I am very pleased to present the document WORLD HUNGER a challenge for All: Development in Solidarity. It has been prepared with great care by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", Upon the request of His Holiness Pope John Paul ll. In addition, this year in his Lenten message, the Successor to St. Peter has given voice to those who lack the vital minimum: "The crowds of starving people, children, women, the elderly, immigrants, refugees, the unemployed, raise to us their cry of suffering. They implore us, hoping to be heard."  The document follows the path laid down by Christ to his disciples. The person and message of Jesus Christ are, in fact, centred on the manifestation that "God is love" (1 JN 4:8), a love which redeems humanity and saves it from a manifold misery in order to restore all men and women to their full dignity. Throughout the centuries, the Church has given many concrete expressions of this divine care. The history of the Church can be written as a history of Love and charity towards the poorest of the poor thanks to the many Christians who have given witness to their needy brothers and sisters , thus showing Christ's love in laying down his life for all.