Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has issued a message to the faithful highlighting the importance of caring for the poor, drawing on themes from the recently published Apostolic Exhortation "Dilexi Te, On Love for the Poor." Cardinal Tobin encourages everyone to read the full text at www.vatican.va.

In his letter, Cardinal Tobin notes that both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV contributed to this document. He writes: "I love this letter for its powerful content, but I also love it because it is a perfect blend of the pastoral heart and deep teaching of the late Pope Francis, who initiated this project, and our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who completed it. These two great pastors speak here with one voice, and what they tell us is important: The only Son of God, our Redeemer, became poor to love and serve the poor. And those of us who have committed ourselves to follow Jesus, the poor Messiah, have an obligation out of love to respect and serve the poor as he did."

The exhortation emphasizes that poverty marked every aspect of Jesus' life. It describes how Jesus was born in humble conditions and experienced rejection throughout his life: "The Gospel shows that this poverty affected every aspect of Jesus’ life. From his arrival in the world he experienced difficulties related to rejection... Jesus was born in humble conditions; as a newborn he was placed in a manger and very soon after his birth his parents fled to Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-15). At the beginning of his public life he was expelled from Nazareth after announcing that in him is fulfilled ‘the year of grace’ which brings joy to the poor (cf. Lk 4:14-30). There was no welcoming place even at his death since he was led outside Jerusalem to be crucified (cf. Mk 15:22). In this condition we can clearly summarize Jesus’ poverty. It is the same exclusion that characterizes society’s definition of the poor: they are excluded from society."

The document further states that Jesus had special compassion for those living in poverty and always stood by them without condescension.

Cardinal Tobin calls on all Christians to respond actively: "All disciples of Jesus Christ are called to love the poor as He did. We are invited and challenged to see the poor, shed light on their reality, and respond with transformed hearts."

He reminds readers that human dignity comes not from possessions or achievements but from being made in God's image.

He continues by recognizing local efforts across northern New Jersey through Catholic Charities agencies as well as parishes, schools, and health organizations serving those in need each week.

However, Cardinal Tobin acknowledges ongoing challenges: "I also know much more is needed. What can you and I do now—and in future—to help alleviate poverty? We can ‘storm heaven’ confident our prayers will be heard... We can support Catholic Charities and other social service agencies through generous donations of time, talent or treasure!"

He stresses above all else: "As Popes Francis and Leo make clear—we are called above all else to love our sisters and brothers who are poor or vulnerable in many ways. We must not be indifferent toward them or their situation."

A selection from Pope Leo XIV’s exhortation included in Cardinal Tobin’s message reiterates these themes:

"In his incarnation [Jesus] 'humbled himself taking on human form' (Phil 2:7)... This radical poverty underpins His mission... The Gospel shows this poverty touched every part of His life... He appears not only as a poor Messiah but as Messiah for—and among—the poor."

Pope Leo XIV adds context about Jesus' social status—working as an artisan without land ownership—and recalls biblical episodes demonstrating His solidarity with people living on society's margins.

The text concludes with a prayer inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli Tutti:

"Lord Jesus,

You teach us there are two kinds of people:

– those who stoop down to help

and those who look away.

What kind will we be?

We say yes Lord—I will love you,

and my neighbor.

But then we ask:

Is my neighbor

the migrant?

the poor?

victims of war?

those facing racism?

the disabled or elderly?

You remind us—all are neighbors...

Help us persevere in love...

Help us restore dignity...

Help us build community..."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops grants permission for educational use provided proper attribution.