Showing posts with label World Day of the Poor. Show all posts

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Pope Leo XIV message for World Day of the Poor coming up in November

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Pope’s World Day of Poor message: The Lord is refuge of the poor

In his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV reflects on God as “the refuge of the poor,” urging Christians to rediscover the central place of the poor and examine our commitment to justice, solidarity, and human dignity.

Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV has released his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, to be observed on 15 November 2026.

Reflecting on Psalm 14, “The Lord is the refuge of the poor,” the Pope notes that they were written during a dramatic period marked by the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, when the people “felt deprived of God’s presence and experienced unprecedented material and moral misery.”

In his message released on Sunday and dated June 13, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the Pope observes that Psalm 14 continues to speak to every generation.

The opening verses, he says, points to the contrast between those who live wisely and those who “go through life as if there were nothing greater than themselves.”

“Sadly,” he writes, “we see that even today there is widespread social injustice arising from arrogant corruption, which is as deplorable as it is discriminatory.”

Do not allow cry of the poor to be silenced

The Pope goes on to note that the consequences often fall first upon the poor, whose numbers continue to grow in many societies.

“The absence of God no longer places people side by side in mutual respect,” he says, “but places one above the other in a relationship of domination and oppression.”

The Pope warns that the cry of the poor is often silenced through “a multitude of increasingly subtle tactics,” while the digital world can worsen prejudice and reinforce indifference.

“The poor have no choice but to cry out to God,” he writes, adding that they entrust themselves to Him “certain that they will be heard because God is faithful and rich in mercy.”

In his message, Pope Leo says that the poor are often more capable than others of recognizing what is essential because “they live on the essentials.”

For this reason, he says, they are especially able to recognise God as their refuge and place their hope in His justice.

Reflecting on contemporary poverty, Pope Leo says that “the poor of our day are the forgotten and the marginalised: robbed not only of bread, but also of a voice and a face.”

With this in mind, he prays that they may encounter Christ, particularly through Christians and through the Church, where “it is Jesus who offers bread and friendship; He brings light and opens a horizon of hope; He calls each person by name and restores dignity to all.”

The Pope goes on to stress that Christians are called not only to seek refuge in God, but also “to be a refuge for the poor”.

He says the Christian community “cannot remain indifferent to the many who today stand at the door but remain invisible to those who are shut within their own walls.”

Examine priorities

Recalling Saint Augustine’s commentary on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Pope Leo invites the faithful to examine their own lives and priorities.

He cites his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, reaffirming that “God shows a preference for the poor” and that the Church “must be a Church of the Beatitudes, one that makes room for the little ones and walks poor with the poor.”

“We wish to bear witness,” the Pope writes, bringing his message to a close, “that it is possible, even today, to experience the same joy by putting ourselves in the shoes of the poor and listening to them rather than merely speaking about them.”

Finally, he expresses hope that the Tenth World Day of the Poor will help Christians “rediscover the faces of so many brothers and sisters who seek refuge in God and long to feel at home in our communities.”

Friday, November 14, 2025

At St. Peter's Basilica the inauguration of an outpatient clinic for the poor

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Pope inaugurates San Martino Outpatient Center at St. Peter’s

Pope Leo visits the newly opened facility under the Colonnade of St. Peter's Basilica, which expands healthcare services for the poor, including a radiology unit to quickly diagnose some of the most common illnesses affecting people who live on the streets.

Vatican News

Pope Leo inaugurated the San Martino Outpatient Clinic located beneath St. Peter’s Colonnade on 14 November. The new facility opened its doors just ten years after the inauguration of the “Mother of Mercy” Clinic (also adjacent to St. Peter's Square), ahead of the World Day of the Poor on Sunday, November 16.

A place where the poor turn to the Church for care

After the inauguration of the Academic Year at the Pontifical Lateran University, the Pope returned to the Vatican and, around noon, arrived at Largo San Martino—an area adjacent to Bernini's colonnade, long known for welcoming the poor. Here, there are showers for the homeless, a barber shop, and the Mother of Mercy Clinic, which Pope Francis strongly supported to provide care to those without documents, money, or access to the healthcare system.

The first stop of Pope Leo's visit was to the clinic itself. Accompanied by his Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, he met Dr. Massimo Ralli, Director of the Apostolic Almoner’s Outpatient Clinic, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Director of Health and Hygiene at the Governorate of Vatican City. "It was a private visit," the Cardinal said, "because no one had been told the Pope was coming, so only the doctors on duty were there."

On Friday morning, there were about 8 doctors, 4 nurses, and 2 volunteers, who had already assisted 65 people by the time the Holy Father arrived. Pope Leo greeted them and asked about the clinic’s activities.

Mental health care

Cardinal Krajewski highlighted how "the Pope was struck by the fact that among the doctors present, there were also psychiatrists. Our poor also need this kind of care, which is very difficult, because when a bone is broken, we immediately rush to the emergency room," he said, adding that "when it comes to mental health, everything becomes much harder."

The doctors come from the Gemelli Hospital and offer their expertise with dedication and patience. "They have a lot to do here because people trust them," the Almoner added. "We don’t ask for documents, and perhaps that affirms their dignity," he said, noting that they remain invisible, as they always are on the streets of Rome, "but here, assistance goes beyond name and country of origin. Here, what matters is your need."

A new service

"Good work, and thank you," the Pope said, as he looked out of a small window near the showers, leaving the staff visibly moved by his gesture. He then thanked those who worked on the restoration of the San Martino Outpatient Clinic, which, according to a statement from the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, now consists of two rooms equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and a radiology department.

A next-generation X-ray machine will make it possible to diagnose quickly and accurately cases of pneumonia, bone fractures, tumors, degenerative diseases, kidney stones, and intestinal obstructions—conditions often neglected among those living in poverty. These early diagnoses will allow doctors to start appropriate treatment as soon as possible, leading to a better quality of life for those who have nothing.

Seeing Jesus in the poor

The new clinic was made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State Governorate and offers comprehensive care for those seeking medical assistance.

The two clinics are places of welcome and healing, restoring dignity to the poor who come to Cardinal Krajewski’s office. He underlined the fact that those seeking aid are people “in whom we do not see a homeless person, but the face of Jesus.”

Cardinal Krajewski said that what struck him during the Pope’s visit was the amazement on Pope Leo’s face as he learned about the statistics of the clinic: about 2,000 people per month receive care, and all necessary medications are completely free of charge. "We give them the prescription," the Cardinal explained, "and they enter the Vatican, greeted by the Swiss Guards and gendarmes, go to the Vatican Pharmacy, present their prescription, and receive the medications with no payment."

The Papal Almoner emphasized that this gesture helps prevent the poor from feeling rejected or inferior to others. "Everyone has a right, even the poor." Before leaving, the Pope thanked everyone present for their work and dedication.

In the week leading up to the World Day of the Poor on November 16, Cardinal Krajewski shared a message close to his heart: "I am a believer, a Catholic, and my logic is the logic of the Gospel. We truly help Jesus himself because He said He was naked, He was in prison, He was sick, and today we can say He was a refugee. We do all this for Him, who shows Himself through the different faces of the world."

"It’s hard to recognize Him," the cardinal continued, "we must make an effort; it takes faith. I thank the Lord for giving me that faith, and after 14 years of service as Almoner, I am now fully convinced that when we help—wash the body, give medicine, cut hair, and clothe people—we are helping Jesus himself."

Free healthcare services

The San Martino Clinic will work alongside the Mother of Mercy Clinic, which offers free daily healthcare to those living in poverty, marginalization, or hardship—led by the principles of the Gospel and the Church’s Social Teaching.

The outpatient clinic will serve thousands of people each month, thanks to 120 volunteer doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians. Some 10,000 people from about 139 different countries have received care. To date, 102,060 medical services have been offered completely free to those most in need, together with 141,200 packs of medication.

At the two clinics, those in need will be able to receive general and specialist medical visits, dental care, blood tests, and radiology exams. Moreover, services like removable dental prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids are offered if required. Prescribed medication is always completely free.

The imagination of charity

In recounting the origins of these infrastructures, the Cardinal recalled that Pope Francis' desire was to create a space dedicated to charity in St. Peter’s Square. "Under the Colonnade, it’s impossible," he explained. But after having looked around, he asked the Pope's permission to occupy the space used by the postal services building.

"Pope Francis then replied, 'You didn’t take it, you stole it from the Post Office,'" he laughed. All the other initiatives were subsequently born, including the showers, the barber shop, the clinic, and today, the San Martino Clinic, about which the Cardinal said, "I’m very happy."

Friday, June 13, 2025

Pope Leo XIV releases message for the 9th World Day of the Poor

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‘You Are My Hope’: Pope Leo XIV’s Message for 9th World Day of the Poor

As the Church prepares to mark the Ninth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, 16 November 2025, Pope Leo XIV issues a message centred on the theme: “You are my hope” and expresses his hope that this Jubilee Year may encourage the development of policies aimed at combatting forms of poverty both old and new.

By Linda Bordoni

Drawing from the Psalms and the lived experience of those suffering poverty, Pope Leo XIV urges Christians to recognise the poor not as objects of charity but as protagonists of hope. He also expresses his hope that the Jubilee Year may be an occasion to implement "new initiatives to support and assist the poorest of the poor," and notes that "Labour, education, housing and health are the foundations of a security that will never be attained by the use of arms."

The Pope’s message, released on the Feast Day of Saint Anthony of Padua, patron of the poor, calls on the faithful to rediscover Christian hope as a response to the instability that pervades our world.

“Hope in God never disappoints,” the Pope affirms, recalling Saint Paul’s assurance that “we have our hope set on the living God”.

Witnesses to hope amid hardship

Pope Leo notes how the poor, though deprived of material security, often embody a hope that is deep and enduring. “They cannot rely on the security of power and possessions... their hope must necessarily be sought elsewhere,” he writes. It is precisely in this vulnerability, the Pope explains, that “we too pass from fleeting hopes to a lasting hope.”

“The gravest form of poverty,” he continues, “is not to know God.” Citing Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium, he highlights the fact that spiritual care must not be denied to the poor, who “have a special openness to the faith.”

Hope as an anchor

The Holy Father goes on to recall how early Christians viewed hope as an anchor: “Christian hope is like an anchor that grounds our hearts in the promise of the Lord Jesus.” In a world plagued by war, displacement, and environmental degradation, he insists that this hope remains the anchor holding human dignity fast.

“Charity is not just a promise,” the Pope reminds us. “It is a present reality to be embraced with joy and responsibility.”

From the city of man to the city of God

Drawing a direct line between faith and social responsibility, the Pope recalls the Church’s long-standing teaching that poverty must be addressed at its structural roots.

“Poverty has structural causes that must be addressed and eliminated,” he writes, calling for policies that reflect the Church’s commitment to labour, education, housing and healthcare as universal rights.

And decrying a culture of indifference, he points to the many “quiet signs of hope” - care homes, soup kitchens, and low-income schools – that, he says, are too often overlooked.

“The poor are not a distraction for the Church,” the Pope reiterates, “They are our beloved brothers and sisters... they put us in contact with the truth of the Gospel.”

A Jubilee of responsibility

Making his invitation all the more urgent, he reminds Christians that this year’s World Day of the Poor is closely linked to the ongoing Jubilee celebration: “Once the Holy Door is closed, we are to cherish and share with others the divine gifts granted us.”

Thus, he urges believers to view the poor not merely as recipients of care, but as “creative subjects who challenge us to find novel ways of living out the Gospel today.”

Pope Leo also echoes the wisdom of Saint Augustine, urging justice over mere generosity: “You give bread to a hungry person; but it would be better if none were hungry,” he quotes.

Concluding his message, the Pope entrusts all to Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, inviting the Church and the world to raise a “song of hope” with the words of the Te Deum: “In you, O Lord, is our hope, and we shall never hope in vain.”

World Day of the Poor

Pope Francis instituted the World Day of the Poor in 2017 to encourage the Church to actively address poverty in its various forms. It is time for Christians and all men and women of goodwill to reflect and take action, encouraging people to connect with those experiencing poverty and work towards ending cycles of poverty. The occurrence is celebrated on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Pope Francis presides and preaches at Mass for World Day of the Poor

Holy Mass on World Day of the Poor

Pope on World Day of the Poor: Every act of compassion is a sign of hope

In his homily during the Mass for the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis calls on us to recognise God’s presence in the suffering of the poor and to act with hope and compassion in the face of injustice.

By Francesca Merlo

Reflecting on the apocalyptic imagery from the Gospeal reading of the day, taken from Mark's Gospel, Pope Francis opened his homily on the World Day of the Poor on Sunday 17 November by acknowledging the deep feelings of anguish that resonate today. The text reads: “The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven". This, to Pope Francis, reflects the pains of our world - famine, war, inequality, and the indifference that follows.

The Pope warned that in a world in which social media amplifies fears and insecurities it is easy to succumb to despair. Resigning in this way can, in turn, lead to us being robbed of the ability to see God's hand at work, which can transform our faith into what Pope Francis described as "a harmless devotion", that neither moves nor inspires meaningful charity.

However, the Pope continued, it is precisely in darkness that God draws near as "just when everything seems to collapse, God comes, God gathers us together to save us.” Jesus, through his death and resurrection, turned the darkest moment of human history into the dawn of salvation, explained the Pope.

Signs of hope amid despair

Pope Francis then referred to the image of the fig tree budding in the springtime. With this in mind he urged the faithful to look for signs of hope, even in the harshest realities. The Lord's presence among the poor and suffering, he continued, reminds us that “where there seems to be only injustice, pain, and poverty, the Lord draws near to free us.”

The job of Christ’s disciples, Pope Francis explained, is to make this hope visible. Through acts of justice, solidarity, and charity, we each can become “signs of the Lord’s presence,” showing that he is close to all those who suffer.

An invitation to act

Bringing his homily to a close, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that change begins with small, daily actions. Whether in how we live, how we care for our environment, or how we share our resources, each act of compassion can become a sign of hope. "And I say this to the Church, I say it to the Governments, I say it to the International Organisations, I say it to each and every one: please", concluded the Pope, "let us not forget the poor".

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Papal blessing of keys for world Day of the Poor

Mark Mcgreevey and Natalie Monteza from FamVin Homeless Alliance

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Pope to bless "13 keys" of homes for the marginalised

On World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis will bless 13 symbolic keys representing global efforts to house the homeless through the Vincentian "13 Houses" project.

By Francesca Merlo and Patricia Ynestroza

Something different is happening during this year’s World Day of the Poor. Before presiding over Holy Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will bless “13 keys”, or rather, 13 statues each representing a key. The gesture, which demonstrates the Church's closeness to people in need, around the world, marks a significant milestone in the “13 Houses” project, a global initiative spearheaded by the FamVin Homeless Alliance.

According to Mark McGreevey, Coordinator of the FamVin Homeless Alliance, the project is inspired by the charitable legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, who in 1643 used a royal bequest, granted to him by then King Louis XIII, to establish 13 homes for street children in Paris. The homes did more than just provide shelter for the children, offering them education and life skills to help them grow to be independent.

A vision rooted in the Vincentian charism

Speaking to Vatican News’ Patricia Ynestroza, McGreevey explained that the FamVin Homeless Alliance was launched in 2017 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of St Vincent de Paul. "There are 160 branches of the Vincentian family worldwide", he said.

The “13 Houses” project aims to build metaphorical homes in each of the 160 countries where the Vincentian family is active, targeting around 10,000 people in need. The project combines immediate aid, such as housing construction and community building, with systemic change, including advocacy efforts at institutions like the United Nations.

The symbolism of "13 keys"

The concept of the "13 Keys" stems from the initiative of the Jubilee Year, in which Pope Francis highlighted the work of the FamVin Homeless Alliance. McGreevey explained that the keys represent homes built in 13 countries: Syria, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

"In some countries, like the UK, the project involves a single multi-family building," McGreevey said. "In Syria, where Pope Francis has shown personal interest, 13 houses will be constructed in cities like Damascus and Homs". The aim, McGreevey continued, "is to demonstrate that housing projects can succeed not only in developed nations but also in regions affected by war and famine."

The 13 countries represent the diversity of the project, which spans all five continents. "This initiative serves as a catalyst for further action," McGreevey stressed, adding, “and we hope it inspires others within the Church to take up similar efforts."

The vastness of this project, and the Pope's support for its work, is also a symbol of Pope Francis' closeness to his flock, all over the world. It is for reasons such as these, as he stretches to show closeness to all the corners of the globe, that he is dubbed the "Pope of the peripheries".

Hope and renewal

Sunday's blessing of the 13 statues of keys will, in fact, be a strong reminder of the Church's work in supporting the poor and marginalised. Over the next year, families from each of the 13 countries represented in the project will travel to the Vatican to receive the "keys" to their new homes.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Pope Francis is prepared for the World Day of the Poor

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World Day of the Poor: Pope Francis organises lunch with 1300 poor people

As has become customary, Pope Francis will celebrate World Day of the Poor with some of the poor people of Rome, who will join him for lunch after he has presided over mass.

By Francesca Merlo

Lunch with some of the poor people of Rome has become tradition for Pope Francis as he, along with the global Church, celebrate World Day of the Poor.

This year will mark the eighth edition, since the Pope established the day in 2017, and it will be no different to the last, as over 1,300 poor people are due to join Pope Francis for lunch.

A project of help and hope

Falling on the third Sunday of November, this year the day will be celebrated on the 17th and will officially begin with Holy Mass, presided over by Pope Francis, in St Peter’s Basilica.

However, shortly prior to the Eucharistic celebration, the Pope will have blessed 13 keys, each symbolically representing thirteen countries where the Vicentians will be inaugurating their “13 Houses” project. The project consists in building new homes for disadvantaged people in thirteen different countries. There, various charitable initiatives will take place, such as covering utility bills for low-income families through parish connections. One of the countries welcoming this new project is Syria, which has been forgotten by much of western media as it continues to suffer the devastating effects of almost two decades of conflict.

Why should politics cause poverty?

In his message for the 2024 World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis noted that war-driven "bad politics" generates new poverty and innocent victims. He urged everyone to pray with and for the poor, and highlighted that volunteers continue to devote themselves to serving the poorest in our cities, embodying God’s response to the cries of those in need.

The quest for justice

This year, in particular, the motto chosen by the Pope is taken from the book of Sirach: "The prayer of the poor rises to God" (Sirach 21:5). This motto emphasises that the poor hold a special place in God's heart. He hears their prayers and becomes "impatient" in their suffering until justice is done. The Book of Sirach confirms that "God's judgment will be in favour of the poor" (21:5).

The World Day of the Poor encourages the Church to "step outside" its walls and engage with poverty in its many forms in today's world. And with this lunch, that is precisely what Pope Francis will be doing.