Pope Leo shares \u2018secret of Christian charity\u2019 with Little Sisters of the Poor Pope Leo XIV visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul on Friday, telling the community that Christian charity begins not with doing, but with being, i.e., living a real communion with those one serves. \u201cThe secret of Christian charity is that before being for others, we must first be with others in a communion based on fraternity,\u201d he said during the encounter on Nov. 28, the second day of his apostolic trip to Turkey, where he is marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. A papal stop at a charitable institution has become customary during international journeys, and Pope Leo chose to spend time with the elderly as a sign of closeness to those often marginalized in modern societies. Founded in France in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan, the Little Sisters of the Poor serve elderly people in need around the world, including in Turkey, where they welcome residents of different religious backgrounds. The pope was greeted at the residence by the mother superior, former superior, and provincial leader before proceeding to the chapel to meet residents, staff, and benefactors. Reflecting on the congregation\u2019s name, the pope told the Sisters that their mission mirrors the life of Christ himself. \u201cThe Lord has called you not only to assist or help the poor, but has also called you to be their \u2018sisters.\u2019 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.\u201d Turning to the residents, he warned that the word \u201celderly\u201d risks losing its meaning in cultures driven by efficiency and materialism. Such attitudes, he said, lead societies to forget the dignity and value of older persons. Scripture and tradition, by contrast, present the elderly as bearers of memory and wisdom. \u201cAs Pope Francis loved to repeat \u2013 the elderly are the wisdom of a people, a treasure for their grandchildren, families and society as a whole,\u201d he said. Pope Leo concluded by thanking the community for its patient, prayerful witness and prayed that the Lord would strengthen all who live and serve in the home. LIVE updates: Follow Pope Leo XIV\u2019s first Apostolic Journey to T\u00fcrkiye (Turkey) and Lebanon This article was originally published by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Elias Turk Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article PHOTOS: Live nativity takes to the streets of Rome Pope Francis highlights the importance of culture and faith in education during audience with Georgian university delegation Pope Francis to travel to Luxembourg and Belgium in September Pope Francis: “Carry a pocket Gospel with you in your bag, the Word close to your heart” St. Teresa of Calcutta added to Church calendar as optional memorial Pope Leo XIV to Anabaptists: Live the call to Christian unity with love<\/p>\n