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No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles. While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel, none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice
Pope Francis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

We all have a responsibility to care for the poor, regardless of our personal circumstances.

Pope Francis emphasizes that the commitment to social justice and concern for the poor is a vital aspect of our Christian mission. He challenges the notion that one's personal or professional obligations can absolve them from the duty to support those in need, urging that our earthly lives should always reflect our spiritual and communal responsibilities.

Themes

PovertySocial JusticeResponsibilityCompassionService

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about community service, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of helping the poor.

More from Pope Francis

We are a church of sinners but we must not be afraid of holiness. Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way that is with love, joy and faith.
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I join the March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May God help us respect all life, especially the most vulnerable.
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We face so many challenges in life: poverty, distress, humiliation, the struggle for justice, persecutions, the difficulty of daily conversion, the effort to remain faithful to our call to holiness, and many others. But if we open the door to Jesus and allow him to be part of our lives, if we share our joys and sorrows with him, then we will experience the peace and joy that only God, who is infinite love, can give.
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More and more people work on Sundays as a consequence of the competitiveness imposed by a consumer society.
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This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.
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The people of God want pastors, not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials.
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