Pope Francis: "The powerful are listened to more than the weak, this is not the way"

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23 September 2020In today's general audience, Pope Francis once again focuses his words on the fight against the pandemic that is putting the world in crisis. To find remedies for the pandemic - Bergoglio suggests - not only the pharmaceutical giants can be heard. On "the way to treat the virus, the big pharmaceutical companies are listened to more than the health workers, working on the front line in hospitals or refugee camps. This is not the right way. Everyone must be listened to".

The Pontiff recalls the principle of subsidiarity dear to Europe and says that "To get out of a crisis better, the principle of subsidiarity must be implemented, respecting the autonomy and initiative of all, especially the least", he added. .

We come out of the current crisis "together or it doesn't work: either we work together to get out of the crisis or we will never get out of it" because "getting out of the crisis does not mean giving a brushstroke to current situations so that they seem more right. , and the real change is done by everyone, and all together ".

But, Francis points out, in society and in the economy the principle of subsidiarity is failing and so people are being listened to less and less.

"Today, this lack of respect for the principle of subsidiarity has spread like a virus. Let's think of the large financial aid measures implemented by the states. We listen more to the large financial companies - he stressed - rather than the people or those who move the real economy. Multinational companies are listened to more than social movements. Speaking in daily "dialect", the powerful are listened to more than the weak and this is not the human path, it is not the path that Jesus taught us ".

Francis added that for some politicians or social workers the motto is: "everything for the people, nothing with the people" and you don't listen to "the people's wisdom in solving problems, in this case in coming out of the crisis ".

The pope points the finger at those who exploit the planet, for example the mining industry, without hearing the voice of indigenous peoples.

"Everyone must have the opportunity to assume their responsibility in the healing processes of the society to which they belong. When some project is activated that directly or indirectly affects certain social groups, they cannot be left out of participation; their wisdom cannot be put aside ".

"Unfortunately, this injustice often occurs where great economic or geopolitical interests are concentrated, such as certain extractive activities in certain areas of the planet. The voices of indigenous peoples, their cultures and world views are not taken into consideration", the pontiff said recalling one of the great themes that was at the center of the synod on the Amazon but also of the Encyclical Laudato Sì.

Bergoglio then turned a look to the 'discarded' "To better come out of a crisis like the current one , which is a health crisis and at the same time a social, political and economic crisis, each of us is called to assume his share of responsibility ".

"We must respond not only as individuals, the Pontiff continued," but also starting from our group to which we belong, from our role in society, from our principles and, if we are believers, from faith in God. Often, however, many people cannot participate in the reconstruction of the common good because they are marginalized, they are excluded, they are ignored;

certain social groups are unable to contribute to it because they are economically or politically suffocated.

In some societies, many people are not free to express their faith and values. "" Elsewhere, especially in the Western world, many self-repress their ethical or religious beliefs.

But in this way - the Pope explained - we cannot get out of the crisis, or in any case we cannot get out of it better, we will get out worse.

So that we can all participate in the care and regeneration of our peoples, it is right that everyone has the adequate resources to do so. "Pope Francis invites, to get out of the pandemic, to" dream big "and not just" rebuild the past, above all the one who was unfair and already sick.

Let's build a future where the local and global dimensions are mutually enriched "." During the lockdown, the gesture of applause for doctors and nurses and nurses was born as a sign of encouragement and hope.

Many have risked their lives and many have given their lives.

We extend this applause to every member of the social body, to everyone, for his precious contribution, however small.

We applaud the discarded "," the elderly, children, people with disabilities, workers, all those who put themselves at the service.

Everyone works together to get out of the crisis ".  

Finally, the Pontiff returns to underline the value of human life." Soon - he said in the general audience, in greetings to the Polish-speaking faithful - I will bless a bell it is called 'the voice of the unborn, commissioned by the foundation "yes" to life.

It will accompany the events aimed at remembering the value of human life from conception to natural death.

His voice awakens the consciences of legislators and of all men of good will in Poland and in the world ". 

Francis will receive the President of Poland Andrzej Duda at the Vatican on Friday 25 September at 10.30.

This was reported by the Vatican press office, confirming what the Polish press had already reported in recent days.

He is the first head of state to be received in the Vatican since March, when the lockdown was triggered due to the pandemic (apart from the visit of the captains regent of San Marino last September 5).