Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics around the world to reflect on how they use their wealth and to recognise that true riches lie not in accumulating possessions but in sharing with others through love and service.
The Pope made the appeal in his prayer intention for November, inviting Catholics to pray for the proper use of wealth and for greater concern for people in need.
In his monthly prayer video, released on Tuesday through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Leo said that everything people possess is a gift from God. He referred to fertile land, personal talents and the efforts of previous generations as resources that should be recognised as shared blessings rather than individual possessions.
The Pope warned that the pursuit of wealth can lead people towards selfishness and make them less sensitive to the struggles of vulnerable communities.
He also called for a change in attitudes towards material possessions, urging people to share what they have instead of keeping it for themselves or using it to gain power over others.
Referring to the teachings of Jesus, Leo said that genuine wealth is measured by what people give with love rather than what they accumulate. He stressed that detachment from possessions can help build a more just society, overcome indifference and bring hope to poor communities.
The Pope also encouraged people to use not only their money but also their time, talents and opportunities to serve others and strengthen human solidarity.
He said that decisions made within families, communities and economic activities should reflect a willingness to share resources, recognising that the good things people receive are meant to benefit everyone.
Concluding his prayer, Leo asked God to help people transform their wealth into acts of service and mercy, contributing to a world built on justice and peace.
The monthly prayer intentions are promoted by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, a Pontifical Work entrusted to the Society of Jesus. Founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the network encourages people to unite in prayer for challenges affecting humanity and the mission of the Church.
In December 2020, Pope Francis established the organisation as a Vatican Foundation. Its final statutes were approved in July 2024.
The network is active in more than 92 countries and has a spiritual community of over 22 million people. Its monthly prayer intentions invite members to focus on important issues facing the world and the Church.