Vatican to mark 10th World Day of the Poor with Mass, lunch, and donated hygiene kits

On Nov. 15, the Dicastery for Evangelization will celebrate the 10th World Day of the Poor with Mass for people in need in St. Peter’s Basilica. Lunch with Pope Leo XIV will follow a week later on Nov. 22, after his trip in South America.

According to the Vatican, lunch will include ice cream donated by Guttilla Gelateria and will be accompanied by music from the National Fanfare of the Italian Red Cross. At the end, participants will leave with a personal hygiene kit donated by Procter & Gamble.

With Pope Leo completing his tour of South America, he has designated Archbishop Luis Marin de San Martin, OSA, prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, to celebrate the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Nov. 15.

Free healthcare at the heart of the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV visits a new outpatient clinic for people in need in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 14, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Founded in 2015 under Pope Francis, the Madre di Misericordia Clinic, and, since 2025, the San Martino Clinic, continue to offer free medical consultations and medication to the poor and homeless in Rome. During the week of the World Day of the Poor, the clinics will be open for longer…