Poverty in the world is a scandal. In a world where there is so
much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there
are so many hungry children, that there are so many children without an
education, so many poor persons. Poverty today is a cry. We all have to think if
we can become a little poorer, all of us have to do this. How can I become a
little poorer in order to be more like Jesus, who was the poor Teacher?”
First of all I want to tell you something, tell all you young persons: don't let
yourselves be robbed of hope. Please, don't let it be stolen from you. The
worldly spirit, wealth, the spirit of vanity, arrogance, and pride … all these
things steal hope. Where do I find hope? In the poor Jesus, Jesus who made
himself poor for us. And you spoke of poverty. Poverty calls us to sow hope.
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7 June 2013 (Vatican Information Service) – In the Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope
Francis with students from Jesuit-run schools in Italy and Albania accompanied
by their teachers and family members.