Follow Christ and be active in the Church’s life, Pope tells poor, disabled in Rimini

August 24, 2026

In a brief address in Rimini Cathedral, Pope Leo XIV encouraged people who are disabled, poor, or sick to encounter Jesus Christ and take an active part in the life of the Church.

“This is the Cathedral of Rimini, and here you are at home,” Pope Leo said on August 22 in his Italian-language address. “Yes, because the Lord Jesus, when he met people who were sick, or with disabilities, or poor, welcomed them and put them at the center, to heal them, to give them back a life according to their dignity. In this way he showed everyone the signs of God’s love, of his infinite mercy.”

Those who were healed “often followed him and became part of the community of disciples,” the Pope continued. “This is what we too must do: let ourselves be healed by Jesus, let ourselves be forgiven, converted, and then walk together in his Church, the community that he formed to bring to everyone the Gospel of his victory over sin and death. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I thank you and encourage you always to follow the Lord by participating actively in the life of the Church.”

 

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Further information:

• Pastoral Visit to the City of Rimini: Meeting with the sick, disabled and poor assisted by Caritas (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 8/22/26)