TIRANA, November 13 – On the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis pointed to the many global challenges afflicting humanity, saying these crises should not lead people to despair, but are rather opportunities for growth and charity, especially toward the needy.
Speaking to faithful gathered for Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis noted that much of the world currently faces violence, injustice, and persecution, as well as challenges related to climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, “which has left in its wake not only physical, but also psychological, economic and social maladies.”
“I too ask this question today: what is the Lord telling us in the face of this third world war? What is the Lord telling us? Do not flee asking yourself the question: what is the Lord saying to me and what good can I do?” are the words of Pope Francis in the homily during the mass for the World Day of the Poor on Sunday.
“Today each of us must question ourselves in the face of so many calamities, in the face of this third world war so cruel, in the face of the hunger of so many children, of so many people: I can waste, waste money, waste my life, waste the meaning of my life without taking courage and moving on?” Pope Francis said.
In his homily, Francis highlighted the countless crises that have increased poverty in today’s world and caused greater suffering to the poor. He mentioned especially climate change and the “cruel and brutal” war in “martyred Ukraine” now in its 236rd day, which he referred to several times because of the destruction and loss of life it is causing and the number of countries— more than 50—now involved in some way.
