More verbal gymnastics by others when this Pope speaks. Sigh.
For better or worse, and it is increasingly clear that this is for the worst, people are compelled to ‘explain’ what this Pope said. Once in a great while, this may be necessary, but when it happens all the time ... there is most likely a problem NOT with his being misunderstood, but rather that he says what he means.
I think we need to see him in the context of his being a South American Jesuit who (probably) cut his teeth on Liberation Theology.
I respectfully differ on this point and those of some others in this thread, whom I have pinged following the tradition of FR courtesy. See the post from Mrs. Don-o that provides the complete background context on the Pope's statement.
It's post #7 that makes it all quite clear.