Big families bring hope – not poverty, says Pope

Last updated on: January 21, 2015 at 6:18 pm by CNA Daily News

Big families bring hope – not poverty, says Pope 2015-01-21T18:18:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Jan 21, 2015 / 11:18 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has rejected the “simplistic” belief that large families are among the causes of poverty, stressing that economic systems which create a culture of waste are to blame.

“Families know they are essential to the life of society,” the Pope said Jan. 21 during his first weekly general audience since returning from his Jan. 12-19 tour of Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Speaking to the crowds gathered in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father recalled his Jan 16. meeting with 1,000 families in Manila, one of the main events of his visit to the Philippines.

“It gives consolation and hope to see many large families who welcome children as a true gift of God,” he said.

Having heard it said that large families are among the causes of poverty, the Pope described this belief as “a simplistic opinion.”

“I can say, we can all say, that the principle cause of poverty is an economic system which has removed the person from the center, and has put in his place the money-god; an economic system that always excludes children, elderly, the unemployed, and creates the culture of waste in which we live.”

In off-the-cuff remarks, Pope Francis added: “We are accustomed to seeing rejected people. This is the principle reason for poverty – not large families.”

Reflecting on Saint Joseph, who was tasked to protect the “Santo Niño”, or Holy Child, the Pope reiterated the importance of protecting the family against the “new ideological colonization, which threatens its identity and mission.

“The cure for poverty is a fundamental element of our life and Christian witness: it involves the rejection if every form of corruption which robs the poor,” while demanding “a culture of honesty.”

Throughout his visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis noted the “profound faith, religiosity and enthusiasm” of the Filipino people.

He recalled his meeting with victims of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), and the accidental death of Catholic Relief Services Kristel Padasas during the Jan. 17 Mass in Tacloban.

The Pope lauded those who brought aid to people affected by the typhoon. “The power of God's love, revealed in the mystery of the Cross, was made evident in the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by the many acts of charity and sacrifice which marked those dark days,” he said.

The Holy Father then recalled his meeting with the Filipino youth, during which he sought to encourage them in their efforts to bring renewal to society, “especially through service to the poor, and safeguarding of the natural surroundings.”

Speaking on his trip to Sri Lanka, the first stop on his week-long journey, Pope Francis highlighted the two central events of the visit: the canonization of St. Joseph Vaz, and the visit to Our Lady of Madhu.

The Pope described St. Joseph Vaz as a “model for all Christians,” whose “example of holiness and love for the other continues to inspire the Church in Sri Lanka in his apostolate of charity and education.”

Citing the country's decades' long civil war, Pope Francis recalled the reoccurring theme of reconciliation, centering on his visit to the Marian shrine of Madhu. Located in the north of the country, the sanctuary is an important site of pilgrimage for people from different ethnic groups and religions.

“In this holy place we asked Mary our mother to obtain the gift of unity and peace for all the Sri Lankan people,” he said.

Vatican

Previous Post

January 21, 2015

A step forward for evangelization in the Philippines

Next Post

January 21, 2015 Pope Francis blesses two lambs on the Feast of St. Agnes

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I gleaned in fields behind reapers and caught the eye of a wealthy landowner. Who am I?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Orpah Hannah Naomi Ruth