This Sunday, Pope Francis urged the faithful not to be deceived by “populism” or by “false messiahs”, who “proclaim useful recipes only to increase the wealth of a few”, on the occasion of the World Day of poor.
“Let us not be seduced by the siren songs of populism, which exploit the needs of the people by proposing very easy and hasty solutions, condemning the poor to marginalization,” he said, during the homily of a mass celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Peter. .
The Catholic pontiff assured that the best response is “to build a more fraternal world”, breaking with “that inner deafness that prevents us from hearing the muffled cry of pain of the weakest”.
“We live in wounded societies and we attend (…) scenes of violence, injustice and persecution. In addition, we must face the crisis generated by climate change and the pandemic, which has left a trail of discomfort not only physical, but also psychological, economic and social,” explained Francisco, who officiated the homily seated, due to health problems in knee.
Francis regretted that the “disgrace of war” in Ukraine causes “the death of so many innocents”, multiplies “the poison of hatred” and increases the situation of poverty.
“Also today, much more than in the past, many of our brothers, harshly tested and discouraged, migrate in search of hope, and many people live insecurity due to lack of employment or unfair and unworthy working conditions,” he stressed. .
The World Day of the Poor is celebrated at the initiative of Francis “to urge the Church to ‘come out’ of its walls and find poverty in the multiple senses in which it manifests itself in today’s world,” according to the Vatican.
This year’s commemoration comes as Italy is once again at the center of a European debate on migration, with the far-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clashing with France over the fate of people rescued in the Mediterranean.
Italy kept four rescue boats at sea for days before finally letting three go ashore last week and forcing France to receive a fourth.
The stalemate sparked a diplomatic spat that resulted in France’s participation in a European redistribution program being suspended and its border with Italy being reinforced.
On the occasion of the VI World Day of the Poor, the Vatican organized several initiatives this week to help those most in need.
At the end of the Mass, the Pope offers a lunch in the Vatican to 1,300 people in need, many of them present at the Eucharist.
In Rome, food was distributed to 5,000 families in need, as well as helping them pay their gas and electricity bills.
“Mobile clinics” have been set up in St. Peter’s Square, providing free general medical exams, electrocardiograms, blood tests, flu shots, and tests for Covid-19, HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
In Italy, in 2021, the number of people in a state of absolute poverty amounted to 5.6 million, of which 1.4 million were children, according to Caritas.
Source: TSF
