Leo XIV’s greeting and blessing for a July 11 “lunch with the pope” in the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo.

Good morning, everyone, and welcome. Thank you for being here.

I have come without a prepared speech, but with hunger. A hunger for justice, a hunger for genuine charity, a hunger for a Church that truly knows how to open its doors, to welcome and receive everyone. A Church where there is love for all, where no one is an enemy, and where we all know how to live in reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.

As you know very well, one of the Pope's titles is "Pontiff," which means "builder of bridges." Today, we would like to build a bridge with all of you, with your families, and with the society in which we wish to live, and to live in justice. A place where the causes of poverty can be eliminated, where the causes of the injustices that still exist in our world can be overcome: This is the Church we want to be.

I thank all of you, and everyone responsible for organizing this wonderful meal and this event. Whenever we come together, whenever we share this spirit of encounter around the same table—the one table where Jesus is also present with us—we are truly building a different world: a world of hope, a world that is light. Too often, this reality is shattered by violence, hatred, and discrimination. Let us work together and always strive to live this experience of Church, of justice, of peace, and of love.

And now, let us ask the Lord to bless us and to bless this food, this common table that we are about to share.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

May Your blessing, Lord, come down upon us, upon each one of us, and upon this food that we are about to share, thanks to the generosity of so many benefactors. Bless our families. Bless all those who are in difficulty or suffering, that they too may find peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

And bless us, Lord, and these gifts which we receive from Your providence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Enjoy your meal! Welcome, everyone!