In new interview, Pope denounces drug trafficking, speaks on campaign finance, his own security

March 11, 2015

In a wide-ranging interview with an Argentine newspaper, Pope Francis discussed topics from drug trafficking and faith to social media and election financing.

“What worries me even more is the triumphalism of drug traffickers,” he said. “These people sing their victory out loud, they feel that they have won, that they have triumphed. And this is a reality. There are countries or regions that are now totally in thrall to the drug trade.”

“I find it so sad when I see children who don’t know how to make the sign of the cross,” he continued in answering a question about faith. “It means the child has not been given the most important gift a father and a mother can give their child: faith.”

Concerned that youth run the risk of becoming “collectors of images and data that dull and weaken their ability to be critical,” the Pope said that “in real life, fertility does not just come from the accumulation of information or simply through virtual communication. Virtual love does not exist. The declaration of virtual love exists, but real love requires physical, concrete contact.”

Speaking about political scene, the Pope said that “elections should be free from private backers who fund politicians’ campaigns.” He explained that private funding allows for the promotion of special interests. Therefore, he said, a campaign “should be independent from anyone who may finance it.”

Questioned about his own security, Pope Francis said that he was not afraid of assassination, but admitted that he was more fearful of suffering, “because I’m a real scaredy-cat when it comes to physical pain.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis denounces triumphalism of drug traffickers (Vatican Radio)
• Pope says scared of pain, not of assassination (ANSA)