The Poor Have No Choice but to Cry Out to God — Pope Leo XIV

The Poor Have No Choice but to Cry Out to God — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed global attention to poverty, urging Christians to recognise the dignity of the poor and respond with justice, solidarity, and compassion in his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, to be marked on 15 November 2026.

In the message, the Pope reflects on Psalm 14, which describes God as the refuge of the poor.

He notes that the scripture emerged in a period of crisis marked by suffering and loss, but continues to speak powerfully to today’s world.

He warns that modern societies are still shaped by inequality and injustice, often driven by corruption and indifference.

According to him, the absence of moral and spiritual grounding leads to systems where domination replaces mutual respect.

Pope Leo XIV observes that the consequences of these imbalances fall most heavily on the poor, who are often stripped not only of material needs but also of dignity, voice, and visibility in society.

He also cautions that the suffering of the poor is frequently ignored or muted, including through subtle forms of exclusion in social and digital spaces that reinforce apathy.

Despite this, he stresses that the poor continue to turn to God in trust and hope, believing in His mercy and faithfulness.

He adds that those living in poverty often have a clearer understanding of what is essential in life, because they live closer to necessity and survival.

The Pope further urges the Church not only to seek refuge in God but also to become a refuge for others, especially those who feel excluded or forgotten.

He calls on Christian communities to remain open and attentive to the vulnerable and invisible in society.

Referencing the parable of the rich man and Lazarus through St. Augustine’s interpretation, he invites believers to reflect on their priorities and how they respond to human suffering.

He concludes by calling for a Church shaped by the Beatitudes, one that walks with the poor, listens to them, and makes room for their dignity and hope to be restored.