In a text Cardinal Parolin sent on his behalf, Leo XIV expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Caritas to the mission of the Church in helping those in need.
When Jesus restored health -- by healing a wide range of mental, physical, and spiritual afflictions that caused them to suffer pain, humiliation, and isolation -- he revealed the inherent dignity of every human being and our call to salvation.
Pope Leo XIV noted this as he sent his “cordial greetings” to the attendees at the Caritas International Health Gathering at Castel Gandolfo, held on June 23-25, 2026. In a message signed on his behalf by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, he assured them of his “spiritual closeness” and his prayers.
The pontiff expressed his desire that the event may “contribute to a new impetus for cooperation and solidarity in your efforts to improve healthcare to the sick based on Gospel values.”
Treating and healing the sick is not tangential to the Christian mission. “Indeed, Scripture often portrays Jesus as the Divine Physician,” Cardinal Parolin writes. He “brings salus to the infirm by healing a wide range of mental, physical and spiritual afflictions that caused them to suffer pain, humiliation and isolation.”
Revealing human dignity
This healing action of Jesus reveals the dignity inherent in “every human being simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created, and loved by God,” the message reads, quoting the Holy Father’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. This dignity of every person “transcends his or her individual circumstances.”
Leo XIV wished to encourage the Caritas International members to continue contributing to the “mission of the Church.” Their work helps demonstrate that “salvation is not an abstract idea but begins with the concrete action of healing the wounds of those who suffer,” the message says.
Caritas International, as explained on its website, is “a global confederation of 162 Catholic organizations working in more than 200 countries and territories.” They “serve the poor, vulnerable and excluded, regardless of race or religion, working together for a just world.”
Through the cardinal, the Pontiff expressed his confidence that their “work will always be directed to bringing God’s compassion and goodness to those most in need.”
The text closes with Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Blessing upon the event’s participants and their collaborators, “as a pledge of wisdom, strength and joy in the Lord.”
