The word Pope Francis spoke WAS “capitalism.” But whereas Americans have confused “capitalism” with “free markets,” Europeans use the word as we would use the word, “plutocracy.” (Reagan AWLAYS spoke of free markets; I was very concerned when the Bushes and Clinton spoke of bringing “capitalism” to China, etc.)
Capitalism is the rule by money, and is idolatry. China is capitalist, but it is not free. The U.S., once a free market, is still capitalist, but no longer free.
That said, I am completely scandalized by the Pope’s abandonment of the principle of subsidiarity, a Catholic social doctrine which directly opposes statism.
Thank you for the well stated distinction.
“My kingdom is not of this world” means something. The Apostles had difficulty getting that right. It’s such a radical concept that the human mind rebels against it. The last surviving Apostle had something very valuable to say.
1 John 2:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
dangus says
“That said, I am completely scandalized by the Pope’s abandonment of the principle of subsidiarity, a Catholic social doctrine which directly opposes statism.”
Maybe he hasn’t forgot subsidiarity. From the same American Thinker article quoted elsewhere:
“Pope Francis also says in the exhortation that politicians should not pander to or prey on the poor for votes, that countries with high debt are doing a disservice to the poor, and that welfare programs are not the answer to the problem of poverty. He also calls for a greater emphasis on Catholic teaching on the principle of subsidiarity, which is absolutely opposed to all forms of “collectivism.” So while Pope Francis is criticizing capitalism’s negatives, he is certainly not endorsing socialism.”