Lenten campaign 2026
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"The sense of respect for elderly people has been lost," lamented Pope Leo XIV, referring to societies "where efficiency and materialism dominate," during a visit to a retirement home in central Istanbul on November 28, 2025. On the second day of his trip to Turkey, the Pontiff warmly praised the work of the religious congregation that runs the facility, the Little Sisters of the Poor.
In contrast, Sacred Scripture and good traditions teach us that – as Pope Francis loved to repeat – the elderly are the wisdom of a people, a treasure for their grandchildren, families, and society as a whole.
The retirement home visited by the Pope on Friday morning was opened in 1902 in the central district of Sisli, Istanbul, by the Little Sisters of the Poor. This congregation, which specializes in caring for the elderly, was founded by French saint Jeanne Jugan in 1839.
It is also well known in the United States, particularly as the congregation has had a religious freedom case before the Supreme Court, in defense of the right not to pay for artificial contraceptives on its insurance plans.
In the chapel of the establishment, in the presence of about 100 elderly people, employees, and benefactors, the Pontiff shared a time of prayer led by a choir composed of French-speaking African faithful. In a brief speech, he also expressed his gratitude to the nuns of the Little Sisters of the Poor, reflecting on the name of their congregation.
This is a beautiful name, and one that makes us think! Yes, the Lord has called you not only to assist or help the poor, but has also called you to be their “sisters!” You are to be like Jesus, whom the Father sent to us not only to help and serve us, but also to be our brother. The secret of Christian charity is that before being for others, we must first be with others in a communion based on fraternity.
The Pope also greeted the residents, who offered him many gifts.
Leo XIV then returned to the residence of the apostolic delegation, where he is staying in Istanbul. There he is scheduled to meet privately with a rabbi representing Turkey's small Jewish community, followed by lunch. He will then travel by helicopter to Iznik, the site of the Council of Nicaea held in 325.
This prayer meeting, the main purpose of his visit to Turkey, will be held at 3:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. in Rome, 7:30 am in New York).
