Pope calls for new generation of Argentine saints devoted to charity

November 10, 2026

Telling persons with disabilities that “your lives are not a burden on society,” Pope Leo XIV expressed his wish that “Argentina may be capable of performing great works of charity,” where “the love of Christ triumphs over individualism and exclusion.”

“I dream of thousands of young people volunteering to contribute to the great legacy of charity that the sincere and simple faith of the Argentinian people has built up over the centuries,” Pope Leo continued. “I dream that a new generation of saints devoted to charity might be forged in Argentina!”

The Pontiff made his remarks on November 9, the fourth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program), as he visited the Don Orione Care Center in Claypole, a small Argentine city less than 20 miles from Buenos Aires (video). An estimated 100,000 people lined the road during his car ride to Claypole, and 3,000 stood outside the care center as the Pontiff arrived.

The center is named after St. Luigi Orione (1872-1940), whose incorrupt heart the Pontiff venerated during his visit.

The saint “wanted this place to be known as a ‘city of charity,’“ Pope Leo said. “He prayed and worked for many years to build it, trusting deeply in divine providence and driven by love for the weak and poor of society, who were often ignored and left to fend for themselves. As I reflected on the longing in the heart of Don Orione, a father and shepherd, three “cities” came to mind—places where Jesus, too, breathed the fresh air of freely given charity. They are Bethlehem, Nazareth and Bethany.”

“The values of dignity, belonging, and fraternal friendship that distinguish places like this 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 added. “Today I would like to affirm that your lives are not a burden on society. They are a blessing, because you can help us to remember the foundation of the dignity of every human being and what is truly important in life. A nation’s progress is also measured by how it welcomes all people with disabilities and particular needs.”

The Pontiff described St. Luigi Orione’s heart as a “testament to the deep bond that united this holy Italian priest to the land of Argentina. His incorrupt heart continues to remind us that ‘charity will save the world,’ because ‘God is love’ (1 Jn 4:8) and ‘love never ends’“ (1 Cor 13:8).

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Argentina: Visit to the Staff and Residents of the “Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione de Claypole” (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/9/26)
• Visit to the Staff and Residents of the “Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione de Claypole" (Holy See Press Office, 11/9/26)
• Pope Leo finds 'a family’ at Don Orione center in Claypole (Vatican News, 11/9/26)
• Pope in Argentina: 'May Christ's love triumph over all individualism and exclusion' (Vatican News, 11/9/26)