Pope Leo XIV Praises Roma, Sinti, and Travelers' Faith at Vatican Jubilee

Vatican City Hosts Historic Jubilee for Marginalized Communities

Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of Roma, Sinti, and Travelers at the Vatican on Saturday, October 18, 2025, during a special Jubilee event. Speaking from the Paul VI Hall, the Pontiff praised their enduring faith and unshakeable hope, which have persisted despite centuries of marginalization and exclusion. Approximately 4,000 pilgrims from more than 70 countries across Europe and beyond gathered for the significant occasion.

A Message of Faith and Resilience

In his address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the profound spiritual contribution of these communities to the Church. He stated that their 'strong faith, your unshakeable hope in God alone, your solid trust that does not yield to the hardships of a life often lived on the margins of society' serves to renew the Church's own faith. The Pope acknowledged the historical injustices faced by Roma, Sinti, and Travelers, noting that 'progressive' societies have frequently relegated them 'to the margins of cities, the margins of rights, the margins of education and culture.' He urged the attendees to continue placing their faith and hope entirely in God, encouraging them to be 'living witnesses to the centrality of these three things: trusting only in God, not attaching yourself to any worldly possessions, and demonstrating exemplary faith in words and deeds.'

Call for Dignity and Pastoral Care

Pope Leo XIV underscored the Church's inherent solidarity with the 'poor, the excluded, and the marginalized, with those considered society's 'discard.'' He encouraged pastoral workers serving these communities to intensify their efforts in areas such as education, family ministry, and intercultural dialogue. The Pontiff expressed his hope that 'every diocese will develop adequate pastoral attention dedicated to the Roma, Sinti and Caminanti communities, for true integral human growth.' The Jubilee celebration also marked sixty years since Pope Saint Paul VI's historic first meeting with these communities in Pomezia on September 26, 1965, providing a historical context for the ongoing commitment of the Holy See.

Building a World of Peace and Respect

During the event, Pope Leo XIV also engaged with children, emphasizing that peace begins with individual actions. He advised that 'If we want to change the world, we must start with ourselves, with our friends, our classmates, in our families,' and stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and promoting values that foster peace. The Jubilee was organized through a collaborative effort involving the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Migrantes Foundation, the Community of Sant'Egidio, and the Vicariate of Rome.