Pope Celebrates Mass at Augustinian Parish – Chicago Tribune
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Compassion for the World’s Dispossessed from Castel Gandolfo
Table of Contents
Pontiff’s Homily Emphasizes Empathy adn Augustinian Spirituality
Castel Gandolfo, Italy (AP) – Pope Leo XIV, during a Sunday Mass at the church of San Tomás de Villanueva, issued a powerful plea for “merciful compassion” for the world’s poor, victims of tyranny, and those affected by war. His address, delivered from the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, resonated with themes of empathy and the Augustinian tradition that deeply influences his papacy.
A Spiritual Homecoming at San Tomás de Villanueva
The choice of the Church of San Tomás de Villanueva held particular meaning,as it boasts strong spiritual ties to the Augustinian religious order,to which pope Leo XIV belongs. The 16th-century Spanish theologian, San Tomás de Villanueva, was a prominent figure within the Augustinians, known for his profound care for the poor and his dedication to distributing his wealth to those in need. His legacy is also linked to the University of villanova, near Philadelphia, which shares his name and patron saint.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV drew parallels between the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan and the contemporary challenges faced by vulnerable populations. He urged the faithful to cultivate empathy, stating, “What counts is how we look at others, because it shows what is in our hearts. We can look and pass by, or we can look and be moved by compassion.”
The Pope specifically highlighted the plight of those who have been “dispossessed, stolen and looted, victims of tyrannical political systems, an economy that forces them to poverty and wars that kill their dreams and their own lives.” His message underscored a consistent theme as his election: his identity as an Augustinian and his commitment to the teachings of the 5th-century theologian, saint Augustine.
Augustinian Roots and Papal Tradition
The return of a Pope to Castel Gandolfo has been a source of joy for the local community. reverend Tadeusz Rozmus, the parish priest of San Tomás de Villanueva, expressed the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s presence, noting the spiritual connection between the pontiff and the parish’s patron saint. “San Tomás de Villanueva was an Augustinian saint, and so with him (León) returns to the beginning of his history, of his spirituality,” Rozmus commented.
Pope Leo XIV initially planned a two-week vacation at Castel Gandolfo. However, his stay has already included notable events, such as receiving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meeting with a group of religious superiors, and celebrating a special Mass dedicated to the care of God’s creation. He is expected to return to the Vatican later in July before another period of rest in August.
Winfield reported from Rome.
Associated Press’s religion coverage receives support through the collaboration of AP with The Conversation Us, with financing from Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content.
This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
Originally Published: July 13, 2025 at 4:29 AM CDT