I mean, look at what the man has to say:
The state of inequality between individuals and between nations not only still exists; it is increasing. It still happens that side by side with those who are wealthy and living in plenty there exist those who are living in want, suffering misery and often actually dying of hunger; and their number reaches tens, even hundreds of millions. This is why moral uneasiness is destined to become even more acute. It is obvious that a fundamental defect, or rather a series of defects, indeed a defective machinery is at the root of contemporary economics and materialistic civilization, which does not allow the human family to break free from such radically unjust situations.
Oh wait… that was Pope John Paul II.
Ok, hang on… what about this?
Now, if ever, is the time to insist on a more widespread distribution of property, in view of the rapid economic development of an increasing number of States. It will not be difficult for the body politic, by the adoption of various techniques of proved efficiency, to pursue an economic and social policy which facilitates the widest possible distribution of private property in terms of durable consumer goods, houses, land, tools and equipment (in the case of craftsmen and owners of family farms), and shares in medium and large business concerns.
Oh wait… that was Pope John XXIII.
Well then, what of this?
“It is alarming to see hotbeds of tension and conflict caused by growing instances of inequality between rich and poor, by the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mindset which also finds expression in an unregulated financial capitalism”
What’s that? That wasn’t Pope Francis either? That was Pope Benedict XVI?
Oh.
So what’s the common thread then… it must be… that the Popes aren’t Communists or Marxists or Socialists but that they are in fact Catholic.
Got it.
Thanks.
Carry on.
Crossposted at Brutally Honest.
