Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula admitted that the Catholic Church failed to become the "Church of the poor" during their recent Synodal consultations.
Radio Veritas on Monday, Aug. 29 said that Advincula expressed concern over the fact that there is a huge gap between the church and the poor in the country in which their pleas are not being heard.
“During our Synodal consultations in the Philippines, one of the most disturbing realizations we had is that our local Church is far from being with the Church of the poor that we aspire to be," he said.
"There is a dark and wide gap between the Church and the poor in our country. The Church does not know the poor, and that poor do not know the Church. Our poor and marginalized brethren feel that their views and values are disregarded in our Church communities and organizations,” he added.
Advincula stressed that the church's humility should not end in providing aid and spiritual guidance but is also in taking part in the actual life of the poor.
He also believes that it is important for the church to journey with the poor to impart the blessings of God and advocate for their dignity.