During his tenure as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, often addressed the role of businesses and the economy in supporting the poor. He made efforts to clarify that his views were not anti-capitalist. The Vatican reported his passing following a battle with double pneumonia, a health challenge among several he faced in recent years. Despite these issues, he was able to participate in Easter Sunday festivities in Rome, meeting with Vice President JD Vance. The Vatican later confirmed that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke.
Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on capitalism and the economy in an interview with Argentine journalists Francesca Ambrogetti and Sergio Rubin for the book “El Pastor” published in 2023. His perspectives were featured in “America Magazine,” a publication by the American Jesuits. Francis expressed his support for a social market economy, as framed by John Paul II, which requires a regulatory authority, embodied by the state, to mediate between parties involved – a system he described as a three-legged table made up of the state, capital, and work.
Pope Francis emphasized that the Bible does not command the production of poverty, and highlighted the beatitude “blessed are the poor in spirit” as referring to individuals unattached to riches. He stated that producing wealth for the common good is not wrong and should be distributed justly to be complete. Francis emphasized the importance of designing governmental support for unemployed workers in a way that maintains the culture of work, which he said provides dignity to individuals.
In a previous address to directors and employees of major companies and banks, Pope Francis encouraged businesses to prioritize issues related to the environment, the marginalized, and young people. He highlighted the ongoing environmental crisis, which he attributed in part to past and present economic and business decisions. He urged innovation that anticipates future needs and emphasized the importance of not just abiding by laws but taking bold, forward-thinking actions to protect the environment.
Furthermore, Pope Francis advocated against ‘meritocracy’ that excludes the poor, stressing the importance of integrating the marginalized and young people into the economy. He suggested a focus on opportunities for young people often deprived of resources, advocating corporate hospitality to welcome them into the workforce despite their lack of experience.
Pope Francis consistently supported the balance between family needs and work in businesses, especially in family businesses, and stressed the importance of maintaining family values in professional settings. He underscored the Church’s mission to enrich society with a commitment to both family and professional duties, encouraging family enterprises to view themselves as part of a larger community dedicated to broader humanitarian goals.
In his messages, Pope Francis called on these businesses to listen across generations, support the vocations of their children, and remain open to diverse opportunities. His guidance reflected a commitment to enhancing the connections within communities and families while also ensuring the Church’s values of justice and service were upheld.
