Fr. Longenecker on the Pope's Take on Capitalism

"Many have raised the question of whether the pope is sympathetic to Marxist ideas. During his visit to South America he spent much of his time railing against the injustices of today's 'structurally perverse' global economic system that puts profit ahead of people. An increasing number of faithful and thoughtful Catholics has questioned his attacks on fossil fuels and the free-market economy saying they are naive, shallow and irresponsible. They claim that capitalism is the force which has driven economic growth and lifted many people out of poverty while Socialism and Communism have only plunged millions into deeper poverty.

"It is not always easy for Americans to understand Pope Francis' perspective. I began to get a glimpse into the mindset of Latin American Catholics when I visited Central America on a mission trip. It was explained how, in many Latin American countries, the majority of the wealth, power and land was owned by a handful of ruling families. The poor were often oppressed by an almost feudalistic system supported by a dictatorship that denied them opportunity, abused their freedoms, crushed them underfoot. It was extremely difficult to show a 'preferential option for the poor' without seeking to change the system that keep them poor. Marxism seemed very attractive, and many Catholics, like Father Espinal were lured into Marxist Liberation theology."

In a recent commentary, Father Dwight Longenecker (parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Greenville, SC) reflected on capitalism and its relationship to Christian virtue.

To access Fr. Longenecker’s complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Understanding the Pope's Take on Capitalism (16 JUL 15)

Background information:

Dwight Longenecker - Catholic priest and author