Pope Leo blasts wealth gap, calls out economic injustice
VATICAN CITY, Oct 9: Pope Leo XIV, in his first teaching document titled “I Have Loved You”, strongly criticized global economic inequality, echoing the legacy of Pope Francis.
He condemned a system where the wealthy live in a “bubble of comfort and luxury” while the poor suffer, calling this disparity a denial of Christian values. The 100-page document, begun by Francis before his death and completed by Leo, reaffirms the Church’s “preferential option for the poor” as central to its mission.
Leo praised women’s religious orders and lay movements for their work with the marginalized and urged renewed efforts to address structural poverty. He cited Francis’ critiques of capitalism, including trickle-down economics, and warned against the illusion of happiness through wealth. Signing the document on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Leo emphasized that serving the poor is the Church’s deepest calling.
He also embraced elements of liberation theology once opposed by the Vatican, referencing Latin American texts and honoring martyr St. Oscar Romero for his defense of the oppressed. (AP)
Princess of Wales urges parents to put down phones to curb discontent
LONDON, Oct 9: Kate, the Princess of Wales, in collaboration with adult development researcher Robert Waldinger, emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from technology to improve family relationships.
In an essay on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website, they highlight how devices that are intended to keep us connected may actually lead to disconnection.
They note that while families may be physically present in the same space, their attention is divided among various apps and notifications, resulting in a lack of genuine engagement.
This issue is particularly relevant to the Princess, who is dedicated to early childhood development.
Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which found that strong relationships contribute to happier and healthier lives, echoes this sentiment.
They encourage parents to be fully present with loved ones, stating, “Look the people you care about in the eye and be fully there – because that is where love begins.” (AP)
