Pope Leo XIV in his own words
“The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.”
SUMMARY
Pope Leo begins by affirming that love for God “is one with love for the poor” (5, 8). Yet, poverty is worsening. Today, new and "more dangerous” forms of poverty are emerging, and include the lack of material resources, land, rights, and freedom (9, 10). Poverty is created by unjust laws and systems that “favor the strongest,” allowing a handful of individuals to hoard resources from our communities (11). As a result, we are seeing billionaires grow wealthier while more and more people struggle to get by. Pope Leo calls for a conversion away from these structures and attitudes that are “centered on the accumulation of wealth” at all costs, “even at the expense of others” (11, 12).
Key Quotations
Reflection
In the United States today, a small group of billionaires hold more wealth than half of the country. On average, CEOs make 281 times the typical workers’ pay – accumulating wealth at the expense of others, as Pope Leo describes (11). Moreover, in the budget Congress passed in July 2025, many lawmakers chose to take away funding for our health care and food, all to pay for enormous tax giveaways to their billionaire backers. Americans across the country know that this is wrong and have long cried out for relief. Pope Leo affirms that God hears this cry and calls us to respond. All workers deserve quality health care, paid leave and time off to care for loved ones, safe working conditions, the right to unionize, and living wages that help us pay our bills, save for our dreams, and retire with dignity.
Question
In what ways are you and your loved ones affected by the rising costs of health care, food, housing, education, etc.? How do you see people in your community struggling? Why is it that the ultra-rich are growing richer while regular folks have a harder and harder time?