The World Day of the Poor was established in the Church by Pope Francis. It gave rise to powerful images, such as that of the pontiff sharing a meal with people in need in the striking setting of the Vatican.
Now, Pope Leo takes up the mantle from his predecessor. In his message for this year’s observance, set to take place on November 16, he emphasizes that:
Work, education, housing, and health are the foundations of security—something that will never be achieved through weapons.
For this reason, he renewed his call for peace in the world and reminds everyone that, in the Church, care for the poor is more than mere solidarity.
On one hand, he notes that the poor can be a source from which to learn how to trust in God when everything else is lacking. On the other, he stresses that charity toward others is nourishment for the Christian life. Or, in his words:
Whoever lacks charity not only lacks faith and hope, but also deprives others of hope.
In fact, Pope Leo XIV highlights that charity is a path that feeds both faith and hope, qualities urgently needed in today’s world. He also calls for bold initiatives to address both old and emerging forms of poverty.
JRB
Trans. CRT
