Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has published his first apostolic exhortation, continuing a reflection initiated by Pope Francis on service to the poor, in whom is reflected “the suffering of the innocent.” The text denounces an economy that excludes and kills, social injustice, violence against women, malnutrition, and the educational crisis.

“I have loved you” (Rev 3:9) — this is how the first apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo XIV begins, signed on October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. This document follows in the footsteps of his predecessors, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to the poor. From John XXIII to Francis, it highlights a tradition of defending social justice in the face of hunger, misery, and the crises of the contemporary world.

Download the Apostolic Exhortation

There are many more, but here are some standout quotes from the exhortation, notable for their sense of faith, charitable outlook, Christian love, and the Church’s role towards those most in need:

• “In the wounded face of the poor, we see imprinted the suffering of the innocent, and therefore the very suffering of Christ.”
• “Lack of equity is the root of all social evils.”
• “God chooses the poor… this ‘preference’ never implies exclusivity or discrimination against other groups…”
• “Christian love overcomes every barrier, brings the distant closer, gathers strangers, reconciles enemies, crosses humanly insurmountable chasms, and reaches the most hidden corners of society.”
• “The Church that places no limits on love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church the world needs today.”
• “Every person living in poverty should be able to hear: ‘I have loved you.’ That is the promise and our compass…”
• “To imitate Christ poor, naked, and despised… with the goal of building a society and a Church where no one feels abandoned.”
• “When we encounter someone sleeping outdoors… how do we respond? We become complicit if we walk past.”
• “The preferential option for the poor brings about extraordinary renewal in both the Church and society, when we are able to break free from self-referentiality…”
• “The poor make us reflect on the fragility of that aggressive pride with which we so often face life’s challenges.”

In short, this is a document to read, reflect on, and — above all — to inspire us to look at the world with faith and hope.