Notable Quotable: From The Heart Of Pope Francis

Pope Francis was a rare marvel, a voice of dissent, and always fearless in speaking truth to power. He never wavered from the compassion of Christ, always advocating for the poor, the migrants, and challenging the global order that perpetuates social inequity, unjust wealth distribution, and climate change. The following quotes epitomize his legacy: 

Encourage Generosity 

This first quote praises the innate benevolence that thrives in youth, and shows us how to help them sustain a kind heart within the challenges of our material world: 

“Let us encourage the generosity which is typical of the young and help them to work actively in building a better world. Youth do not solely need material things. Above all, they need to have those non-material values which are the spiritual heart of a people ... spirituality, generosity, solidarity, perseverance, fraternity, and joy.” 

True Power 

In this quote, Pope Francis summarizes Jesus’ definition of power, while admitting his own challenges in living up to such power: 

“Jesus defined power, the true power is to serve, to do service, to do the most humble services, and I must still make progress on this path of service because I feel that I don’t do everything I should do. That’s the sense I have of power.” 

Trickle-down Economics

This heartfelt quote highlights Pope Francis’ insights into the perpetuation of a global economic system that continues to decimate the world: 

“Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.” 

Godless False Prophets 

This quote should be on everyone’s refrigerator: 

“If one has the answers to all the questions that is the proof that God is not with him. It means that he is a false prophet using religion for himself. The great leaders of the people of God, like Moses, have always left room for doubt. You must leave room for the Lord, not for our certainties; we must be humble.”