Archbishop Paul Cremona this evening urged the Maltese to find ways of reducing poverty among children.

In an homily during Mass held on the occasion of the World Day of Peace, being celebrated tomorrow, Mgr Cremona said that one of every five Maltese children lived in poverty. Although these children were not dying of hunger, they were at a disadvantage when compared to others.

The Pope, he said, dedicated his message for the day to the theme “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace”.

When poverty affected families, children were the biggest sufferers, Mgr Cremona said.

“In the name of peace and justice, let’s not ignore these children. We cannot remember them just at Christmas time,” he said.

Mgr Cremona said that there was a high level of illiteracy among the children who lived in poverty, with many not finishing their education. They also had a lack of motivation to work. Their opportunities were very limited, they suffered more from health problems, both physical and mental, they were among those least involved in social organisations and stress and anxiety was prevalent in their families because of financial problems. A considerable number suffered because of the stigma associated with poverty.

The Pope, in his message, said that for peace to be built these children could not be allowed to live in poverty. Everyone, including the country’s leaders, opinion makers, and the private and public sectors, should feel responsible for the poverty of these children.

These children, the archbishop said, were the responsibility of every Christian who respected human dignity.