Q’s from the Pews: What Does ‘Preferential Option for the Poor’ mean? November 9, 2025

On October 4, 2025, Pope Leo XIV issued his first Apostolic Exhortation titled Delexi Te (“I have loved you”). In completing this document, Pope Leo built upon an exhortation originally begun by Pope Francis, expanding on the Church’s teaching regarding the ‘preferential option for the poor.’

“This principle does not imply exclusivity or discrimination against other groups. Rather, it highlights God’s compassionate response to the poverty and weakness of all humanity. In seeking to establish a kingdom rooted in justice, fraternity, and solidarity, God holds a special place in His heart for those who are marginalized and oppressed. He calls upon the Church to make a bold and unwavering commitment to stand with the weakest among us.”

The preferential option for the poor is one of the seven foundational tenets of Catholic Social Teaching—and arguably one of the most misunderstood. Pope Leo offers a broader understanding of poverty, noting that it takes many forms: material deprivation, social marginalization, moral and spiritual emptiness, cultural exclusion, personal fragility, and the absence of rights, space, or freedom.

While charitable giving is encouraged, Pope Leo cautions that it is not sufficient. The Church’s mission must go beyond welfare assistance and efforts toward social justice. Christians must also confront a deeper inconsistency: the neglect of spiritual care for the poor. As Leo emphasizes, “the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.” Therefore, our preferential option must be expressed above all through dedicated and compassionate religious ministry.