“I address a strong appeal from my heart that the dignity and safety of the worker always be protected.” (4/28/13, Regina CÆLI Address)
Since he arrived at the Vatican in 2013, Pope Francis has established himself as a voice for the common man. He devoted his first Easter Sunday address to the cause of dignity, safety and respect for working people. Now, one of the world’s most prominent advocates for worker justice is arriving in the United States to share his message with the American people.
Here’s what Francis has said about income inequality:
- “While the income of a minority is increasing exponentially, that of the majority is crumbling. This imbalance results from ideologies which uphold the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation, and thus deny the right of control to States, which are themselves charged with providing for the common good.” (5/16/13)
- “A just wage enables them to have adequate access to all the other goods which are destined for our common use. (11/24/13, no. 192 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM)
- “While the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few.” (11/24/13, no. 56 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM)
Pope Francis knows that an economy that works only for a chosen few is unjust and indefensible. That’s why he has called for an economic system that values the dignity and work of all people:
- “We must say ‘we want a just system! A system that enables everyone to get on.’ We must say: ‘we don’t want this globalized economic system which does us so much harm!’ Men and women must be at the center as God desires, and not money!” (9/22/13, Meeting With Workers in Cagliari, Sardinia)
- “We can no longer trust in the unseen forces and the invisible hand of the market. Growth in justice requires more than economic growth, while presupposing such growth: it requires decisions, programs, mechanisms and processes specifically geared to a better distribution of income, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality. (11/24/13, no. 204 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM)
- “The dignity of the human person and the common good rank higher than the comfort of those who refuse to renounce their privileges. When these values are threatened, a prophetic voice must be raised. (11/24/13, no. 218 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM)
Most importantly, the Pope knows that we need action. He has said that “a prophetic voice must be raised” and that working people everywhere must stand in solidarity to create a just system that works for everyone. This week, let’s take his message to heart.