Pope Leo XIV receives a delegation of Vincentians from the USA

Pope Leo XIV received a delegation of 26 members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the United States on 28 August, in the Consistory Hall at the Vatican, during a meeting in which he thanked them for their commitment and highlighted the importance of spirituality and service as inseparable dimensions of the Vincentian vocation.

Welcoming the delegation, the Holy Father expressed his hope that their time in Rome would strengthen their faith and deepen their desire to serve the Lord and the Church. He also expressed his particular gratitude for their dedication to the Society of St Vincent de Paul and, through it, to so many people and communities across the United States.

The Pope praised the personal commitment of the Vincentians, noting that by freely offering the gifts and talents they have received, they provide an “eloquent witness to their faith” and contribute to building the Kingdom of God.

Prayer and social justice are inseparable

One of the central messages of the meeting was the need to keep action and spiritual life closely united. Leo XIV encouraged SSVP members to deepen their relationship with God, finding in it the strength and guidance they need for their service.

In this regard, he recalled the example of the Society’s patron saint: “Saint Vincent de Paul demonstrated that prayer and social justice are not merely complementary, but are in fact inseparable.”

The Holy Father therefore encouraged the Vincentians to continue turning to Saint Vincent de Paul, drawing inspiration from his example and trusting in his intercession.

Recognising Christ in our encounters with others

Leo XIV also reflected on the meaning of accompanying people in need. Recalling his Apostolic Exhortation *Dilexi te* and the teachings of Saint Augustine, he highlighted the profoundly Christ-centred dimension of this service: an encounter with our neighbour is also a place of encounter with Christ.

The Pope emphasised that serving others, when motivated by love, not only helps those going through difficult circumstances but also transforms those who serve and opens their hearts to God’s grace.

He therefore encouraged the Vincentians to continue giving themselves personally to their mission. In this way, he explained, they will be able to recognise Christ ever more clearly in their neighbour, both in the people they accompany and in those alongside whom they serve.

This message resonates particularly strongly with the vocation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, which since its beginnings has been rooted in closeness, personal encounter and accompaniment of people experiencing situations of vulnerability.

A greeting to the entire Vincentian family

Before concluding the audience, Leo XIV assured those present that they would return home accompanied by his prayers and asked them to convey his warm greetings to the other members of the Society and, in particular, to the people they accompany and serve.

The meeting concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and the Holy Father’s blessing. He entrusted the Vincentians to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Augustine, whose liturgical memorial was celebrated on 28 August.

John Berry, President of the SSVP in the United States and Special Delegate of the President General for this meeting, thanked the Holy Father for the audience and for his blessing upon all Vincentians throughout the world.

Pope Leo XIV with John Berry, President of the SSVP in the United States.

Images: © Vatican Media