Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting on Wednesday with people living with illnesses and disabilities inside the Paul VI Hall, offering a gesture of pastoral closeness ahead of the weekly General Audience in St Peter’s Square. The encounter was organized as a smaller and more personal gathering, departing from the usual arrangement in which a section of the square is reserved for the sick. The Pope explained that the decision was made to ensure greater comfort, particularly in light of colder weather conditions. Speaking informally, he acknowledged the physical challenges many face during the winter season and said the Vatican wished to protect participants from unnecessary exposure. The meeting reflected the Pope’s emphasis on attentiveness to vulnerability, as he greeted those present before proceeding later to the larger public audience.
During the encounter, Pope Leo addressed the group directly, expressing his desire to offer not only a greeting but also a blessing and a message for the Christmas season. He spoke of the joy associated with the celebration of Christ’s birth and prayed that it would accompany those present, along with their families and loved ones. The Pope encouraged them to place their confidence in God’s care, describing divine love as a source of strength that remains constant amid illness and uncertainty. Vatican officials present described the meeting as intentionally quiet and relational, allowing space for individual acknowledgment rather than formal addresses. The Pope emphasized reassurance and spiritual closeness rather than extended remarks, reinforcing the personal nature of the gathering.
Following his brief message, Pope Leo moved through the hall to greet participants individually before departing for the General Audience in St Peter’s Square. Observers noted that such encounters have become a consistent element of his pastoral style, particularly during major liturgical seasons. By choosing to meet privately with the sick in the days leading up to Christmas, the Pope underscored the Church’s focus on accompaniment and dignity for those facing physical hardship. The encounter took place within the broader context of Advent activities at the Vatican, as preparations continue for Christmas celebrations marked by themes of hope, care, and solidarity with the vulnerable.
