Pope Leo XIV received this Thursday (23) at the Vatican the participants of the V World Meeting of Popular Movements, which brings together representatives of social organizations, unions and cooperatives from all over the world.
Argentine cartoneros (recyclable material collectors) and the Brazilian Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) were among the groups with representatives at the event in Sala Paulo VI.
In his speech, Leo XIV made references to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who created the World Meeting of Popular Movements in 2014.
“Echoing Francis’s appeals, today I say: land, housing and work are sacred rights, worth fighting for, and I want you to hear me say: I’m in! I’m with you!”, said the pope, according to a transcript of his speech released by the Vatican.
“The Church supports your just struggles for land, housing and work. Like my predecessor Francisco, I believe that the right paths begin from below and from the periphery to the center. Your countless and creative initiatives can be transformed into new public policies and social rights”, added Leo XIV.
Ayala Ferreira, member of the MST’s national leadership, handed the pope an image of Ossanha, orixá of Candomblé and Umbanda.
