Pope Francis’ Challenge

Pope Francis spoke of a Catholic Church that does not build walls to protect itself but tears them down to reach the people. Through a definitive, clear and direct message, the pontiff showed how this is done during his visit to the U.S. He talked about the challenges our society faces and called on everyone to take action to protect ourselves and our planet.

The Pope’s visit was perfectly choreographed to reach audiences in the U.S. and around the world. Although his spectators were vastly diverse, his words were tailored to each case, always applied the Church’s social doctrine and presented a realistic and compassionate point of view on the difficulties faced by men and women as well as institutions.

When he addressed Congress, he invoked values and good policy. At the United Nations, he criticized the oppressive global financial system, the governmental commitments that have gone unfulfilled and the unfair structure of the organization’s Security Council. In Philadelphia, birthplace of the Constitution, he reminded everyone that immigrants are an essential part of the history of this country.

Consumerism and economic inequality were recurring topics that seemed custom-made for a nation whose society is based on spending, free market and callous individualism.  He also mentioned them when he visited convicts, and spoke of rehabilitation in a country that ranks second in incarcerated people per capita worldwide.

The Pope’s visit came at a crucial moment for the U.S. He brought with him a message of mutual understanding and generosity in the midst of a drastic political radicalization, and in an environment in which immigrants are being demonized and the poor are being attacked.

Pope Francis is not a revolutionary but a reformist with a commitment to the poor and a vast knowledge of the human condition. It is common to see popes talk about poverty, but few of them have translated their words into actions throughout their lives. That makes Francis one of the most popular people in the world. And that empowers his words and poses a challenge to world leaders, politicians and believers to tear down the walls that obstruct the road to a more just society.