On Sunday 16 November 2025, the Church will mark the ninth World Day of the Poor, with the theme “You are my hope” (Psalm 71:5). This theme reminds us that in the midst of hardship, our hope is rooted in God’s steadfast love.
In his official message for the day, Pope Leo calls on the faithful to recognise those experiencing poverty not as burdens, but as “witnesses to a strong and steadfast hope,” who embody resilience amid uncertainty and marginalisation. He writes, “Helping the poor is a matter of justice before a question of charity,” quoting St Augustine: “You give bread to a hungry person; but it would be better if none were hungry, so that you would have no need to give it away.”
The Pope urges us to offer “new signs of hope” through acts of Christian charity and to support policies that address the structural causes of poverty. He highlights the importance of labour, education, housing, and healthcare as the true foundations of peace and security.
Caritas Aotearoa’s Reflection: Beyond Child Poverty
In their message for World Day of the Poor, Caritas Aotearoa invites us to broaden our understanding of poverty. While child poverty remains a critical issue, Caritas reminds us not to overlook the struggles of adults and other vulnerable groups. Their reflection challenges the assumption that adults are responsible for their own poverty and reaffirms the Catholic principle of human dignity (te mana o te tangata) — that every person, regardless of age or circumstance, is made in the image of God.
Caritas also highlights the importance of solidarity (whakawhanaungatanga) — building relationships and understanding with those in need. Poverty is not just an economic issue but a deeply human one, requiring empathy, encounter, and action.
As we continue our journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo reminds us that the closing of the Holy Door must not signal the end of our commitment. Those experiencing poverty are not merely recipients of our care, but “creative subjects who challenge us to find novel ways of living out the Gospel today.”
Let us respond with open hearts, renewed compassion, and a shared commitment to justice.
Prayer for the Poor
God of Justice,
open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.
