‘Be Missionaries of the Gospel’

Pope Leo XIV visited the Maison Bakhita center in Paris on Saturday, September 26, to meet with migrants and refugees receiving social integration services. During his visit to the facility, which is run by the Archdiocese of Paris, the Pope thanked the staff and volunteers for providing support and friendship to those assisted by the center.

The Pope cited the center's patron, Saint Josephine Bakhita, as an example of how to recognize the dignity of every person. He noted that women play a fundamental role in building a civilization of love that serves as an alternative to cultures that cause loneliness and community division.

Pope Leo XIV stated that the history of the Church and humanity is shaped by those who build trust and peace rather than those who seek to dominate others. He described the poor as the flesh of Christ and encouraged people to share both spiritual and material gifts, noting that everyone has something to give regardless of their wealth.