Pope Francis calls the wealthy to serve the poor

Pope Francis continues to remind business leaders that they have a duty to aid the poor and vulnerable.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - in the letter that Pope Francis sent to the world's elites in Davos, Switzerland, Pope Francis reminded the world's elites that they have a responsibility to aid the world's poor.

CNA reported that in a letter to Prof. Klaus Schwab, founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum, Pope Francis wrote "It is intolerable that thousands of people continue to die every day from hunger, even though substantial quantities of food are available, and often simply wasted."

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"Likewise, we cannot but be moved by the many refugees seeking minimally dignified living conditions, who not only fail to find hospitality, but often, tragically, perish in moving from place to place."

"I know that these words are forceful, even dramatic, but they seek both to affirm and to challenge the ability of this assembly to make a difference."

Indeed, the wealth of this world should not be aggregated in the hands of a few, for their personal enjoyment and empowerment. Rather, the world's gifts are meant to be shared amongst all, in reasonable proportion, so that all people may have the opportunity for work, leisure, prayer, and meditation. People who have those things, are expected to use their time and their labor, to grow in communion with Christ.

This plan is upset, particularly in the modern age, as new technology makes servants of men. Perhaps today, more than any other time in history, the disparity between the wealthy and the poor is growing. Already, a small cadre of just 85 people, control approximately 45% of the world's wealth.

According to Oxfam, that wealth is being used to undermine democracy tilting the playing field in favor of the elites.

The future looks bleak, if this trend continues. Only the elites, and their privilege designees, will enjoy enough for their comfort and survival, and the rest of the world will be left in the cold. This is screen taken to its greatest extreme.

Of the world's poor is the responsibility of all people, not just governments, or the wealthy elites. All people are called to be as the Good Samaritan, and to care for their neighbors. More importantly, those who enjoy wealth must also shoulder a greater responsibility to care for the world's people.

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the world's elites plan to do much to aid the world's poor anytime soon. This leaves the problem at the doorstep of the Catholic Church, where you and I, as Catholics, must shoulder it.

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Fortunately, we are blessed and capable, and above all, ready. As the world awakens to its own power, Catholic online stands ready at the nexus between people, technology, and faith, to make a difference. It is hoped that the faithful readers of Catholic online will also join us in our upcoming efforts.

More to come.

Pope Francis calls for your 'prayer and action'...

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