On November 12, Pope Francis will travel to Assisi to meet with a group of 500 people living in poverty.
The meeting marks the World Day of the Poor, which was established by the Pope five years ago. This year it falls on November 14, two days after his meeting with the poor. This year's theme is “The poor you will always have with you,” taken from the Gospel of Mark.
Pope Francis' last meeting with people in need took place in September, when he visited a house run by the religious sisters belonging to the congregation founded by Mother Teresa.
The Lord is always near us, whether we can see Him or not. He is always with us on the journey of life. Let us not forget this, especially in difficult moments.
The Pope will meet with various people from different countries around Europe. He will hear their testimonies, and spend time praying with them. The visit will be Pope Francis' fifth visit to Assisi. The last time he traveled there was on October 3, 2020 to sign his latest encyclical, “Fratelli tutti.”
The organization coordinating the meeting is from France called “Fratello,” Italian for brother, which works with people in need throughout the world. For this year's World Day of the Poor they will bring impoverished people from as many as 15 of their centers to meet the Pope in Assisi.
JM