| Yesterday, Sunday 17 November 2024, on the occasion of the VIII World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis celebrated a special Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, making an appeal to the Church, governments, international organisations and each individual not to forget the poor. The Pope urged Christians to live a faith that is not limited to superficial gestures, but that translates into concrete compassion and real closeness to the poor. ‘Christian hope needs us and our commitment,’ he said, inviting every believer to become a “sign of the Lord’s presence” for those who suffer, especially those living in poverty.
During the celebration, the Pope recalled that Jesus himself became poor for us, and emphasised how Christian hope is nourished by closeness to the least. It is not enough to turn away from poverty; it is necessary to look into the eyes of those who suffer, to touch the hands of those in need, to understand the true essence of charity. ‘We must not look only at the great problems of world poverty, but at the little we can do every day,’ the Pope added, referring to the need for small daily gestures that can improve the reality of those living in distress. Francis then reflected on contemporary reality, marked by injustice, poverty and violence, recalling that despite the darkness that seems to dominate, it is precisely in these moments of difficulty that God comes close, bringing hope. The resurrection of Christ, in fact, is a source of hope even in the darkest moments, like the image of the fig tree that, despite the winter, heralds the nearness of summer. ‘Every small gesture of justice, of solidarity, of concern for the poor is like the leaves that sprout on the fig tree: an anticipation of hope.’ Finally, the Pope made a reminder of the profound meaning of the Church, which, in the words of Cardinal Martini, ‘becomes itself’ only in its service to the poor, becoming a ‘house open to all’, a place of divine compassion for every man; he recalled that the Christian faith cannot remain indifferent in the face of human suffering, but must translate into a daily commitment to justice, closeness and charity. READ POPE FRANCIS’ FULL HOMILY HERE
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Date Published:18 November 2024 Author:Alice, Officer
Article Tags: Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis, Contribute |
