## Love Trumps Power: Pope’s Preacher Sends a Powerful Message with Pence in the Pew Imagine a world where love, not power, dictates our actions. A world where compassion and understanding bridge divides instead of widening them. This isn’t a utopian fantasy, it’s the message delivered by the Vatican’s top preacher, who sent shockwaves through the religious and political worlds by emphasizing love over power during a service attended by none other than former Vice President Mike Pence. Get ready to delve into the heart of this powerful message and explore the implications for our divided world.
The Threat to Aid and Vulnerable Populations
As the world grapples with the complexities of global development and social justice, the current administration’s policies targeting international aid programs and domestic social safety nets have sparked widespread concern. The Trump administration’s actions, carried out by Vice President JD Vance and defended by Elon Musk, have been characterized as unprecedented in their scale, pace, and human impact.
A Shift in Priorities
The administration’s policy shift is not about reform or improvement, but rather about destroying the nation’s commitment and capacity to help those who are hungry, sick, and desperately poor around the world. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which serves the poorest people in the poorest parts of the world with food, medicine, development assistance, and disaster relief, has been a primary target of the administration’s actions.
Any agency and all programs can be improved and reformed, and no doubt there have been some unwise and ineffective investments within USAID. However, the administration’s actions are not focused on assessing programs for their value and impact but rather ending USAID completely, terminating many staff, and requiring them to immediately leave their work abroad.
The Human Cost of Austerity
The devastating impact of these cuts on vulnerable populations, both domestically and internationally, cannot be overstated. The Trump administration’s proposal to cut programs that serve the poorest children and families, such as food stamps (now called SNAP) and Medicaid, will have a disproportionate impact on already marginalized communities.
- According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, more than one-third (35%) of the total number of dioceses in the US are considered “home mission dioceses,” which are often in rural areas with small Catholic populations or are communities that otherwise struggle economically.
- The Catholic Home Missions Appeal, which supports more than 70 “home mission dioceses” in the US and its current and former territories, has seen a significant increase in demand for its services, with over $8.1 million in grants supporting essential ministries in mission dioceses in 2025.
These cuts will not only harm the most vulnerable populations but also damage US security and the country’s standing in the world. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), launched by President George W. Bush, has been a bipartisan success story, but the Trump administration’s actions threaten to undermine these efforts and harm millions of lives.
Love, Not Power Saves the World
In a message to thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and cadets making a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of faith in military service. “The world needs you, especially at this dark moment in our history. We need men and women of faith capable of putting weapons at the service of peace and brotherhood,” said the Pope.
A Call to Action
As the world grapples with the complexities of global development and social justice, it is more important than ever to emphasize the importance of love and compassion in our actions. By supporting programs that serve the most vulnerable populations, we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.
The Catholic Home Missions Appeal, which supports more than 70 “home mission dioceses” in the US and its current and former territories, is a vital example of this commitment to love and compassion. By supporting this appeal, we can help provide basic pastoral services, such as Mass, the sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for priests, deacons, and lay people.
Empowering Individual Action
But how can we, as individuals, make a difference in the lives of those in need? By supporting programs like the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, we can help provide essential services to vulnerable populations. We can also make a difference by volunteering our time and talents, advocating for policies that promote social justice, and engaging in constructive dialogue with others.
As Pope Francis emphasized, “May you live this out not only in Lourdes, but wherever you are sent, bearing witness to the Gospel among your fellow soldiers.” By living out our faith in action, we can make a real difference in the world and create a more just and compassionate society for all.
The Ripple Effect of Generosity
The impact of our actions can have a ripple effect, creating a wave of change that spreads far and wide. By supporting programs like the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, we can help create a more just and compassionate society, where all people can thrive.
But the impact of our actions is not limited to the individuals we help. By supporting programs that serve the most vulnerable populations, we can also help build stronger, more resilient communities. We can help create a society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Collective Giving, Collective Impact
The power of collective giving is a powerful force for change. By coming together to support programs like the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, we can create a wave of change that has a lasting impact on the world.
So let us join together in support of the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, and let us make a difference in the lives of those in need. Let us show the world that love and compassion can conquer even the darkest of times, and that together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Government Actions Under Scrutiny
The Trump administration’s policies targeting international aid programs and domestic social safety nets have sparked widespread concern. The administration’s actions, carried out by Vice President JD Vance and defended by Elon Musk, have been characterized as unprecedented in their scale, pace, and human impact.
Holding Leaders Accountable
As the world grapples with the complexities of global development and social justice, it is more important than ever to hold leaders accountable for their actions. By speaking out against policies that harm the most vulnerable populations, we can help create a more just and compassionate society.
The Catholic Home Missions Appeal, which supports more than 70 “home mission dioceses” in the US and its current and former territories, is a vital example of the impact of collective action. By supporting this appeal, we can help provide essential services to vulnerable populations and create a more just and compassionate society.
Building Bridges of Solidarity
But holding leaders accountable is not enough. We must also build bridges of solidarity with others, engaging in constructive dialogue and advocating for policies that promote the common good. By working together, we can create a more just and compassionate society, where all people can thrive.
Conclusion
In a powerful message delivered at a service alongside former Vice President Mike Pence, the Vatican’s preacher emphasized the transformative power of love over the allure of power. This message, echoing the core teachings of Christianity, underscores the urgent need for a shift in our global priorities. The world, grappling with conflict, division, and inequality, desperately needs a renewed focus on compassion, empathy, and understanding. This call to action isn’t merely a theological exercise; it has profound implications for our personal lives and the future of humanity. Choosing love over power means rejecting the temptations of dominance and control. It means building bridges instead of walls, fostering dialogue instead of discord. As Pope Francis often reminds us, “Love is always the answer.” By embracing this truth, we can begin to heal our fractured world and create a more just and compassionate society for all. It’s a challenging path, but one that holds the promise of a brighter future – a future where love, not power, reigns supreme.