Tom Williams at Crux says Pope Francis Praised Capitalism Last Year in USA

Tom Williams at Crux wrote a piece titled: “Pope Francis’s praise of capitalism a surprise on US trip”.

Isn’t that strange?

When did Pope Francis praise capitalism on his trip to the United States? Or, when has he praised capitalism … ever?

He hasn’t.

Tom Williams writes:

Despite Pope Francis’s well-earned reputation as a critic of the “idolatry of money” and of powerful global economic forces that exploit the poor, he took advantage of his address to the U.S. Congress to lecture politicians on the importance of wealth creation for lifting the poor out of poverty.

Likening the men and women of Congress to the biblical figure of Moses, he reminded them of the importance of the simple, industrious people who make America great.

The pope said that it is “the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and – one step at a time – to build a better life for their families” who “sustain the life of society.”

These men and women “generate solidarity by their actions, and they create organizations which offer a helping hand to those most in need,” he said.

But the pope’s most striking words came when speaking about the ability of the free market to lift people out of poverty.
In the fight against poverty, Francis said, it “goes without saying that part of this great effort is the creation and distribution of wealth. The right use of natural resources, the proper application of technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential elements of an economy which seeks to be modern, inclusive and sustainable.”

“Business is a noble vocation,” the pope continued, “directed to producing wealth and improving the world. It can be a fruitful source of prosperity for the area in which it operates, especially if it sees the creation of jobs as an essential part of its service to the common good.”

I think Mr. Williams is confusing things found, at times, in capitalist structures, with realities found within capitalism exclusively. Assuming wealth creation is found in capitalism – what kind of wealth, might we ask? – it isn’t exclusive to it. Are you a hard worker and/or have a business and/or are an entrepreneur? Does this mean you’re a capitalist? Jesus was a carpenter … so he was a capitalist? What? No.

Mr. Williams’ sloppy reading of Francis and CST is concerning and confusing.

If Francis praised capitalism when he visited the USA, it isn’t capitalism as we know it, and perhaps it is better known as a mere market economy, or business economy.

That said, after reading Mr. Williams’ piece, anyone may find themselves reoriented after re-reading ““Laudato si’ Invites You: An Economy Beyond Capitalism.”