The pope continued his review of 'social pathologies' revealed by the pandemic. He spoke about one that has worsened in recent months.
POPE FRANCIS
“The pandemic has exposed the difficult situation for the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world. The virus, which does not make exceptions between people, has revealed great inequalities and discrimination along its devastating path... and has increased them!'
Pope Francis recalled the Gospel provides an answer to these inequalities: a preferential option for the poor. He explained that it is not a matter of politics or ideologies, but a path that Christ Himself showed.
POPE FRANCIS
“He was in the midst of the sick, the poor and those excluded, showing God's merciful love. Many times, He was judged as an impure man because He was with the sick, with the lepers. These people were considered impure, according to the mentality of the law of the time. Jesus risked it all in order to be close to the poorest.”
Caring for the needy is a key criterion of Christian authenticity. That's why, the pope asked for a change in what perpetuates poverty. He said returning to normality after COVID-19 doesn't imply keeping all injustices.
POPE FRANCIS
“The pandemic is a crisis, and a crisis does not leave people the same. We come out better or worse. We have to do better to fix social injustices and environmental destruction. Today, we have an opportunity to build something different. For example, we can create an economy of integral development for the poor and not of welfare.”
Pope Francis insisted that the most disadvantaged must be at the center of the economic system and, therefore, they must first receive the coronavirus vaccine.
POPE FRANCIS
“It would be sad if the vaccine for COVID-19, gives priority to the richest. It would be sad if this vaccine became the property of one nation or another and is not universal and for everyone.
'If the virus were to escalate again in a world that is unjust toward the poorest and most vulnerable... we have to change this world.'
Finally, the pope asked that, in this crisis, public money help only to industries that favor inclusion, the promotion of the poor, the common good and the care of Creation.
