From the Friars: Love for the Poor

A friend recently sent me an essay by a traditionalist Catholic which gave a very negative assessment of Pope Leo XIV’s recently promulgated Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You). The new Pope’s first teaching document was begun by Pope Francis before he died, and Pope Leo decided to complete it and add some thoughts of his own.

I believe some of the criticism is justified. For example, there is a quote from Pope Francis that states that inequality “is the root of all social ills.” (P.94) This is at best misleading. Sin is the root of all types of evil in the world. Also, the references to “structural sin” can also be confusing. This term has been commonly used in recent times but there really is no such thing as a sinful structure, only sinful people. Only a free and rational creature can sin. What is really meant is an unjust structure, of which there are countless examples, such as the dictatorship of the Communist Party in China, or legal abortion.

But overall, the exhortation is an excellent reminder of the danger of indifference toward the poor. It gives a powerful summary, from Moses to Mother Theresa, of how compassion toward those who are suffering has been a focus of God’s love and plan from the beginning. Social inequalities are unavoidable and not even bad in themselves as long as all people have a minimum of resources to live in dignity and peace. The problem, as the Pope points out, is when wealth is horded for selfish reasons and so many are left without basic needs being met or any real opportunities to improve their lot. I have witnessed this firsthand in Nicaragua. It was painful and frustrating to see so many there, young people especially, with practically no options to develop and use their God-given gifts.

The essay attacking the Pope went so far as to accuse him of contradicting prior Church teaching. If anything, Dilexi Te shows the continuity in Catholic Tradition of a strong emphasis on service to the poor.

As the great prophet of our time, St. Theresa of Calcutta, reminds us, “you did it to me,” is the Gospel on five fingers.

–Fr. Peter