Pope should speak out on poverty in Philippines – Irish missionaries

Irish missionaries based in the Philippines are hopeful that Pope Francis will put a spotlight on widespread poverty in the country during his official visit next week.

Irish Columban missionary Fr Shay Cullen, who has lived in the Philippines for over 40 years, said it was expected that Pope Francis would address the “great disparity between rich and poor” during his trip from January 15-19.

“He may speak out against the death squads that kill priests and Church workers and children with impunity. He is the Pope of the poor and the oppressed, and is the long awaited man of God to lead the wayward Church leaders out of apathy and arrogance, teach them to reject corrupt ways and instil in them the love of the Gospel message,” he said.

Fr Cullen, who works with street children through the Preda foundation, said millions would be trying to see Pope Francis and to receive his blessing during the visit. “Most are very poor and they will be praying that his spiritual aura and huge popularity will be influential in spreading virtue, good family values, respect for human rights and social justice in the Philippines,” he said.

He said he hoped Pope Francis would inspire people “to speak the truth, oppose corrupt rulers and work to lift the poor from poverty by good example and evangelical poverty”.