"Please, let's not forget the poor!". The prayer with which Pope Francis concludes his speech at the Mass for the VIII World Day of the Poor in St. Peter's Basilica is addressed to the Church, Governments of States, and International Organizations, but also "to each and everyone". The Pope also reminds the followers of Christ that "our life, which is infused with compassion and charity, serves as a testament to the Lord's presence, always present in the midst of the suffering of people in need, to alleviate their pain and alter their destiny". Christian hope, he emphasized, needs “Christians who do not turn away” and who feel “the same compassion of the Lord for the poor". Francis underscores this by recalling Cardinal Martini's warning: only by serving the poor "does the Church 'become' herself, that is, a house open to all, a place of God's compassion for the life of every person".