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Pope Francis – A Voice for Social Justice

Pope Francis I

BY CHRIS KERRMarch 13, 2013

Ignatian Family:

(Catholic News Service)

(Catholic News Service)

What a special day for the Catholic Church and for Jesuit institutions throughout the world.  The announcement of Pope Francis (formerly known to us as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio) brings about many new pages in history, including the Church’s first Pope from outside of Europe and the first Jesuit Pope.

During his time as a Cardinal in Argentina he became known as a bold voice for social justice in the Church.  It has been reported by many sources that as Cardinal he chose to use public transportation in an effort to live simply and also brought attention to many injustices in Argentina over the years.

Clearly, as time moves forward there will be much to learn about Pope Francis, but for the time being we thought we would share a few quotes that represent the importance the social mission of the Church has played in his ministry:

Speaking of contrast between the economically rich and poor, “Poor people who are persecuted for demanding work, and rich people who are applauded for fleeing from justice”.  -August 2001 Speaking at the church dedicated to San Cayetano, the patron saint of work and bread (SOURCE: BBC News)

“We live in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most yet reduced misery the least…The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.” -2007 Gathering of Latin American Bishops (SOURCE: National Catholic Reporter)

Preaching on the Gospel story of the good Samaritan, the cardinal said: “Every economic, political, social or religious project involves the inclusion or exclusion of the wounded lying on the side of the road. Each day, each of us faces the choice of being a good Samaritan or an indifferent bystander.” -2003 homily, location unknown (SOURCE: AmericanCatholic.org)

“The Gospel promises of God’s love, of salvation in Jesus Christ and of unchanging moral values still have the power to guide and to give life…the church must lead the way in reaching out to the elderly, to suffering children, to the poor and others excluded from the mainstream of modern society.” April 2005 Interview (SOURCE: Catholic News Service)

Our prayers are with Pope Francis and the Church in this time of transition, as we respond to the Gospel call of justice & solidarity.

Peace,
Ignatian Solidarity Network

 

7 replies
  1. Matt Smith
    Matt Smith says:

    Just as a point of clarification, since he is the first Pope Francis, he does not have an “I” after his name. That’s what the second Pope Francis will be. Thanks for the quotes. They are refreshing to read.

    Reply
  2. thoms martin
    thoms martin says:

    i feel that the lord jesus christ will be with in every step you take and my prayers will be with you daily on your journey many blessings be with you and stay in the moment of life love thomas

    Reply
  3. S. David Carson
    S. David Carson says:

    I wonder in what manner the Jesuitical Inquisition against Protestants, Jews and other Godly Bible believers will manifest itself and in what form the persecution waged
    by the anti-Christian forces from the Vatican will certainly take and which appears likely ton soon claim victims. The old blood lust and hatred and contempt at work luciferian and freemasonic elements surrounding the papal throne are tremendous. What auto da fe is being prepared by the world powers?

    Reply
  4. Ruben Pradier
    Ruben Pradier says:

    God bless our Holy Father Francis,Que Nuestro Senor lo bendiga,he is a fellow Argentinian like me and the news I have is of a great blessing in our country,of people converting ,coming back to God,a sign of encouregment for a country under so many miseries.Ruben

    Reply
  5. Dar
    Dar says:

    Is ecumenical movement possible ? for sunday keeper maybe it’s easy m but for none sunday keeper it’ll be a problem

    Reply

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