This Economy Kills Pope Francis on Capitalism and Social Justice

A thoughtful, well-constructed outline of Francis's understanding of Catholic social teachings.

When money, instead of man, is at the center of the system, when money becomes an idol, men and women are reduced to simple instruments of a social and economic system, which is characterized-or better yet, dominated-by profound inequalities. . . . The promise was that when the glass became full, it would spill over and the poor would benefit. But, instead, when it was full, the glass magically got bigger and nothing trickled down to the poor.

Andrea Tornielli and Giacomo Galeazzi are among the most informed journalists covering the Vatican today, and this book finds them at their best. It's a must-read primer on Pope Francis' social thought, and sets the table better than almost anything else for his trip to the United States.

Tornielli and Galeazzi bring into focus one of Pope's Francis's fundamental concerns. They are meticulous in probing his writings and pronouncements on economic and financial matters, concern for the poor, defense of creation, and the big business of war. They also look seriously at the Pope's toughest critics. But the real value of this book is that Tornielli and Galeazzi bring us into an almost personal dialogue with Pope Francis-especially through an exclusive interview-and help us see how his authentic concern for all people, especially those who are poor and forgotten, is at the heart of his ministry.

This Economy Kills settles an important question in the papacy of Pope Francis: are his radical economics in keeping with the tradition of the Church? And if so, why do they seem to cause upset among American conservatives? For Tornielli and Galeazzi, veteran Vatican reporters, the answer is clear: Pope Francis' theology is absolutely in keeping with predecessors from the Desert Fathers to the most recent popes, and his economics represent the application of this timeless theology to our most pressing contemporary problems. Understanding Pope Francis' approach to modern economic ills will be key to understanding his papacy-but his contributions to global dialogue on poverty and inequality will be integral to galvanizing people worldwide for change. Tornielli and Galeazzi narrate these aspects of Francis' message expertly, and their insights could not be more timely.

This Economy Kills provides a valuable window into Pope Francis's sophisticated understanding of Catholic social teaching, the economy, and the signs of the times.

The book provides readers with the background in church social teaching they need to understand what the pope is saying. And, best of all, Tornielli and Galeazzi let Pope Francis speak for himself, presenting here the full text of an interview with the pope precisely on his comments about the economy.

This book should remind us all that care for the poor and forgotten is at the heart of the gospel and Christian mission.

This Economy Kills includes a new interview with the Pope and is recommended for Christian and social issues holdings alike. In including reviews of other popes and their attitudes, it successfully contrasts belief systems and theology and provides the kind of social analysis that will lend well to Christian understanding and, ultimately, a greater understanding of the pope's unique attitude towards political and social structures today.