Pope attacks 'tyranny' of markets in manifesto for papacy
Source: Reuters
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis attacked unfettered capitalism as "a new tyranny" and beseeched global leaders to fight poverty and growing inequality, in a document on Tuesday setting out a platform for his papacy and calling for a renewal of the Catholic Church.
The 84-page document, known as an apostolic exhortation, was the first major work he has authored alone as pope and makes official many views he has aired in sermons and remarks since he became the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years in March.
In it, Francis went further than previous comments criticizing the global economic system, attacking the "idolatry of money", and urged politicians to "attack the structural causes of inequality" and strive to provide work, healthcare and education to all citizens.
He also called on rich people to share their wealth. "Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills," Francis wrote in the document issued on Tuesday.
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-attacks-tyranny-markets-urges-renewal-key-document-110227704.html
TBF
(32,090 posts)and I don't often run around heeping praise on the clergy.
One point though - capitalism has been tyranny for awhile. Nothing new.
But still thank you for speaking up. I hope they don't kill you.
loudsue
(14,087 posts)This has needed to be said from a world leader for a long, long time. From his lips to God's ears.
burnsei sensei
(1,820 posts)Yes, markets are not democratic.
They are tyrannous. They are not society, they are not even freedom.
Democracy is not capitalism.
And capitalism sure as hell is not democracy.
cilla4progress
(24,766 posts)EXCACTLY! I want to see him asked this question!!
Berlum
(7,044 posts)BeyondGeography
(39,379 posts)loudsue
(14,087 posts)I hope his words carry the message everywhere. I hope the media reports it correctly.
Vashta Nerada
(3,922 posts)AllTooEasy
(1,261 posts)He suspended the "Bling Bishop" of Germany http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/10/23/german-bishop-bling-vatican-suspension/3169723/
...and launched reform of Vatican bureaucracy, with cleanup of Vatican bank http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pope-francis-launches-reform-of-vatican-bureaucracy-with-cleanup-of-vatican-bank/2013/10/18/28b99ecc-3430-11e3-89db-8002ba99b894_story.html
...and I love this quote 'Not to share wealth with poor is to steal'. Republican "Catholics" like Paul Ryan have to love that!
...and he's just getting started.
Vashta Nerada
(3,922 posts)Now, did he empty the Catholic church coffers and give that money to the poor? After all, he said "I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security". Otherwise, what he all said was meaningless.
zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)"empty the coffers" might be a bit strong, but I would not be surprised to see him direct the bishops guide each parish to establish their outreach to the poor. And I wouldn't be surprised if he started with his own diocese as an example.
olegramps
(8,200 posts)The Catholic Republican politicians are the scandal of the Catholic Church. These no-good lousy bastards are gleefully cutting food for helpless children. They are intent on starving the poor, leave them without a job and on the street begging. I wish he would address these bastards since they absolutely contradict the very basic teachings of Jesus that it is our absolute duty to assist the helpless.
Since they claim to be Christians, they should contemplate Jesus' warning "...I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited The righteous will then answer him 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you...The King will reply, I tell you whenever you did this for one of least on these brothers of mine, you did it for me! Then he will say to those on his left, 'Away from me, you that are under God's curse! Away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels...'I will tell you whenever you refused to help one of these least important ones, you refused to help me. These then, will be sent to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life." Mt 25
It appears to me that they are either deaf to his most basic teachings or are just charlatans claiming to be followers of Jesus.
johnnykooks
(12 posts)Pope Francis, please avoid riding in a convertible thru Dealey Plaza.
cilla4progress
(24,766 posts)he's still opposed to women serving in the priesthood, and freedom of choice.
pangaia
(24,324 posts)But I will take what I can get now, and then try to get more.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)Vashta Nerada
(3,922 posts)Response to cilla4progress (Reply #8)
AllTooEasy This message was self-deleted by its author.
AllTooEasy
(1,261 posts)"If all of your views aren't in perfect alignment with mine, then you get credit for nothing!". Same elitist, condesending attitude is used against Obama, and every elected Democrat.
I hope everyone uses the same measurement stick with you.
cilla4progress
(24,766 posts)Forgot...
Better keep my opinions to myself, here!
AgingAmerican
(12,958 posts)Oh Noooes!!
meadowlark5
(2,795 posts)If it's not something they agree with or can exploit for the benefit of the whacked out republican party, they simply don't talk about it.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)I really like this Pope, this is major considering how ponderous the Roman Catholic Church is.
fbc
(1,668 posts)The Catholic Church in the United States has been an enabler of the republican party and bears much responsibility for the evils that Pope Francis is condemning.
I think it's great that he is speaking out on these things, but unless he follows up with actual actions including the recalling of many of the Cardinals and Bishops leading the US dioceses, then his words are hollow.
I agree with you Pope Francis, but it's been your Bishops holding the baton and leading the US to military buildup, illegal wars and economic inequality. Talk is cheap - it's all about the follow through.
while I love his talk about economic equality we still have the outstanding issues of abortion and whether women should lead in the church. So there's that also. We'll see how he proceeds. Better than the predecessors but then that's a pretty low bar all things considered.
Kingofalldems
(38,475 posts)TexasProgresive
(12,158 posts)Some people prefer to see the original and not edited commentary.
rib
(2 posts)i can tell you ... you have no idea about who this guy is
true he is against capitalism ... but only to go back to middle ages
Beacool
(30,251 posts)He would first smack the miscreants around and then bless them.
hue
(4,949 posts)PATRICK
(12,228 posts)and detailed history of "social teachings" has been given a real kick toward real justice despite some of the recent encyclicals being about social justice. Pope Leo has a two sided approach about moderating threatening land reforms by centering in on property rights. The sound of one hand clapping for reacting against changes besieging the old world but acknowledging responsibility to speak out- somehow- on real world morality.
The Latin American new left movement in both theology and within the clergy has just resurrected in the fundamental way and without all the usual institutional compromises.
Better increase his security, no joke. And keep on the move.