Pope Francis, whose criticisms of unbridled capitalism have caused many to brand him a Marxist, said in an interview published Sunday that communists “stole” Christian ideals.
The 77-year-old pontiff was asked during his interview with local
Il Messaggero newspaper about a blog in the Economist magazine by
a journalist who said the Pope sounded a lot like a Leninist
because he often criticized capitalism and called for reform of
the global economic system.
“I can only say that the communists have stolen our flag. The
flag of the poor is Christian. Poverty is at the center of the
Gospel,” said the Pope. He was referring to passages in the
Bible which state the need to help the poor.
Pope Francis has often called for people to share their wealth
with the poor.
“Communists say that all this is communism. Sure, twenty
centuries later. So when they speak, one can say to them: ‘but
then you are Christian,'” he said laughing.
The Pope also said that global politics is mired in corruption
and bribery, adding that there is a deficiency in social work in
society.
In regards to religious doctrine, the Pope said that the gospel
cannot be understood without understanding poverty, and to be
poor before God means poverty of the spirit.
Earlier this month, Pope Francis said that wealth from financial
speculation and speculation on commodities was scandalous and
compromised the poor’s access to food.
Read more:Pope Francis calls out 'greedy' bankers: 'Stop getting rich on financial speculation!'