10 Pope Francis quotes our church leaders and public officials should know

Pope Francis has been touted as one of the most controversial and socially relevant religious leaders the world has known. During his visit to the Philippines this week, I hope that he serves not only as inspiration for the Filipino people, but for changes in our church leaders and public officials as well. 

Here are some of Pope Francis’ quotes to guide our country’s leaders:

1) Bridge the gap between rich and poor.

“Inequality is the root of all evil.”  

As a country with a great gap between its rich and its poor, perhaps we should focus on bridging that gap over other political goals. Greater than economic advancement or growing individual wealth, the pope would like us to raise the status of those lower than us by taking a few steps down ourselves.  

2) Equality is a human right.

“Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities.”  

The Pope considers inequality a human rights violation. Maybe it’s time to break down the rule of oligarchy in the Philippines.

3) Step out of your parish and show kindness to a non-believer.

“Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent.” 

Many parishes focus on growing their own flock instead of reaching out to those who have not known the kindness of the Church. The Pope believes that true Catholicism means stepping outside the four walls of the church and letting disenfranchised and jaded people know of the goodness of the human spirit through generosity and good work.

4) The problems of the poor are not solved by enriching the wealthy.

“As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems.”  

The Pope believes that economic advancement and accumulation of wealth will not help the poor. Solving the world’s biggest problems requires a look into what causes inequality in the first place. 

5) Prioritize basic services: health care, education, and employment.

“We are not simply talking about ensuring nourishment or a ‘dignified sustenance’ for all people, but also their ‘general temporal welfare and prosperity’… This means education, access to health care, and above all employment, for it is through free, creative, participatory and mutually supportive labor that human beings express and enhance the dignity of their lives.”    

You cannot throw money at the problem of poverty and inequality, according to Pope Francis. Providing basic services and employment are necessary in bridging the equality gap and preserving people’s pride and dignity. Our leaders should take note of this the next time they go to poor areas and give out sacks of rice. 

6) Ditch your fancy cars.

“It hurts me when I see a priest or a nun with the latest model car, you can’t do this…A car is necessary to do a lot of work, but please, choose a more humble one. If you like the fancy one, just think about how many children are dying of hunger in the world.”  

Priests’ fancy SUVs are a no-no to this Pope, who values humility and abides by his vow of poverty. There is no reason Church leaders should have a fancier mode of transportation than their constituents. It is against the Pope’s teachings and against Catholic principles. 

7) Religion is not essential to morality.

“The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one’s conscience…To listen and to follow your conscience means that you understand the difference between good and evil.”  

Pope Francis expressly stated that religion is not a requirement for good morals, ethics, and judgment. Following the dictates of one’s conscience is more important, whether or not one belongs to a certain religion.

8) Be happy and inclusive about Christianity, not judgmental and marginalizing.

“Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet.”  

Christians should avoid condemning and castigating others. They instead must be good examples of the happiness and joy provided by spirituality and faith.

9) Politicians must solve problems and not just focus on appearances.

“I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots – and not simply the appearances – of the evils in our world!”  

Instead of plastering their faces on billboards or making appearances after natural disasters, politicians must work to solve problems, and not just look like they care. 

10) Do not judge homosexuals. Integrate them into society.

“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge? We shouldn’t marginalise people for this. They must be integrated into society.” 

Love your gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters, folks. Pope Francis said so! – Rappler.com

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