Catholic Charities USA encouraged by Pope amid challenges of service
Pope Leo XIV offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the leadership of Catholic Charities USA during a meeting on Monday at the Vatican, affirming their mission to serve the poor and vulnerable as “a manifestation of Christ’s love for humankind.”
Speaking to journalists after the papal audience, Kerry Alys Robinson, president of the organisation – the American branch of Caritas Internationalis – said the Pope expressed appreciation “that the work of Catholic Charities across all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia is a manifestation of Christ’s love for humankind and serves as a beacon of hope.”
She said that Pope Leo recognised the suffering endured by those assisted by Catholic Charities “is compounded and exacerbated by poverty.” The Holy Father, she added, also acknowledged the challenges faced by those engaged in charitable ministry and urged the delegation to remain steadfast in their service.
“He reminded us that we are in the season of Easter and that, while it is difficult to bear witness to human suffering day after day, we should remember Christ’s promise: ‘I am with you always,’” she said.
Robinson described the encounter as “deeply moving,” adding that the Pope’s words left the delegation “confirmed in our commitment to serve poor and vulnerable people of all backgrounds, of all faiths.”
Asked about the Pope’s reference in his address to the difficulties confronting Catholic Charities, Robinson said she understood his remarks primarily in spiritual and pastoral terms.
“I heard them in light of the reality that this work is hard because you are bearing witness to human suffering every day,” she said. “There never seems to be enough resources to meet the plight of poor families and communities.”
She added that Pope Leo’s words reflected an understanding that charitable service is not merely administrative or logistical, but relational and evangelical.
“He was essentially saying: I know this is not easy,” Robinson said. “When you know the names of your clients, when you know their stories, and see their humanity, the relationship becomes a two-way street. We are reminded how close God is to the poor.”
