In a significant gesture towards inclusivity, Pope Francis extended a lunch invitation to a group of transgender individuals. The group, mostly Latin American migrants and often engaged in sex work, has received unprecedented support from the Vatican. Under the guidance of the local parish priest, Rev Andrea Conocchia, these women now attend Francis’ weekly audiences Read more
To mark World Day of the Poor on Sunday, Pope Francis challenged Christians to be lighted candles of hope in the midst of darkness. Walking the talk and supported by generous local businesses, Caritas and the Sant’Egidio community, Francis hosted a lunch for 1,300 poor and homeless. As well as lunch, other initiatives for the Read more
In his message for the 6th World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis said no Christian is exempt from aiding those who are poor. Francis called for members of civil society to uphold the values of freedom, responsibility, fraternity and solidarity, and for Christians always to make charity the basis of their lives and actions. Read more
Archbishop Jason Gordon has called on citizens to stretch a helping hand to at least one person in need, saying the poor are not objects or statistics. Gordon, the Archbishop of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, said, “Find someone you know, reach out to one poor person. Not just to give money, but stop, Read more
Pope Francis, Sunday, marked the Church’s World Day of the Poor by hosting 1,500 homeless and disadvantaged people for lunch. The menu included lasagna, chicken in a cream of mushroom sauce, potatoes, sweets, fruit and coffee. Some 150 tables were set up in a Vatican hall where Francis normally holds his weekly indoor audiences with Read more
When was the last time you shared a meal with a poor person? For Pope Francis, it was just a couple of weeks ago. On Nov. 19, the Holy Father celebrating the first World Day of the Poor broke bread with not only one poor person, but with some 1,200 poor brothers and sisters (see Read more
Poor people are not a problem, Pope Francis says. Instead he challenges us to see them as a resource. He has scheduled the first ever World Day of the Poor for 19 November this year. This is “so that throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever greater sign of Christ’s charity for the Read more