Pope acknowledges that he needs more study on economic issues
July 13, 2015
Pope Francis told reporters on July 13 that he realizes his statements on economic issues have drawn criticism, and he plans to study his critics’ comments before his September visit to the US.
Answering questions from reporters who accompanied him on his flight back to Rome after a visit to South America, the Pope said that he was aware that some analysts, particularly in the US, had questioned his grasp of economic issues. He acknowledged in particular that he has not often spoken about the middle class, and he said that he would “delve further” into that subject in the future.
The Pontiff declined to defend himself against his critics during his in-flight press conference, saying that he had not yet digested their views. “Since I have not had a discussion with those who have expressed criticisms, I do not have the right to state an opinion,” he said. “Now I will visit the US but I need to start doing some studying.”
Pope Francis also avoided making any public statement on some of the political issues that had arisen during his trip, such as the possibility of mediating a dispute between Chile and Bolivia or the presidential elections in Ecuador. In both cases he explained that he thought it would be imprudent to offer a public opinion.
The Pope was questioned about the gift that had been given to him by Bolivian President Evo Morale: a crucifix mounted on a hammer and sickle, which had been designed by Father Luis Espinal, the Jesuit human-rights activist who was killed in 1980. He said that he was surprised by the gift, and had not been aware that Father Espinal was involved in “protest art, which in some cases can be offensive.” He said that he was taking the crucifix back to the Vatican.
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Further information:
- Pope says he’ll read critiques of his economic thought before U.S. trip (CNS)
- Pope Says He Will Start Addressing Issues of the Middle Class (Wall Street Journal)
- Francis on the poor: “I am the one who follows the Church because I preach its social doctrine” (Vatican Insider)
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Jul. 14, 2015 2:02 PM ET USA
One prays that the ashes of the crucifix will be spread across the Tiber.
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Posted by: Ave Maria -
Jul. 14, 2015 12:23 AM ET USA
I believe Pope Francis should indeed study more with regard to the various global economic issues and systems that exist today, particularly that of the U.S., so as not to confuse social doctrine with socialist doctrine...he is visiting soon so hopefully he gets good Cliff notes!
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Posted by: JDeFauw -
Jul. 13, 2015 9:13 PM ET USA
I'm very glad he plans to listen to other points of view. In the encyclical, he seemed unaware that at least some free market advocates are truly concerned about good stewardship of the environment and benefiting the poor of Latin America. It's not self evident that the policy recommendations in the encyclical will best help us reach those goals.
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Posted by: FredC -
Jul. 13, 2015 7:08 PM ET USA
Shoot first and ask questions later.
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Jul. 13, 2015 6:20 PM ET USA
Well, at least he is humble enough to acknowledge that he doesn't know much about economics (free enterprise and private property). It takes a lot of courage to say it and that is to his credit. Essentially he is saying 'I lacked knowledge I should have had before I opened my mouth'. I'll bet the "middle class" terminology will attract the attention of Pres. Obama's comments when the Pope arrives. They seem to be putative political bed fellows.
