World Day of the Poor, 17 November

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources..." (Chapter Statement)

This year’s theme is taken from Sirach 21 “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.”

As has become customary, Pope Francis will celebrate World Day of the Poor with some of the poor people of Rome, who will join him for lunch after he has presided over mass.

In his message Pope Francis highlights the impact of war in generating  new poverty and innocent victims. 'The violence caused by wars clearly shows the arrogance of those who consider themselves to be powerful before men and women, but they are poor in the eyes of God. How many more people are impoverished by misguided policies involving weapons! ...'

He reminds us that ' The poor still have much to teach us because in a culture that has placed wealth at the forefront and often sacrifices the dignity of people on the altar of material goods, they swim against the tide, highlighting that what is essential for life is something else entirely.'

• Read the complete message here