In a heartfelt address, Pope Leo XIV has praised the American holiday of Thanksgiving, labelling it a "beautiful feast" that transcends religious boundaries to bring people together.
A Message of Gratitude from Castel Gandolfo
The Pontiff made his remarks on Tuesday 25 November 2025, responding to questions from journalists as he departed his weekly retreat at Castel Gandolfo. He expressed his profound thankfulness for fundamental gifts, stating he was grateful for, "First and foremost, the gift of life. The gift of the faith. The gift of unity."
Thanksgiving: A Unifying Celebration
Pope Leo specifically highlighted the inclusive nature of the US celebration. He described it as a powerful occasion that unites "people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith" in the simple, shared act of giving thanks. This marks a significant acknowledgment of the holiday's cultural power beyond its religious connotations.
The Pope's first Thanksgiving as the head of the Catholic Church will be spent abroad, as he embarks on his inaugural foreign trip to Turkey.
