Pope Francis on Welfare & Poverty

Politicians should be disturbed by the lives of the poor

Here are some of the major issues on which Pope Francis differs from most Republican politicians:
• A devotee of social justice, this Pope has repeatedly urged more public assistance for the poor. "Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation," Francis wrote in a 2013 exhortation. "I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare."
• He talks about income inequality more than even the Democratic presidential candidates. Francis spent decades pastoring in the slums.

Meaning of economic activity is well-being of humanity

Pope Francis was responding to a letter Cameron sent the pope outlining some of his priorities during his one-year term as president of the G-8. Cameron wants to emphasize openness in economies & governments through the support of free trade, tackling tax evasion and encouraging greater transparency.

In his reply, Pope Francis said if the work of world leaders was to have any impact, all political and economic efforts and policies must be seen as the means, not the end, with the true goal being the protection of the human person and well-being of all humanity. "In the absence of such a vision, all economic activity is meaningless," he wrote.