The Legacy of Pope Leo XIII Lives On — in Pope Leo XIV and The Leo House

From Rome to New York City, the spirit of faith and hospitality that began with Pope Leo XIII continues to inspire both a pontiff and a house of welcome.

As Catholics around the world continue to embrace the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, his leadership reminds us that faith endures when it bridges timeless tradition with the modern world. In his words and actions, we see the same compassion, wisdom, and courage that defined Pope Leo XIII, one of the most visionary popes in Church history.

That connection is especially meaningful to The Leo House in New York City—a place whose very name honors Pope Leo XIII and whose mission of Christian hospitality continues to reflect his call to serve the faithful with dignity and love.

For more than 135 years, The Leo House has opened its doors to travelers from around the world, welcoming them as family and offering a peaceful refuge in the heart of Manhattan. Today, as Pope Leo XIV carries forward the spirit of renewal and unity within the global Church, The Leo House continues that same mission on a local level—extending grace and welcome to all who enter.

The Vision of Pope Leo XIII

Born in 1810, Pope Leo XIII served as pontiff from 1878 to 1903—the longest-reigning pope in Church history. His pontificate marked the dawn of the Church’s modern era, addressing the spiritual and social challenges of a rapidly changing world. His landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, offered moral guidance on the rights of workers, the dignity of labor, and the responsibility of those with wealth and influence.

His teachings inspired generations of Catholics to pursue justice, charity, and mercy in their daily lives—principles that continue to guide the mission of The Leo House today.

Learn more about the history of Pope Leo XIII and the founding of The Leo House here.

A Haven for the Faithful: The Birth of The Leo House

During Pope Leo XIII’s papacy, millions of immigrants arrived in the United States in search of a better life. Many were German Catholics who faced challenges of language, poverty, and prejudice. Seeing their need, Peter Paul Cahensly, a German businessman and philanthropist, founded the St. Raphael Verein—a society dedicated to helping Catholic travelers find safety and spiritual support.

In 1887, Pope Leo XIII personally contributed $50,000—a monumental gift at the time—to help establish a home for these travelers in New York City. In gratitude, the founders named it The Leo House. It opened its doors in 1889 on State Street, near the immigration center at Castle Garden, offering food, shelter, and comfort to those beginning new lives in America.

Run by the devoted Sisters of St. Agnes from Wisconsin, The Leo House became a beacon of Christian hospitality. In 1926, it relocated to 332 West 23rd Street in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, where it continues to serve guests from around the world.

Today, The Leo House remains the only Catholic guesthouse of its kind in the United States—clean, comfortable, cost-effective, and Catholic—with an in-house chapel offering Mass three times a week. Even Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta once stayed in Room 409.

To explore this inspiring history, watch our video “A Noble and Humble History of The Leo House," featuring historic footage, Vatican archives, and stories of faith and perseverance.

A Legacy Reborn: Pope Leo XIV and the Spirit of Renewal

In 2025, Catholics worldwide welcomed Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, an Augustinian priest from Chicago. His election marks the beginning of a new era of hope and unity in the Church. By choosing the name “Leo,” Pope Leo XIV honors a lineage of strength, intellect, and compassion—particularly that of Pope Leo XIII, whose teachings helped shape the Church’s response to the modern world.

Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian roots emphasize community, humility, and the pursuit of truth—values that align beautifully with the mission of The Leo House. Both embody faith lived out in service: one as a spiritual shepherd to the world, the other as a home of welcome in the heart of New York City.

Learn more about Pope Leo XIV and his historic papacy here.

Carrying the Legacy Forward: A Call to Support The Leo House

From its earliest beginnings, The Leo House has survived and flourished through the generosity of the faithful. Today, it continues to serve pilgrims, families, and visitors from every nation—offering an affordable and peaceful retreat rooted in Catholic values.

In the same spirit of charity that inspired Pope Leo XIII, The Leo House is now raising funds to create its second handicap-accessible room, ensuring that every guest—regardless of physical ability—can feel the same warmth and welcome that has defined this special place for more than a century.

We recently launched a new, modern donations page that allows supporters to give safely and securely online. This easy-to-use platform ensures that your contribution directly supports our mission of hospitality and inclusion.

If you’ve ever felt at home at The Leo House—or if you believe in our mission of welcoming the stranger—please consider making a donation today. Your support helps us continue to embody the Gospel message of love and service in action.

A Shared Light of Faith

From Pope Leo XIII’s vision of faith in action, to The Leo House’s ministry of hospitality, to Pope Leo XIV’s spirit of renewal—the thread that unites them is love. Each in their own way calls us to be, as Scripture says, “a light to the world.”

As we celebrate this new era in the Church, may we all take inspiration from their shared legacy—to serve with compassion, welcome with joy, and keep faith alive in every act of kindness.

The Leo House of New York City remains a living tribute to that legacy: a home where faith and hospitality meet, and where the light of Christ continues to shine for all who enter.