QN: An Odd Message From the Pope

On Sunday October 4, Pope Francis released a new encyclical (a paper distributed to all bishops of the Catholic Church) titled "Fratelli Tutti" (Brothers All), calling for a unified and peaceful post-COVID world.

In this message, the Pope said market capitalism has failed under COVID and the world should move to a "new type of politics that promotes dialogue and solidarity", according to the Associated Press.

The Pope said the severe job losses of the pandemic are proof of the need for a new system. He also said politicians must listen to unions and populist movements which seek greater equality under the law and more effective protections from unemployment.

What is so significant about this encyclical is its call to social wellbeing above all else: the Pope condemned "Just Wars", individual property rights, and capital exploitation.

While none of this is new for Pope Francis, it is new for the office and the world. This encyclical amounts to a harsh repudiation of free-market capitalism as we understand it and a call toward a new type of social harmony with the earth, one another, and between nations.