A HEART FOR THE POOR

Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the World Day of the Poor (WDP) 2025, reminds us that our Christian hope is not founded on possessions or our own strength, but on God’s faithful love. The theme is “You, O Lord, are my hope” (Ps 71:5), which arises from deep suffering, yet is filled with trust and hope. This is the core of the Jubilee Year’s message: hope in God never disappoints because it is rooted in His mercy and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Father highlights that the poor are true witnesses of hope. Even in the face of poverty, instability, and exclusion, they show faith and perseverance. They remind us that God alone is our lasting treasure, not wealth or success. Jesus urges us to accumulate treasures in heaven, where love and compassion endure forever.

The Pope warns that the deepest kind of poverty is spiritual – when people no longer know God or seek His presence. The poor, however, often have hearts that are ready to receive faith. Therefore, the Church must never neglect their spiritual well-being. True love for God must always lead to love for our neighbour. Without charity, hope fades and faith becomes empty.

Pope Leo XIV states that hope is the anchor of our Christian life, anchoring us through life’s storms and guiding us towards our true homeland in heaven. Hope must be expressed practically through acts of charity. Charity sustains hope and transforms faith into action. Each of us is encouraged to nurture hope through service to the poor, caring for those in care homes, promoting education, improving health, and performing acts of kindness to heal society.

The Pope highlights that poverty has deep structural causes that require justice. Helping the poor is not only charity – it is a matter of fairness and shared responsibility. He urges governments, institutions, and communities to create policies that promote decent work, housing, education, and healthcare for all, asserting that true peace comes from justice and compassion, not weapons.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV invites us, as we conclude this Jubilee Year of Hope, to open our hearts to the poor not as passive recipients but as teachers of faith and hope. In their eyes, we see the face of Christ.

(Abstract of the Holy Father’s Message for the World Day of the Poor 2025)

Since 2017, I have joyfully celebrated the WDP each year with my parish communities. Sometimes it has been in large gatherings, and other times in simple, heartfelt moments. The preference for the poor has become part of my heart and ministry: to reach out with charity, prayer, and pastoral care to those who struggle, suffer, and hope. Every encounter with the poor renews my faith and reminds me that love is the most important measure of our journey as disciples. 

As we observe this year’s celebration, may our hearts remain anchored in Christ, our hope, and our hands continue to serve with compassion, tenderness, and faith. In serving the poor, we truly touch the living heart of Jesus.