The option for the poor and the ecclesiology of Evangelii Gaudium

Abstract

The poor have always been present in the history of the Church, sometimes as objects and sometimes as subjects. Since the Second Vatican Council, the poor have become subjects in the Church's documents and evangelizing activities. The option for the poor did not emerge with Vatican II, nor with Liberation Theology; however, it was in this context that this option became preferential. Even so, this is a very controversial topic for the Church and for theology. It's worth remembering that opting for the poor isn't just about fighting for social justice; above all, it's about taking a critical look at society and progress, considering the consequences of the impoverishment of the population, both in Latin America and around the world. By taking the side of the poor, the Church stands in solidarity with the oppressed and fights on their behalf, seeking fairer social structures and conditions for a dignified life. In this text, we will briefly review the history of the preferential option for the poor, from Sacred Scripture through Vatican II to the Aparecida Conference, and then draw a parallel with the ecclesiology of Pope Francis, in order to show that his pontificate is focused on the poor.