On May 8, 2026, on the anniversary of his election, Pope Leo XIV visited Naples and Pompeii.
Remarks by the Holy Father before the meeting with the bishops, clergy, and men and women religious
“Hello, Naples! Good morning! I have come to Naples to experience the warmth that only Naples can offer! Thank you for this welcome! Thank you! It is a blessing from God that we are gathered here together; I am very happy to be here this afternoon: a brief but very meaningful time. And this first stop right here at the Duomo, the Cathedral of Naples, where I also wish to pay homage to Saint Januarius, so important to your devotion, your faith!
I greet His Eminence, all of you—thank you for being here. We will pray together and ask for God’s blessing upon all of you, upon all of Naples. Thank you! Thank you!”
And Naples welcomed Pope Leo XIV with open arms, with enthusiastic public participation.
The Sisters of Charity also took part with faith, joy, and gratitude, embracing the special grace of this visit in the heart of the Bicentennial of the Foundress’s assumption into heaven, who spent years in Naples dedicated to active charity, facing challenges that seemed to exceed the strength of both Mother Thouret and the small group of French sisters who arrived in Naples in 1810.
On August 24, 1826, at Regina Coeli in Naples, in peace, Giovanna Antida surrendered her generous soul to God, surrounded by the affection of her companions in this adventure: “When God calls and we listen to Him, He provides everything that is necessary.”
The following is a testimony from the Sisters of Charity, who are present in Naples:
“Hello, Naples!”: the Pope’s voice rang out movingly at the entrance to Naples Cathedral. He continued: “I have come to Naples to find that warmth that only Naples can offer!”
Yes, Naples welcomed the Pope with all its distinctiveness, with its unique way of living the faith… and also with pizza and sfogliatella, which cannot be found anywhere else like they are in Naples.
It was a brief moment, but I was able to perceive and experience it as something deeply meaningful.
There we were, we Sisters of Charity, together with the Neapolitan people, carrying in our hearts the sentiment of our dear Mother Thouret: “I am a daughter of the Church; be so with me.” In the Cathedral of Naples, a city of a thousand colors, as I looked around I saw the whole world gathered there: the universal Church was made manifest. We were laypeople and consecrated persons, coming from many countries across four continents; each bringing their own culture and the charism to which they belong, but all united in the communion of a single fundamental charism: the Charity of Christ, through which we have been brought together.
From his rich exhortation, two aspects have remained deeply imprinted on my heart: inner care and the call to embody the Gospel message in pastoral ministry. This message touched me deeply as a Sister of Charity living out the mission in this ancient city, yet one that is constantly renewing itself.
I sensed the encouragement of a tender father toward his children: “Inner care is care for our heart, our humanity, and our relationships,” so as to create space for the embodiment of the Gospel message. For only when we become the Lord’s “living temple” can we be true witnesses of Hope.
The Successor of Peter stood among us like a father who loves his children, who does not draw them to himself, but urges them to step outside themselves so they may encounter the Risen One, practicing the art of closeness. At this historic moment of his pontificate, with paternal tenderness he whispered to us: “Do not forget: you are part of a love story—that of the Lord for his people—which began before you and does not end with you; you are part of it as unique and necessary threads; you are part of it so that, even in the thickest darkness, you may kindle a light.”
And the choir welcomed the Pope by singing: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” And we were there, as the community of “Regina Coeli,” in communion with the Church of Naples, and we felt that we were truly welcoming the Disciple of the Risen Christ.
Pope, we love you so much!
