Pope Francis celebrated a Mass to mark the 20th general assembly of Caritas Internationalis, which is the main charity arm of the Catholic Church. The gathering takes place every four years.
In his homily, Pope Francis called for local parishes to get more involved in Caritas and its projects. From its charitable works to providing food to those in need.
POPE FRANCIS
'We must do what we can so that everyone has something to eat, but we must also remind the powerful of the Earth, that God will call them to judgement one day and there it will be revealed if they really tried to provide food for Him in every person. And also if they did what they could to preserve the environment so that it could produce this food.â?
Acts of charity, he added are not only about great initiatives. It can also be found in small acts and gestures. The Pope reminded Christians that they cannot stand still before an injustice.
POPE FRANCIS
'We cannot forget our Christian brothers and sisters who have been violently deprived of food for their bodies and their souls. They have been driven from their homes and their churches, some even destroyed. I renew the appeal not to forget these people or these intolerable injustices.â?
Caritas Internationalis is holding its general assembly to look at its statues and how the organization can reach out to those in need. Elections are also a part of the meeting. Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, who is also part of the Pope's Council of Cardinals, has been the head of Caritas for the past eight years, which marks the limit. A new successor will be elected.
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