Catholic Church Poverty

‘We are challenged to make a fundamental option for the poor – to speak for the voiceless [and] to defend the defenceless (EJFA 16)’

Utilising the above quotation, analyse the causes of poverty in the world and evaluate the Catholic Church’s response in light of its social justice documents.

Citizens of the world have the power to make change for the better and for the worse. Nations strive to uphold moral standards of economic, political, and social status. However, amongst the endeavour to do this, the complications and hardships of poverty fall through the cracks. Poverty is misunderstood from its factual and unbiased meaning as individuals often have their own interpretation of its connotations. Furthermore, in a global context, there

It is clearly determined that in countries and societies where there is minimal to no access to basic health services, there is an abundant presence of poverty. “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including… medical care” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25, 1948.) The effort to ensure that everyone in the world has access to basic medical care is upheld by the Declaration of Human Rights but also by the Catholic Church. In the Catholic Social Teachings it states for the Care of God’s Creation; “We are called to protect the people and the planet” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 2005.) This pledge for not only people of faith, but all individuals to care for the people of the planet shows that more action must be undertaken to ensure that standards of health escalate to promote the decrease of poverty. This action is also reciprocated throughout the Bible scriptures. “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82; 3-4.) Derived straight from the holy book, the encapsulation of the need to ensure that poverty is eradicated is noticeable for everyone. Through the assistance of people who improve the standards of health care where needed, specifically in countries where poverty is a topic of immense concern, the eradication of poverty is able to be achieved. Amongst, the fight against poverty, the significant presence of the Catholic Church would also help to contribute to the awareness of health standards and the adherent association with