Is Christian Social Doctrine against Capitalism? Do Christians believe that free enterprise is wrong? Pope Francis is awakening many controversial opinions because of his humble preaching in favor of the poor and for social justice. Therefore, the following question is quite relevant and the answer offered is certainly revealing.
Is the People's Pope Against Prosperity?
Rev. Robert A. Sirico (photo) is a controversial Catholic priest because of his many books about Catholic Social Teaching, Capitalism and Morality and even for presenting a "moral case" to defend the free market and a free economy.
Father Sirico delivered a notable speech last March 12th as part of an event organized by the Acton Institute in Naples, Florida. In his speech titled "Is the People's Pope Against Prosperity?", he sets down his views about these issues and refers to Pope Francis as a "kind of gentler Ratzinger".
Father Sirico is the founder of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, and he is a well known political and cultural commentator. The Acton Institute was created in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1990, and among other activities they have published a lot of very interesting books in ethics, social issues, economics, politics and religion.
The Acton Institute was named after the great English historian, Lord John Acton (1834-1902). He is best known for his famous remark: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Inspired by his work on the relation between liberty and morality, the Acton Institute seeks to articulate a vision of society that is both free and virtuous, the end of which is human flourishing. To clarify this relationship, the Institute holds seminars and publishes various books, monographs, periodicals, and articles.
Readers may listen to Father Sirico's full March 12th speech by clicking at this link: https://soundcloud.com/actoninstitute/rev-robert-a-sirico-is-the-peoples-pope-against-prosperity. In order to listen to the speech, readers must register first, but registration is free and have no strings attached.