Nothing is sweeter than charity: Pope in Rome parish

On March 15, 2026, during his fifth Sunday visit to a parish of his Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV affirmed that God will always come “to bring light, hope, and peace to humanity.” During a Mass celebrated at the Church of Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Sacred Heart of Jesus), in northeast Rome, the Pontiff commended the local Christian community for its commitment to assisting foreigners, aiding the poorest, and supporting prisoners.

After making a firm call for peace during the Angelus prayer at midday, the Pope once again denounced war in his homily. He condemned those who wish to “involve God’s name in these choices of death.” Yet, “God cannot be enlisted in darkness,” the Pope affirmed.

The Holy Father's golden chasuble with a rose-colored lining marked the fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as “Laetare Sunday." The exceptional use of rose, used only twice in the liturgical year -- in the midst of Lent and Advent -- is a symbol of joy and hope as Easter approaches.

God always comes “to bring light, hope, and peace to humanity,” he affirmed, emphasizing that this was the message of this “Laetare” Sunday.

“Beyond any abyss into which man may fall because of his sins, Christ comes to bring a stronger light,” he continued.

The Pontiff then reflected on how people could “see with the eyes of God,” as the blind man does after his healing by Jesus in the Gospel of the day. This requires, first of all, “overcoming prejudices,” he affirmed, citing Jesus' example, who does not see the blind man as “an inferior being” but as “a beloved person in need of help.”

The 267th pope, who concelebrated this Mass with Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, then warned against the inability of some to “recognize, right before their eyes, the face of God.”

“Sometimes we, too, can be blind in this sense, when we fail to notice others and their problems,” he suggested.

“Your parish has faithfully carried out its mission for nearly 90 years, with particular attention to situations of poverty, marginalization, and emergency,” the Pope praised, noting the close proximity of the Rebibbia prison. It was in this prison that a Holy Door was open during the Jubilee of Hope.

The parish priest, Father Francis Refalo, spoke ahead of the visit that the proximity to this detention center constitutes a “special vocation for the parish” and that great attention is paid to the “brothers in detention.”

Citing the parish’s initiatives to assist the poorest and foreigners — such as housing assistance and language classes — the Pope recalled that “nothing is sweeter” than charity, according to St. Augustine. He therefore invited everyone to “nurture and spread” this gift.

Finally, Leo XIV congratulated the parishioners on “the vitality and generosity” with which they dedicate themselves to the education of young people and children within their community. A little earlier, upon his arrival at the Church of the Sacro Cuore di Gesù, Leo XIV had met with some of the parish’s children. He reminded them how fortunate they are to have a community “that truly knows how to welcome.”

See photos of the visit: