Charity unites prayer, action, and sacrifice, Pope tells Circle of Saint Peter

October 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV told members of the Circolo San Pietro (Circle of St. Peter) that charity unites the three words of its motto: prayer, action, and sacrifice.

The Circle of St. Peter, founded in 1869 at the behest of Blessed Pius IX, operates three kitchens where 45,000 meals are distributed each year to the poor of Rome. The apostolate also provides care for Alzheimer’s patients, shelter to the homeless, and temporary residences for families whose children are receiving treatment at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital.

“Reflecting on the three cornerstones of your charism—prayer, action and sacrifice—I would like to give you today a word that gathers them together in perfect harmony: charity,” Pope Leo said during the audience, which took place on October 11 in the Hall of Benediction.

After reflecting on the relation between charity and prayer, charity and action, and charity and sacrifice, Pope Leo said, “Dear friends, may charity always be the source of your prayer, the soul of your action, the expression of your spiritual sacrifice.”

Following the audience, the Pontiff met with children who had received treatment at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, as well as their families. He also blessed a thousand Rosaries for distribution to the large number of partcipants in the audience.

 

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Further information:

• To the Members of the Circle of St Peter (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 10/12/26)
• Pope: Charity is source of prayer, soul of action, expression of sacrifice (Vatican News, 10/12/26)
• La carità fonte della preghiera e anima dell’agire (L'Osservatore Romano, 10/12/26)