Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Catholic Action on Hunger and Poverty

In May, Pope Leo XIV, through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, dedicated his monthly prayer intention to hunger, noting that 318 million people are projected to face food‑crisis conditions this year and that the war in the Middle East could push an additional 45 million into severe hunger. He also highlighted that over 1 billion tons of food are wasted globally each year and called on Catholics to replace selfish consumption with a “culture of solidarity,” urging concrete actions such as supporting food banks, raising awareness and adopting simpler, responsible lifestyles.

Meanwhile, the French Catholic nonprofit Fratello, operating in roughly 40 countries, is assisting parishes and dioceses in preparing for the World Day of the Poor (Nov 15, 2026). Fratello promotes a four‑element format—Vigil of Mercy, Mass, Banquet of Friendship and prayer vigils—that allows local churches to invite the poor into worship and community events, offering a replicable model for Catholic communities worldwide.