The Priest and the Care for the Needy

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the priest’s responsibility toward the needy, explaining that most people are, in some way, in need — whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually. As income increases, so do responsibilities, and therefore, service must extend to all who are burdened, not just the visibly poor.

Categories of the Needy

The Pope divides the needy into groups:

• Those whose income is insufficient.

• The sick who cannot afford medical treatment.

• Those struggling with marriage, housing, and education.
  He emphasizes that the priest must not live in comfort or pride but should share in people’s pain, for priesthood is a ministry of love and sacrifice, not prestige or honor.

The Spirit of Giving

His Holiness stresses that helping the needy is not only about financial charity but also emotional sharing and genuine love. Visiting the sick must include practical help and compassion. The priest should give from his own possessions, not only from church funds, for true giving comes from a merciful heart.

Bearing with the Poor

The Pope explains that true care involves patience and tolerance, even toward the difficult or repetitive poor. Serving them with love and endurance mirrors Christ’s patience toward human weakness.

The Danger of Priest’s Luxury

He warns that a priest’s luxurious life can become a stumbling block for the poor, urging simplicity as an example of humility and compassion.

Comprehensive Care

The Pope calls for integrated care — covering education, medical treatment, employment, marriage aid, and vocational training for poor families, so they may sustain themselves with dignity.

Giving in Secret

He encourages giving discreetly, without hurting the dignity of the poor, since kind words and gentle charity bring peace to hearts. As the Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Final Message

His Holiness concludes that mercy is the true measure of judgment, as in Matthew 25, and that faith without merciful works is incomplete. The Church must prioritize souls over buildings and remind the poor that God has not forgotten them.

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