Jesus came “to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). The Church therefore gives special attention to those who are poor, vulnerable and on the margins of society. A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members.

This option is not against anyone. It is a call to look at every decision from the point of view of the poor, and to remove the causes of poverty, not only its effects.

Living it

• Share generously with those in need, through parish and Caritas programmes.
• Speak up for those who have no voice.
• Support education and skills training that lift families out of poverty.

Read further: Compendium, paragraphs 182–184; Populorum Progressio.