On October 9, 2025, the day of the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, we had the joy and honor of welcoming Pope Leo XIV to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
In an atmosphere of listening and fraternity, Pope Leo met with the members of the Dicastery, encouraging them in their daily commitment to the poorest and most marginalized. With simple but profound words, he reminded us of the promotion of social justice, solidarity with peoples affected by war, and the protection of the dignity of every individual.
In memory of his visit, the Pope expressed his gratitude with these words left in the Dicastery's guest book: “On the occasion of my visit to the Dicastery, on the same day as the publication of Dilexi Te, I thank all of you who make your work a true expression of the Church's mission. Thank you!”
The Holy Father concluded with a prayer and a blessing for all the Officials of the Dicastery and for those who carry out with dedication the Church's mission in the service of humanity throughout the world. On this occasion, the Holy Father also inaugurated the work of art entitled “The Tree of Human Dignity,” which depicts the history of the four Pontifical Councils that merged into the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on January 1, 2017.
Thank you, Holy Father, for your closeness, your guidance, and your witness of evangelical love.
