Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Catholic News

Home

Home
Catholic
Religion News
War is the mother of poverty, Pope Francis says

War is the mother of poverty, Pope Francis says

Last updated on: June 3, 2015 at 9:30 pm by CNA Daily News

War is the mother of poverty, Pope Francis says 2015-06-03T21:30:00+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, Jun 3, 2015 / 03:30 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis lamented the suffering inflicted on families already struggling from poverty in countries torn by the “great predator” of war.

“Truly, war is the 'mother of all poverty,' the pontiff said Wednesday, addressing the crowds in Saint Peter’s Square.

“War impoverishes the family,” he said. It is “a great predator of lives, of souls, and of the most sacred and precious loved ones.”

Since late last year, Pope Francis has been centering his Wednesday catechesis on the theme of family as part of the lead-up to the World Day of Families in September, as well as October’s Synod of Bishops on the Family.

Continuing with his June 3 catechesis, the Pope centered his address around the particular difficulties which many families face, especially with regard to poverty.

He lamented the “misery” and “degradation” experienced by poor families inflicted by war, as well as those living in the peripheries.

Nonetheless, there are families who “persevere with dignity” and trust in God’s goodness despite these challenges brought about by war and poverty, Pope Francis said. This does not “justify our indifference,” however: rather, it should “increase our shame of the fact that there is so much poverty!”

The pontiff said we should be grateful to those families who save society by maintaining their integrity amid the challenges of poverty.

“It is a miracle that even in extreme situations families continue to be formed and sustained,” he said, preserving the “special humanity of their relationships.”

This is a point of irritation for those who consider family ties as secondary for the quality of life. “They understand nothing!” the Pope said.

“Rather, we should fall to our knees in front of these families,” as they are a “true school of humanity which saves society from barbarism.”

Pope Francis called for “a new civil ethics” which does not yield to blackmail, but reorganizes social ties in such a way as to prevent the “perverse spiral between family and poverty.”

“Sadly, our modern economies often promote individual wellbeing at the expense of the family.”

The Holy Father said it is not merely a question of food, but also of work, education, and health. We may be moved when we see images of malnourished and sick children. However, children understand that “man does not live by bread alone!”

This also pertains to the family: “When there is misery, children suffer because they want love, family connections.”

Pope Francis reminded Christians of their responsibility to “strengthen and support” families, especially those that are poor.

He listed a series of factors which place a strain on the family and relationships: unemployment, dangerous working conditions, housing and transportation difficulties, reduced access to health and education.

Added to these factors is the image of the “pseudo-model family” as presented by mass media, which is based on “the cult of appearance.”

This, he said, “influences the poorest social class and increases the disregard for family connections.”

Pope Francis called for the Church to live simply, both individually and institutionally, as it cares for families affected by poverty.

“The Church, as a mother, can never be blind to the sufferings of her children,” he said.

By living simply, we can “break down walls of division and overcome all difficulties, especially poverty,” he said. “A poorer Church will bear fruit for so many of her needy children.”

He concluded by praying for commitment on the part of Christian families to helping the poor.

Vatican

Previous Post

June 3, 2015

Pope Francis wants Vatican liturgy chief to continue the work of Benedict XVI

Next Post

June 3, 2015 How the Supreme Court's hijab decision helps faith in the workplace

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

Who was Isaac's wife?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Rebekah Sarah Rachel Leah