The message was signed by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and Archbishop Pier Celata, president and secretary of the council, respectively.

This is what makes "tackling poverty" a necessity in confronting "the phenomena of extremism and violence," the message affirmed.

But the poverty that should be embraced, the statement noted,  involves a "style of life which is simple and essential, avoiding waste and respecting the environment and the goodness of creation."

In this context, Cardinal Tauran and Archbishop Celata conclude by expressing an invitation: "The poor question us, they challenge us, but above all they invite us to cooperate in a noble cause: overcoming poverty!"