Pope Leo: Prayer and social justice are inseparable

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV met on Friday with a delegation from the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the United States of America.

Founded in 1833, the global organization seeks the sanctification of its members by personal service to the poor, and forms part of the Vincentian Family of Catholic organizations dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul.

In his address, Pope Leo thanked the group’s members for their devoted service to their brothers and sisters throughout the US.

“By freely offering your God-given gifts and talents,” he said, “you give eloquent witness to your faith in service to the building up of the Kingdom of God.”

The Pope encouraged them to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, so that He may guide their service to those most in need.

“Saint Vincent de Paul demonstrated that prayer and social justice are not merely complementary but in fact are inseparable,” he recalled, inviting the saint’s spiritual children to follow his example.

Pope Leo pointed to St. Augustine’s teaching that care for the poor is centered on Christ and that God will always be generous to those who serve them.

“We therefore believe that caring for others, when motivated by love, not only helps those in need, but also opens the heart of the giver to God’s grace,” he said.

The Pope then urged members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the United States to offer their time generously.

By serving Christ in the poor, he said, God’s grace will “steadily purify your hearts and minds, and you will more readily recognize Christ in your neighbor, both in those you serve and in those with whom you work.”

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV offered his warm greetings to all members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and all those whom they assist.

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