In his homily during Mass on the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis asked to recognize the presence of God in the suffering of the poor and to act with hope and compassion in the face of injustice.
Vatican News
Vatican City, Monday, November 18, 2024: On Sunday, November 17, World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the poor and the faithful in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Reflecting on the apocalyptic imagery of an evangelical text taken from the Gospel of St. Mark, Pope Francis began his homily by acknowledging the deep feelings of suffering that resonate today. “The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall from the sky.” (Mark 13:24-25) According to Pope Francis, it reflects the sufferings of our world: famine, war, inequality and the indifference that follows.
The Pope warned that in a world where social media increases fear and insecurity, it is easy to succumb to despair. By giving up in this way, we can be deprived of the ability to see God’s hand in action, turning our faith into “harmless devotion” that does not inspire or inspire meaningful charity.
However, the Pope added, God comes closer in the darkest moments of the unknown because “when everything seems to collapse, God comes, God brings us together to save us.” The Pope explained that Jesus, through his death and resurrection, transformed the darkest moment in human history into the dawn of salvation.
signs of hope in the midst of despair
Pope Francis then referred to the image of the fig tree budding in spring. In this sense, he urged believers to find signs of hope even in the harshest realities. He further said that the presence of the Lord among the poor and suffering reminds us that “where only injustice, pain and poverty are visible, the Lord draws near to free us.”
Pope Francis explained that the task of Christ’s disciples is to make this hope visible. Through justice, solidarity, and acts of charity, we can all become “signs of the Lord’s presence,” showing that He is close to all who suffer.
invitation to work
Concluding his homily, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that change begins with small, everyday actions. Whether it’s how we live, how we care for our environment, or how we share our resources, every act of compassion can become a symbol of hope. “And I say it to the Church, I say it to governments, I say it to international organizations, I say it to everyone: “We must not forget the poor.”
