During the Pope’s visit to the Don Orione Care Center in Argentina, Pope Leo prays that Christ’s love may triumph over individualism and exclusion, reminding Argentinians that “charity will save the world” because “God is love.”
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Leo XIV visited the Don Orione Care Center in Claypole, Argentina, on the second day of his Apostolic Journey to the country, spending time with the staff and people receiving care there.
The Holy Father had arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday afternoon, after concluding his visit to Uruguay.
Founded in 1935 by St Luigi Orione, the Pequeño Cottolengo is a centre dedicated to welcoming and caring for people with disabilities.
It is home to more than 400 residents across 14 residential homes, on a site covering approximately 50 hectares.
During his visit, the Pope commended the work and commitment of those who serve the center, describing the Cottolengo as a place where charity is visible in everyday gestures and relationships.
The Holy Father stressed that people with disabilities are not a burden on society, but a blessing.
A true measure of a nation’s progress
“The values of dignity, belonging, and fraternal friendship that distinguish places like this,” Pope Leo XIV observed, “have much to say to our societies, which are often driven solely by the pursuit of economic success or the cult of outward appearance.”
The Pope went on to suggest that “a nation’s progress is also measured by how it welcomes all people with disabilities and particular needs.”
With this sentiment, Pope Leo expressed his hope that thousands of young people would volunteer in works of charity and that a new generation of saints devoted to charity might emerge in the country.
He also encouraged everyone to respond to the universal call to holiness by placing their gifts at the service of those most in need.
Pope Leo during visit to the Don Orione Cottolengo in Argentina
Charity will save the world because God is love
The Pope expressed his hope that Argentina would be capable of carrying out great works of charity, reiterating that “charity will save the world,” because “God is love.”
In his reflection on charity and the love of Christ, the Pope recalled the relic of Don Orione’s heart kept in the community’s chapel, describing it as a testament to the deep bond between the Italian priest and Argentina.
Finally, Pope Leo reaffirmed, “the love of Christ triumphs over individualism and exclusion.”
