The Gaza Strip faces a severe economic and humanitarian crisis following Israel's war, with skyrocketing unemployment, widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a collapse of the local economy, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity among its residents.
A Venezuelan family returns home from the US due to deportation and economic hardship, facing poverty and unemployment during Christmas, highlighting the struggles of Venezuelan migrants amid changing US immigration policies.
China is heavily investing in automation and unmanned manufacturing to maintain its global manufacturing dominance and boost exports, despite domestic issues like rising poverty and unemployment. The country's focus on high-tech exports and supply chain control benefits the CCP's authority but exacerbates domestic inequality and social instability, with automation replacing many jobs and deepening poverty among vulnerable populations.
The 2026 Global Watchlist highlights Africa's severe crisis situation, with six of the top ten most affected countries facing conflicts, political instability, climate shocks, and economic stress, leading to widespread humanitarian needs and deepening poverty, amid a global aid shortfall and escalating violence.
An American in rural Oregon shares her struggles with food insecurity and reliance on SNAP benefits amid political turmoil, highlighting the hardships faced by low-income families and the broader issues of systemic exploitation and neglect.
Approximately 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits face potential cuts or delays due to the ongoing government shutdown, which could significantly impact low-income households, especially those with children, disabilities, or living in poverty, with the most vulnerable at risk of losing essential food assistance.
Pope Leo XIV condemns usury as a grave sin that exploits the vulnerable and corrupts the human heart, emphasizing the need for justice, mercy, and ethical economic practices to protect the poor and uphold human dignity, especially during the Jubilee Year.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and addressing the structural causes of poverty in his first major document, continuing the priorities of his predecessor Francis and criticizing ideologies that promote market autonomy and financial speculation.
Pope Leo XIV's first major document, Dilexi Te, condemns elitism and indifference to the poor, emphasizing the church's role in advocating for social justice and the importance of caring for the marginalized, drawing heavily on Latin American liberation theology and historical church teachings.
Pope Leo XIV's first teaching document emphasizes the Catholic Church's unwavering commitment to the poor, criticizes the wealthy for living in luxury while others suffer, and aligns closely with Pope Francis's teachings on social and economic injustice, calling for structural change and renewed charity.
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the connection between faith and love for migrants, calling the church to prioritize social justice and care for the vulnerable, especially migrants and the poor, in his first official document, urging societies to address inequality and promote charity and compassion.
Protests in Madagascar enter their third week, with demonstrators demanding President Andry Rajoelina's resignation due to widespread poverty, corruption, and recent water and power shortages. Police have used teargas to disperse crowds, and the protests have become the largest in recent years, inspired by similar movements in Kenya and Nepal. The government claims the protests are exploited by political actors seeking destabilization, while the UN reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries during the unrest.
In 2024, 6% of the U.S. population, or 20.4 million people, live in extreme poverty, with Washington D.C. having the highest rate at 10.3%. Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico also have high poverty levels, while New Hampshire has the lowest at 3.9%, influenced by economic stability and education.
The article shares personal stories highlighting the challenges faced by children growing up in poverty, including financial limitations affecting daily life, societal judgment, and emotional struggles, as well as moments of healing and understanding.
Syria is experiencing its worst drought in 36 years, leading to a significant decline in wheat harvests, increased food insecurity, and economic hardship for millions, with urgent international aid needed to prevent a worsening crisis.