This Sunday, Pope Francis urged the faithful not to be misled by “populism” or by “false messiahs”, who “proclaim only useful recipes to increase the wealth of a few”, on the occasion of the World Day of the 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 Pope assured that the best answer 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 witness (…) scenarios of violence, injustice and persecution. In addition, we must face the crisis caused by climate change and the pandemic, which has left a trail of discomfort not only physically, but also psychologically, economically and socially.”, explained Francisco, who led the homily in a seated position, due to knee health problems.
Francis lamented that the “disgrace of war” in Ukraine is causing “the death of so many innocents”, multiplying “the poison of hatred” and aggravating the situation of poverty.
“Even today, much more than in the past, many of our brothers and sisters, sorely tried and discouraged, migrate in search of hope, and many people experience insecurity due to lack of work or unfair and degrading working conditions,” he stressed. .
O World Day of the Poor is celebrated at the initiative of Francis “to urge the Church to come out of her walls and find poverty in the many 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 Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government taking on France over the plight of people rescued in the Mediterranean.
Italy kept four lifeboats at sea for days before finally landing three last week and forcing France to receive a fourth.
The stalemate caused a diplomatic dispute that resulted in the suspension of France’s participation in a European redistribution program and the strengthening of the border with Italy.
On the occasion of 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 lunch at the Vatican to 1,300 people in need, many of whom are present at the Eucharist.
In Rome, food was distributed to 5,000 families in need, in addition to helping pay their gas and electricity bills.
“Mobile clinics” have been installed in Praça de São Pedro, offering free general medical examinations, electrocardiograms, blood tests, flu vaccines and tests for covid-19, HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis.
According to Caritas, the number of people living in absolute poverty in Italy will rise to 5.6 million in 2021, of whom 1.4 million will be children.
Source: DN
