“We are called to acknowledge every poor person and every form of poverty, abandoning the indifference and the banal excuses we make to protect our illusory well-being.”
Pope Francis, 2023
The World Day of the Poor is an annual Catholic observance established by Pope Francis to reflect on the significance of poverty in the Gospel. This day serves as a call to action, urging the faithful to engage with and assist those in need.
The theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor, scheduled for November 19, 2023, is “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tobit 4:7).
In his message for this year, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of not ignoring the plight of the poor, encouraging active involvement and compassionate response in the face of growing challenges related to poverty and social justice. This theme underscores the timeless message of charity and solidarity with the less fortunate, challenging all to confront poverty with empathy and practical solutions.
