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VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has addressed the ongoing issues of poverty and addiction, emphasizing the need for a culture of encounter rather than marginalization. Speaking on June 26 during an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, he highlighted how often security measures target the poor instead of addressing systemic issues.
The pope stressed that true safety lies in "the restitution and redistribution of unjustly accumulated wealth," promoting reconciliation both personally and civically. He criticized those who profit from drugs and other addictions, urging states to dismantle criminal organizations rather than targeting victims.
Pope Leo stated, “Our cities must not be freed of the marginalized, but of marginalization; they must be cleared not of the desperate, but of desperation.” He emphasized that fighting drug trafficking and supporting marginalized communities should not be seen as subversive acts.
He called for collective efforts in overcoming societal challenges: “We conquer evil together. Joy is found together. Injustice is fought together.” The pope also acknowledged that while some social bonds can be harmful, these too can only be overcome through mutual support.
Addressing his audience directly, Pope Leo spoke about freedom from addiction: “Drugs and addiction are an invisible prison that you, in different ways, have known and fought, but we are all called to freedom.”
In conclusion, he urged for continued efforts to create spaces for healing and education: “Let us go forward together... never give anyone up for lost.”
