Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Marsodeto Federation at the Vatican on Monday, August 24, commending the Spanish NGO for its dedicated support of individuals with intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. Visiting Rome on a pilgrimage to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their founding, the delegation from Toledo was praised by the Pontiff for their hidden, arduous work, which he described as deeply gratifying because it uncovers the face of Jesus Christ in every person served.
Emphasizing the central values of the federation—solidarity, human dignity, and complete inclusion—the Pope highlighted how their mission witnesses directly to the Gospel. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he noted that recognizing Christ in the lives of the weakest and most vulnerable is essential for the growth of both a human and Christian society. He recalled that caring for the vulnerable acts as a tangible proof of faith, driven by the love of Christ.
Founded in 1980 by Fr. Marcelino Casas Puente, the Marsodeto Federation was built on the goal that no family caring for a person with an intellectual disability should ever be left without assistance. Today, the organization supports more than 2,600 people. Concluding the audience, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the members to the protection of the Virgin Mary, encouraging them to keep their gaze fixed on the Lord so the federation remains a vital point of reference for both the Church and broader society.