Although we all love St. Anthony because he is the go-to saint for finding things we've lost, Pope Leo today reminded us that he has another important patronage.
The Pope released the annual message for the World Day of the Poor today (a commemoration that Pope Francis established in 2017).
Although the World Day isn't celebrated till mid-November, the message is dated June 13, and there's an important reason for that.
Here's how Leo signed the message:
From the Vatican, 13 June 2025, Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of the Poor
LEO PP. XIV
St. Anthony's Bread
Why is St. Anthony the patron saint of the poor.
In their brief but fascinating biography of the saint, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement explain:
Many people give donations to help the poor in thanksgiving for gifts they’ve attributed to St. Anthony’s intercession. They call this St. Anthony’s bread.
The story of St. Anthony’s bread is said to have began in 1263, when a beloved child drowned near the basilica of St. Anthony. The child’s mother prayed for St. Anthony’s intercession and promised that if the child was restored to her, she would give the child’s weight in grain to the poor in order that they could make bread – a very great gift in a time of widespread poverty and hunger.
When the child was miraculously restored to life, the woman was true to her word and the tradition of giving alms to the poor in St. Anthony’s name was begun. It is a beautiful tradition of generosity and charity to the poor. And it is fitting that it is done in St. Anthony’s name, since he is the patron saint of the poor.
Pray for us!
So on this feast day of St. Anthony, let us remember that beyond searching for our lost things, he is also praying insistently for the poor of the world.
May he pray for us, that we might become poor in spirit, and may he pray for all those who lack what they need for a life befitting of human dignity. Amen.
Take our quiz below to find out how well you know St. Anthony.
