Pope Leo XIV has called politicians “the highest form of charity”—echoing Pope Pius XI—in a message to government leaders from around the world gathered at the Vatican for the Jubilee of the Governments: 

“If we consider the service that political life renders to society and to the common good, it can truly be seen as an act of Christian love.”

More than 68 national delegations attended the special Jubilee weekend—an event that reaffirms the Church’s dialogue with civil authority. Among them, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and top ministers stood alongside diplomats and civil servants in the Vatican.

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The gathering wasn’t just symbolic. Pope Leo XIV went on to warn that ignoring the cries of the poor leads to injustice and war—calling on governments to promote equitable resource distribution as a path to peace:

“Those who live in extreme conditions cry out... and often find no ears willing to hear their plea. This imbalance generates persistent injustice, which readily leads to violence and, sooner or later, to the tragedy of war. Sound politics, on the other hand, by promoting the equitable distribution of resources, can offer an effective service to harmony and peace both domestically and internationally.”

The participants walked through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing a spiritual renewal of their mission as public servants.

The largest single delegation came from Italy’s National Institute of Social Security—known as INPS. Over 5,000 employees traveled from every region of Italy to represent their commitment to public service.

Leading the delegation was Valeria Vittimberga, Director General of INPS, who highlighted how the Church’s social teaching continues to inspire their mission:

“The Church’s social doctrine, and this new Pope’s inspiration drawn from Rerum Novarum, give us great momentum because they always lead us to place at the center the dignity of work and the dignity of the person… to understand that behind every one of our actions, there is a human being.”

Francesco Militello, Team Leader in the Director General’s Office, echoed the Jubilee’s theme of hope—joining not only as a leader, but as a husband and father:

“It means a lot because the theme of hope is very dear to us, especially in this delicate moment in history when we see so much suffering in the world. Taking part in these occasions is, for us, a way to pray.”

As evening fell, Jubilee participants gathered outside St. Peter’s Square for a concert titled “Harmonies of Hope.”

International musicians—including American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, and performers from Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan—took the stage in a cultural celebration of peace and unity through music.

The Jubilee of the Governments concluded with the Corpus Christi Mass at St. John Lateran, followed by a solemn Eucharistic procession to Santa Maria Maggiore.

FIND THE POPE'S BIOGRAPHY HERE

Adapted by Jacob Stein

Produced by Alexey Gotovosky; Camera by Sergio Natoli; Video Edited by Ilaria Chimenti; Special thanks & Credits: Vatican Media