CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) – On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of "merciful compassion" towards the world's impoverished individuals, victims of tyranny and wars, while celebrating Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova church, which holds special spiritual connections to his Augustinian order.

This visit is part of Leo's vacation at Castel Gandolfo, a tradition for popes during the summer, located south of Rome. During the Mass, he highlighted the legacy of St. Thomas of Villanova, a 16th-century Spanish saint known for his dedication to teaching and his support for the poor, having given away his wealth to those in need. This saint is particularly significant as he is the patron of Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University, located outside Philadelphia.

In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, calling on attendees to act with empathy and compassion akin to that of God. He noted that the way in which individuals view others reflects their hearts, stating, “We can look and walk by, or we can look and be moved with compassion.” He stressed the relevance of this perspective when encountering those victimized by oppressive political systems, forced poverty, or the devastating impacts of war.

Consistently throughout his papacy, Leo has embraced his identity as an Augustinian, integrating principles from 5th-century theologian St. Augustine into his teachings. The Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the priest of St. Thomas of Villanova parish, expressed the joy that Pope Leo's presence has brought to the town, emphasizing the remarkable connection between the first Augustinian pope and the local history.

Rozmus remarked, “St. Thomas of Villanova was an Augustinian saint, and so with him (Leo) returns to the beginning of his history, of his spirituality.” Pope Leo is currently on a two-week vacation at Castel Gandolfo but has already engaged in significant activities, including meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and celebrating a special Mass focused on environmental stewardship.

The pope plans to return to the Vatican at the end of July and is expected to come back to Castel Gandolfo for another period in August. The reinstitution of the papal summer tradition has generated excitement in the local community, marking a connection to the church's past and an ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary social issues.