Pope Francis calls for wealth redistribution

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Oddly enough the Catholic church is one of the wealthiest institutions in the world

http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/pope-calls-wealth-redistribution

Pope Francis on Friday called on United Nations leaders to take better care of the poor and advocated for a “legitimate redistribution” of wealth.

“Equitable economic and social progress can only be attained by joining scientific and technical abilities with an unfailing commitment to solidarity” with the poor, the Pope said, in addition to a new spirit of generosity, according to a transcript published by Vatican Radio.

In one of the most economically liberal statements made by any Pope, Francis called for “the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the State, as well as indispensable cooperation between the private sector and civil society.”

Francis criticized global wealth inequality and the growing level of poverty and hunger.

“An essential principle of management is the refusal to be satisfied with current results and to press forward,” he said. “Much more needs to be achieved, since an important part of humanity does not share in the benefits of progress and is in fact relegated to the status of second-class citizens.”

Francis added that nations must move away from the “economy of exclusion” in his address to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the heads of major U.N. agencies. They are meeting in Rome this week.

Francis has made a big splash since he becoming pope in March 2013, making bold statements on LGBT equality and sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Church.

[eieio 1,594]

The Pope should stick to saving peoples souls.

If he wanted to be an economic advisor.....he should have pursued that career.

[deleted-05292014 331]

You do have a point, the Catholic Church is very wealthy. Travelling in 3rd world countries I always found it interesting to see so much poverty but then a nice brick building that is a church - not always Catholic btw.

Not really sure how I feel about his statements without understanding the details. Obviously the first thing that comes to mind are the Bolsheviks or what happened in Cuba, but I don't think that is what he is talking about. Jesus was an advocate for the poor. Based on the source of the article he is just talking about opening more economic benefits for the poor from the government with private sector cooperation. That could mean anything but it does not mean taking money from wealthy people privately - maybe higher taxes, free quality education and housing provided by the State, etc.

[mota bhai 2,675]

The Pope should stick to saving peoples souls.

Yeah. He is trying to help the rich and the politicians who serve them save theirs.

[Janelle2002 3,865]

He is right. The Catholic Church is rich. They became even richer during the black plague. People paid tons of money to have the last rite before their death. The Catholic Church should participate more when helping the poor.

Pope Francis is going to be historical for wanting to help people and taking action instead of saying it from his chair.

[Pooky 3,844]

Yes, stick with its traditional role as being a strong part of the establishment. Prey today for a better world in the next life and leave the rich to their exploitation of the poor at all costs.

Now that's funny.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Pooky

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The Pope should stick to saving peoples souls.

If he wanted to be an economic advisor.....he should have pursued that career.

That's exactly what he's doing. Read the gospels.

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

**** Several posts removed for TOS violations or quoting TOS violations. Discuss the article in the OP civilly or do not post *******

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Pope Francis walks the talk.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Pope Francis walks the talk.

I do like a lot of what he has done. I do think him talking about letting go of wealth to help the poor, was a bit hypocritical.

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

I remember reading - $220 million is enough to enjoy this world in every possible way.

I think every person with a net worth exceeding $220 million should either give to humanity (via estate tax incentives) or have their piggy bank plundered.

I have no problem with the poor robbing their graves to steal & sell the gold they find.... 'em...they're dead already.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I do like a lot of what he has done. I do think him talking about letting go of wealth to help the poor, was a bit hypocritical.

He has also talked about using the Church's assets to help the poor too. He has the rest of the hierarchy pulling their hair out. He lives as simple and humbly as possible for a person in his position.

[Sousuke 1,214]

The Catholic Church has a history of being in the business of acquiring wealth. Perhaps this will be its turning point.

[eieio 1,594]

That's exactly what he's doing.

Giving people money is not quite the same as saving someones soul.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

You can't save someone else's soul, you can only save your own. Repent and change your ways.