CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy: Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday praised Thanksgiving as a “beautiful celebration” that unites people of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, as he shared a message of gratitude ahead of the U.S. holiday.
Speaking to reporters as he departed Castel Gandolfo—where he spends Mondays and Tuesdays resting and playing tennis—the Pope reflected on the importance of gratitude and acknowledging life’s blessings.
“I am grateful for so many things,” he said. “Above all, the gift of life, the gift of faith, and the gift of unity.” 
The Pope emphasized that Thanksgiving is unique in its ability to bring together believers and non-believers alike in a shared expression of gratitude. He described it as a time when people, regardless of religious belief, come together simply to give thanks.
Leo XIV will observe his first Thanksgiving as Pope while in Turkey, marking the holiday during his first official overseas visit.
