Pope Francis has repeatedly described food waste as a moral issue rather than simply an environmental or economic concern, linking it to charity, solidarity and human dignity. The Pope warned that a growing “culture of waste” can weaken society’s respect for vulnerable people, including the poor, the elderly and the disabled, while also making people careless about throwing away food when millions still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. He said that “whenever food is thrown out it is as if it were stolen from the table of the poor, from the hungry”. Reflecting on the Gospel story of the multiplication of the loaves, Francis highlighted Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to “ensure that nothing was wasted”, arguing that sharing resources with solidarity allows communities to support those most in need. General Audience of 5 June 2013
Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics around the world to pray this May that everyone may have enough food, warning that millions of people still suffer from hunger while large amounts of food are wasted each day. In the latest “Pray with the Pope” video, released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, he urged people to live more simply, share with joy, and support practical efforts such as food banks and awareness campaigns. The Pope prayed for “a new heart, hungry for justice and thirsty for fraternity”, adding that no one should be excluded from the common table. According to the World Food Programme’s 2026 Global Outlook, around 318 million people are expected to face serious food insecurity this year, with ongoing conflict in the Middle East likely to worsen the crisis further.
Pray with the Pope
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.
Lord of creation,
You gave us the fertile earth and, with it, our daily bread,
as a sign of Your love and providence.
Today we recognize with sorrow
that millions of brothers and sisters continue to suffer from hunger,
while so many goods are wasted at our tables.
Awaken in us a new awareness:
that we learn to thank for every food,
to consume simply,
to share with joy,
and to care for the fruits of the earth as a gift from You,
destined for all, not just a few.
Good Father,
make us capable of transforming the logic of selfish consumption
into a culture of solidarity.
May our communities promote concrete gestures:
awareness campaigns, food banks,
and a sober and responsible lifestyle.
You who sent us Your beloved Son Jesus,
broken bread for the life of the world,
give us a new heart, hungry for justice and thirsty for fraternity.
May no one be excluded from the common table,
and may Your Spirit teach us to see bread
not as an object of consumption,
but as a sign of communion and care. Amen.
Source: Vatican News
