Q: What was the main purpose of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Istanbul?
A: Pope Leo XIV visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul to share his “secret of Christian charity” and to show closeness to the elderly, who are often marginalized in society.
Q: What is Pope Leo’s “secret of Christian charity”?
A: He believes Christian charity starts not with what you do, but with “being” – meaning living in true communion and fraternity with the people you serve, essentially being “with” them before “for” them.
Q: Why did Pope Leo choose to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor?
A: This stop highlights a papal custom during international trips to visit charitable institutions, and in this case, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity and value of the elderly, seeing them as a treasure of wisdom.
Q: What message did Pope Leo share with the residents and community members about the elderly?
A: He warned against societies that devalue the word “elderly” due to efficiency and materialism, reminding everyone that Scripture and tradition view older persons as bearers of memory and wisdom, a treasure for society.
Pope Leo shares ‘secret of Christian charity’ with Little Sisters of the Poor
