Gov't must heed pope's call to end poverty

MANILA, Philippines - Public officials should live up to the challenge of Pope Francis to help fight poverty and provide more jobs to the people, Sen. Bam Aquino said Saturday.

"May the visit of Pope Francis serve as an opportunity for everyone to reflect on his work with the poor and the marginalized," Aquino said in a statement.

In solidarity with the Pope's call to build a Church of the poor and for the poor, Aquino said everyone must ensure that "the Philippine government is a government completely and utterly focused on fighting poverty and providing opportunities for our countrymen."

"He has challenged us to reexamine our Christian faith and lifestyle," the senator said.

Even before he was Pope, Aquino noted that the Romano Pontiff pushed for jobs and enterprises with his work in the slums of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"This is the call that we must heed – helping our countrymen means going beyond the common understanding of charity," he said.

"It is giving them dignity and the opportunity of earning for themselves and their families," Aquino said.

Aquino said the government, together with the private sector and every Filipino, must promote and support the Pontiff's call.