Pope Francis marks World Day of the Poor with lunch for 1,300 and calls for global justice

In a powerful display of solidarity with the marginalized, Pope Francis will commemorate the World Day of the Poor on November 17 by hosting a lunch for over 1,300 impoverished individuals in Rome.

This gathering, following a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, continues a beloved tradition that Pope Francis established in 2017 to spotlight the plight of the poor worldwide.

This year’s theme, drawn from the Book of Sirach, is “The prayer of the poor rises to God” (Sirach 21:5), underscoring the Church’s belief that God hears the cries of those in need and calls for justice on their behalf.

Pope Francis, in his message for World Day of the Poor, pointed to the destructive link between inadequate governance and the cycle of poverty, which often leaves innocent people suffering.

He encouraged the global community to join in prayer for the poor and expressed deep appreciation for the volunteers who work tirelessly to serve them, describing these individuals as God's hands in the world.

Adding to the day’s significance, Pope Francis will bless 13 symbolic keys representing a new phase of the “13 Houses” project, an international initiative spearheaded by the Vincentians.

The project aims to provide housing and essential services for disadvantaged families in 13 countries, including war-torn Syria.

Through partnerships with local parishes, the program will also help struggling families cover utility costs, offering both stability and dignity to those in need.

The “13 Houses” project, inspired by the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, extends the Church’s outreach to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

By addressing immediate needs like shelter and support, the initiative embodies the Pope’s vision of a Church that moves beyond its walls to engage directly with poverty and injustice.

In his reflections for this year’s observance, Pope Francis called on the Church and the world to confront the social structures that perpetuate poverty.

He urged not only compassion but also a commitment to meaningful action, affirming that addressing poverty is a moral imperative that requires the cooperation of governments, institutions, and individuals alike.

“The prayer of the poor rises to God, and He is impatient for justice,” Pope Francis remarked, invoking the urgency of reforming systems that allow poverty to persist.

His message resonates with the Church’s mission to advocate for justice and mercy, reinforcing that the World Day of the Poor is a day of both compassion and activism.

As the Vatican prepares for this day of solidarity, free tickets for the November 17 Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica will be available from November 13 at the Official Jubilee Information Point on Via della Conciliazione, 7.

The event offers both pilgrims and locals an opportunity to join Pope Francis in prayer, reflecting on the Church’s call to stand in unity with those who struggle against poverty.

The World Day of the Poor, now in its eighth year, serves as a reminder of the Church’s commitment to addressing poverty not only through prayer but also through tangible acts of kindness and systemic change.

Through this observance, Pope Francis continues to champion the cause of the poor, urging the world to respond to their suffering with compassion and, above all, justice.

With Inputs from Vatican News