A network that unites more than 160 local Catholic humanitarian groups across the nation is set to mark Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the United States with a campaign to raise awareness of the more than 45 million citizens and residents living in poverty.

In its "#End45" effort, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is asking supporters to write and use the aforementioned hashtag on the palms of their hands and then post a picture to social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the group explained in a statement.

The organization will also feature a series of seven videos that showcase people who have "demonstrated resilience, hope and strength as they have overcome adversity," it said. CCUSA is hoping that its online campaign will encourage supporters to talk to family members and friends in order to draw further attention to its cause.

Donna Markham, the Dominican who serves as the group's president and chief executive, noted that poverty in the United States is not only found at the fringes of society. "Throughout my life I have learned that poverty does not discriminate and that the individuals we serve every day come from all walks of life," Markham explained.

CCUSA hopes that Francis' first visit to the U.S. will further bring about a national conversation on the issue. President Barack Obama will welcome the leader of the world's more than one billion Catholics to the White House on Sept. 23, and White House press secretary Josh Earnest has told USA Today that poverty will be among the issues on their agenda.

During his trip, the pontiff is also scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Sept. 24. Beyond Washington, D.C., the pope will travel to Philadelphia -- where he will attend the World Meeting of Families, a major gathering of Catholic leaders, and New York - where he is set to address the United Nations on Sept. 25.

The Los Angeles Times, meanwhile, noted that poverty - along with climate change and religious freedom - ranks among the "major concerns of [Francis'] papacy."