Baltimore, Md., Nov 12, 2013 / 01:52 am
Pope Francis' message of concern for the poor is one that is echoed in the U.S., as part of a robust Catholic social teaching that cares for immigrants, the unborn and the religiously persecuted, said two cardinals.
"The message has been so consistently a message of social concern," explained Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C.
He explained that "sometimes the spotlight will focus on one aspect of the teaching," and the emphasis is currently moving towards "the needs of the poor." However, this does not mean a change in Catholic teaching, he said, pointing to the Church's long history of social justice advocacy in the U.S., which was influential in forming institutions and legislation in the country.
This focus may seem new because of the ability to overlook the poor in the United States, he said, observing that because the country is relatively well-off, "I think at times we don't always see the needs of people right here in our own country."