Pope Francis, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church gave his personal thoughts regarding poverty and how it is being ignored. The Pope stood his ground among 200,000 people at Saint Peter’s Square where a prayer rally was being held. Thousands of people awaited his arrival since the break of dawn just to hear and see him. In his message, the Pope said that the Catholic Church would focus more on helping the poor since this was the main reason why he chose to be called “Francis.” According to one of the Pontiff’s interviews, he chose the name Francis mainly because of St. Francis of Assisi who is known for his devotion to the poor.
Opening to the crowd
The Pope did not only discuss his thoughts about what the people were expecting to hear from him regarding pressing matters that the Catholic Church is facing. The prayer rally also allowed everyone to have a closer look at the more personal thoughts of the Pope. The Pope’s passion is evident in the very truthful discussion of his journey in becoming a man of the cloth.
According to Pope Francis, he worries about the Catholic Church, about how it looks towards itself as an institution and not towards how it could help those who are in need. He also called for all Catholics to step outside of their own box and participate in helping those who are incapable of living even a decent and simple life. And he openly described to thousands of people his thoughts about corruption in politics.
What goes out as news
According to his speech, the Pope was clearly dismayed about what reaches the eyes and ears of the press. According to the Pope, news nowadays focus mainly on scandals. There is nothing about homeless persons dying in the streets, or children suffering from hunger. There are always news about the stock markets and banking problems but none of the news is just about poverty. Society is now at a point where poverty is considered as a less important issue that needs to be dealt with accordingly.
The Pope also challenged everyone into becoming part of the Church not only by professing faith, but instead a true believer must also be courageous in serving those who need help the most.
Money is the New-Age Golden Calf
Money has been considered by many as the root of all evil. Pope Francis associated money as the new image of the golden calf. According to Pope Francis, money is there to serve and not to rule but the opposite is happening. He also pointed out to diplomats present in the Vatican that people are now valued by their ability to consume ever since free market economies gave birth to oppression.
Showing his love
On the day of the rally, the Pope also had the opportunity to be with the brother of a Pakistani politician who was killed in an assassination at Argentina, the country were the Pope came from. He showed his support and love to the grieving brother by giving him a sincere hug. The Pope also met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who came to Rome for a short visit. She openly agreed to the Pope as he expressed his concern about the current crisis in Europe’s economy.
Photo Credit: Pope Francis
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