This weekend marks the 7th annual World Day of the Poor. It is an initiative started by Pope Francis that encourages all to “go forth” to encounter poverty—a topic he has often spoken about.
POPE FRANCIS
I apologize for all the times that Christians, when in front of a poor person or when a poor person is near, look the other way. I'm sorry.
At 10am on Sunday, November 19, Pope Francis will preside over a Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter's Basilica. Directly after the celebration and following tradition from past years, he will attend a lunch with the poor in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
Throughout the week leading up to the World Day of the Poor, the Dicastery for the Service of Charity will also offer extended hours in the clinic near St. Peter's that provides free medical care to the poor.
For this 2023 World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis has specifically requested for everyone to work towards providing free healthcare and payment assistance to those in need. This year's theme is “do not look away from the poor” from the Book of Tobias.
AT
