CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis addressed a Socialist/Marxist-Christian coalition on Wednesday morning, encouraging them “to have the courage to break the mould, to be open, in dialogue, to new ways.”
Francis met with representatives from DIALOP, a non-profit group dedicated to fostering dialogue between Socialist/Marxists of the European left and the Catholic Church. In his message, the Holy Father told representatives: “Don’t back off, don’t give up, and don’t stop dreaming of a better world.”
“Instead of rigid approaches that divide,” he continued, “let us cultivate, with open hearts, discussion and listening.”
According to the group’s website, DIALOP was formed after Francis urged leftist politicians Alexis Tsipras and Walter Baier, and Franz Kronreif of the Focolare Movement to form a “transversal dialogue” in September of 2014.
DIALOP is dedicated to developing and applying a social ethics based on “the principles of the Marxian Social Critique and the Social Doctrine of the Church.”
Francis urged his audience to channel its efforts into a “concern for the less fortunate,” remarking, “a politics that is truly at the service of humanity cannot let itself be dictated to by finance and market mechanisms.”
He continued:
Solidarity is not only a moral virtue, but also a requirement of justice, which calls for correcting the distortions and purifying the intentions of unjust systems, not least through radical changes of perspective in the sharing of challenges and resources among individuals and among peoples.
That is why I like to call those engaged in this field “social poets,” for poetry is about creativity, and here it is a question of putting creativity at the service of society, in order to make it ever more humane and fraternal. Do not be afraid of poetry, poetry and creativity. Let us not forget this ability to dream.
The Holy Father also called upon the group to cast its support behind the rule of law in order to combat corruption, abuses of power, and the denigration of authority, reminding them that “only in honesty and integrity” is it possible to forge the “healthy relationships” necessary for “building a better future.”
He concluded the address by thanking the representatives for their “commitment to dialogue,” and ensuring them of his prayers.
“I pray for you and I ask that you be granted wisdom and courage in your work for a more just and peaceful world,” Francis said, adding: “May the Gospel of Jesus Christ always inspire and enlighten your efforts and activity.
