Pope Leo XIV’s World Day of the Poor Message: The Lord Is the Refuge of the Poor

Vatican City, June 14, 2026: Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, called on Christians to rediscover the central place of the poor and strengthen their commitment to justice, solidarity and human dignity.

The World Day of the Poor will be observed on 15 November 2026. In his message, released on Sunday and dated June 13, the feast of St Anthony of Padua, the Pope reflected on Psalm 14, “The Lord is the refuge of the poor”.

Pope Leo recalled that the Psalm was written during a time of suffering following the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, when people experienced deep material and moral misery. He said the message continues to speak to every generation, especially in a world affected by injustice and inequality.

“Sadly, we see that even today there is widespread social injustice arising from arrogant corruption, which is as deplorable as it is discriminatory,” the Pope wrote.

CLICK HERE to follow Catholic Connect for regular News and Content!

Highlighting the struggles faced by the poor, Pope Leo warned that their cries are often ignored or silenced through various means. He noted that the digital world can sometimes increase prejudice and deepen indifference towards those who suffer.

The Pope said the poor often understand what is truly essential because they live with the essentials. Their trust in God, he added, reveals their hope in His justice and mercy.

Reflecting on modern forms of poverty, Pope Leo described the poor of today as “the forgotten and the marginalised: robbed not only of bread, but also of a voice and a face.” He prayed that they may encounter Christ through Christians and through the Church, where Jesus restores dignity and offers hope.

The Pope stressed that Christians are called not only to find refuge in God but also “to be a refuge for the poor”. He urged the Christian community not to remain indifferent to those who are often unseen and excluded.

Recalling Saint Augustine’s reflection on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Pope Leo encouraged believers to examine their priorities and way of life.

Citing his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, the Pope reaffirmed that “God shows a preference for the poor” and said the Church must be a Church that welcomes the little ones and walks with those in need.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo expressed hope that the 10th World Day of the Poor would help Christians recognise the faces of brothers and sisters seeking refuge in God and make them feel at home within their communities.

Courtesy: Vatican News