According to the Associated Press, Pope Francis wants an "ethical mobilization" of solidarity with the poor. He says this spirit of generosity will also address the root causes of poverty and hunger.

The Pope asking for the UN to urge businesses to redistribute wealth is like political candidates who pledge to help the poor while eschewing privilege during $10,000 a plate political fundraisers.

I agree with the Pope that more can be done to help the truly destitute around the world but calling for the UN and national governments to force this help is unconscionable. Even though a large number of people inherit vast wealth more millionaires are those who worked hard, saved money and employed others. Without the incentive to better one's financial position in life how does the Pope think wealth will be made to be 'redistributed'?

The Pope called for "the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the state, as well as indispensable cooperation between the private sector and civil society". It's been a very long time since I read Karl Marx's 'Communist Manifesto' but the Pope's statement seems to echo the writings of Marx. Now I don't think Jesus was a communist because he commanded us to care for the poor, widows and orphans. He also worked for a living and others were expected to work to be able to care for the poor. Care for the poor, not give all things to the poor.

Pope Francis has done a lot to 'humanize' the papacy by carrying his own luggage and sleeping in more modest quarters, but I will wait to see if the Catholic Church will divest itself of its massive real estate holdings in addition to its hard financial assets.

I appreciate the fact that Pope Francis wants to help those less fortunate, but I wish in this case someone would lead by example instead of preaching something that smacks of communism and anarchy.

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