There is no worse material poverty than one that does not allow for earning one’s bread and deprives one of the dignity of work. Youth unemployment, informality, and the lack of labor rights are not inevitable; they are the result of a previous social option, of an economic system that puts profit above man; if the profit is economic, to put it above humanity or above man, is the effect of a disposable culture that considers the human being in himself as a consumer good, which can be used and then discarded.

If we take the poor away from the Gospel, we won't be able to understand the whole message of Jesus Christ.

You just can’t say that, just as you can’t say that all Christians are fundamentalists. We have our share of them (fundamentalists). All religions have these little groups.

...because with us what is highest must be at the service of others.

In a word: charity cannot be neutral, antiseptic, indifferent, lukewarm or impartial! Charity is infectious, it excites, it risks and it engages! For true charity is always unmerited, unconditional and gratuitous!

Our life must be centred on what is essential, on Jesus Christ. Everything else is secondary.

If we see someone who needs help, do we stop? There is so much suffering and poverty, and a great need for good Samaritans.