Peru's poor need greater attention, pope tells country's ambassador

Published: 2004-12-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II urged greater efforts to help alleviate poverty in Peru. Though the country's government has sought to improve living conditions for its people, the pope said, "poverty continues to mark the existence of thousands of its citizens." The pope made his remarks Dec. 7 in an address welcoming Peru's new ambassador to the Holy See, Pablo Moran Val, who presented his credentials. "Satisfying the basic needs of destitute and marginalized people must be considered a fundamental priority since the accelerated changes in the world economy have put many people in an almost desperate situation," the pope said. The pope praised the work of the church in "staying close to the many families and people who are today living the inhumane consequences" of poverty. Yet he urged greater collaboration between the church and the public sector in helping the poor.

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