Archdiocesan leader meets Pope Leo: ‘A moment I will never forget’

As the executive director of Catholic Charities in the archdiocese, David Bethuram experienced an “incredible moment” in meeting Pope Leo XIV on May 4 at the Vatican. (Photo by Vatican Media-Produzione Fotografica)

By John Shaughnessy

The moment was brief, but David Bethuram’s encounter with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican continues to have a lasting impact on him.

“It was such a gift to meet him, a moment I will never forget for as long as I live,” says Bethuram, the executive director of Catholic Charities in the archdiocese. “I may return to Rome, and I may attend other papal audiences, but nothing will ever top or overshadow this incredible moment.”

Learning that Bethuram met the pope, people have naturally asked him his impression of the pontiff.

“Shy, quiet, sweet, at least based on the very brief encounter,” Bethuram says. “He had a very peaceful demeanor. He seems so at home in his own skin and in his role as leader of the Church on Earth.”

Bethuram had his one-on-one meeting with Pope Leo on May 4, as part of a papal audience that included senior staff and members of the board of directors of Catholic Charities USA.

“His message to us was one of encouragement—and how our ministry is connected to evangelization and our task of caring for the poor,” Bethuram recalls. “He said that we demonstrate to others the type of service that is ‘an integral part of authentic Chrisitan living.’

“He said he was fully aware that the Catholic Charities agencies in the United States are by ‘no means immune’ to the ongoing challenges that continue to ‘manifest themselves in our day.’ He wanted us to know that when we are confronted with such obstacles that we must learn to hear Jesus’ voice saying to us, ‘I am with you always!’ ”

During his personal time with Pope Leo, Bethuram shook his hand and said, “Your holiness, please continue to pray for the work of Catholic Charities, and Catholic Charities throughout the United States will continue to pray for you.”

After his time with Pope Leo, Bethuram received a rosary blessed by the pontiff.

Summing up the experience, Bethuram says, “I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.” †