POPE FRANCIS: 'DON'T STOP DREAMING OF A BETTER WORLD'

 

Pope Francis rejected the 'trickle down' theory of neoliberalism, describing it as 'an impoverished and repetitive school of thought.'

LIKE OTHER political leaders around the world, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been, on the surface at least, fulsome in his tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Monday. In a post on X he said:

'A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue. My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn.'

Yet this statement reveals nothing about the political views of Pope Francis. It steers clear, not surprisingly, of acknowledging that Pope Francis in his 'commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice' was opposed to the economic policies and ideology that a politician like Luxon continue to uphold and promote. Indeed, while it would be a stretch to describe Francis as a socialist, he consistently spoke out against an economic creed that is propelling the world to further inequality and division. In Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship (2020) he wrote:

'The marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve every problem, however much we are asked to believe this dogma of neoliberal faith. Whatever the challenge, this impoverished and repetitive school of thought always offers the same recipes. Neoliberalism simply reproduces itself by resorting to the magic theories of 'spillover' or trickle — without using the name — as the only solution to societal problems. There is little appreciation of the fact that the alleged 'spillover' does not resolve the inequality that gives rise to new forms of violence threatening the fabric of society…'

And Francis has another word of warning for a politician like Luxon who insist that 'economic growth' will lead to prosperity for all. The crumbs from the table of the rich will, apparently, float down to the rest of us. Reflecting on the 2008 Financial Crash, Francis observes: 'Anyone who thinks the only lesson to be learned was the need to improve what we were already doing, or to refine existing systems and regulations, is denying reality...'

Francis also understood the dangers inherent in an economic system at war with the planet. He was the first Pope to address the issue of climate change and in Laudoto Si: On Care for our Common Home (2015), Francis emphasised the need for collective responsibility and collective action in order to save our home. He wrote that to continue to view the planet as simply a source of profit and gain would have 'serious consequences' for humankind. Francis wrote that 'That this vision of 'might is right' has engendered immense inequality, injustice, and acts of violence against the majority of humanity'.

In the end, Francis offered a message of hope. But it wasn't a hope based on political leaders doing the right thing. His message was that ordinary people, in solidarity, could resist a world 'dictated by finance and market mechanisms' and bring about real change.

Echoing the socialist proclamation that there is 'a world to win', Francis said in recent address: 'We Argentinians say; don't wrinkle, don't go backwards. And this is the invitation I extend to you too; don't back down, don't give up, don't stop dreaming of a better world'.