Do not forget the poor, Vatican foreign minister emphasizes

November 13, 2015

During a trip to Zambia, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, emphasized the importance of heeding the cry of the poor, according to a Zambian newspaper report.

“By reason of the Christian quality that has always characterized the identity of the country, and of which Zambia is proud, being a champion of the values of unity, peace and equality, it is unthinkable that the weak and the poor should be left behind,” he said in an address marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Holy See. “The Church has to cry for the poor because they are her members and in her they find solace.”

“Separating the worship of God from justice; praying to God but harming the poor, the vain believer makes a pretence of loving a God and neighbor while loving no one but himself,” he added during a Mass at Lusaka’s cathedral. 

 

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Further information:

• It’s unthinkable for Zambia to leave the weak, poor behind - Pope’s envoy (The Post)