer, Action and Sacrifice

Vatican City, 12 October 2026: Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to make charity the guiding principle of their prayer, actions and personal sacrifice, emphasising that love must find expression in service to the poor and vulnerable.

The Pope conveyed this message to members of the Circolo di San Pietro, a Rome-based charitable association, during a meeting at the Vatican on Monday, 12 October. Thanking them for their work, he said they “help shape the beautiful face of the Church, which bears witness to the Gospel among the poor and the most vulnerable.”

Drawing on the association’s motto, “prayer, action and sacrifice,” Pope Leo reflected on how charity brings these three elements together.

“May charity always be the source of your prayer, the soul of your action, and the expression of your spiritual sacrifice,” he told the members.

Prayer, action and sacrifice

The Pope described prayer as the foundation of charity, explaining that it nurtures the relationship between the faithful and God. Through prayer, Christians receive the love they are called to share with others.

“Prayer is precisely that relationship through which we receive the very charity we are called to give,” he said, encouraging the members to return continually to the Word of God and prayer for strength in their service.

Turning to action, Pope Leo explained that the love received from God should lead to a commitment to life and service. He emphasised that prayer must find expression in concern for others.

“Prayer becomes effective when it is directed toward our neighbour,” he noted. “Love must become the goal, the way, and the meaning of our lives.”

Reflecting on sacrifice, the Pope described it as an essential part of charity, helping Christians maintain a balance between prayer and action.

“In offering your time, your enthusiasm, and even your toil for the benefit of the least among us, you share in the very work of Christ, who loved us and gave his life for us,” he said.

Support for Peter’s Pence

During the meeting, Pope Leo also thanked the Circolo di San Pietro for presenting him with donations collected for Peter’s Pence throughout the Diocese of Rome.

Explaining the purpose of the contributions, he said Peter’s Pence “supports the Bishop of Rome’s care for this city and, at the same time, helps meet the needs of the Apostolic See in its service to the entire Church.”

Founded in 1869, the Circolo di San Pietro assists people in need through initiatives that include soup kitchens, welcome centres and shelters.

Through his address, Pope Leo highlighted charity as the link between prayer, practical service and personal sacrifice in the Christian life.

Courtesy: Vatican News.