Castel Gandolfo – This morning, Pope Leo XIV paid a visit to the “Santa Marta” retirement home, located in the small town of Castel Gandolfo. Warmly welcomed by the religious community that manages the facility, the Pontiff was accompanied by the Mother Superior to the chapel, where he paused for a moment of prayer. He then wished to personally greet the elderly residents, all aged between 80 and 101, exchanging words of closeness, attentiveness, and encouragement, and taking time to speak with the religious sisters who serve at the home.
The encounter took place in a family-like atmosphere, enlivened by songs and a short communal prayer. A young nurse greeted the Pope, to which Leo XIV responded with a brief spiritual reflection, drawing inspiration both from the hymns sung during the visit and from yesterday’s Gospel.
In his remarks, the Pope referred to the evangelical figures of Martha and Mary, recalling that each person contains both dimensions: active service and contemplative listening. This stage of life, he said, is an opportunity to rediscover the “heart of Mary”, dedicating oneself to prayer and to listening to the Word. “Age is irrelevant,” he remarked. “It is Jesus who draws near, who makes himself a guest in our lives.”
Leo XIV then thanked the women for their prayers, calling them “far more important than we can imagine,” and added: “You are signs of hope. You have given much in life and continue to be a witness of prayer, of faith. A family that offers to the Lord what it has.”
At the end of the visit, the Pontiff returned to Villa Barberini, where he is staying during these summer days of rest.
