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Pope to business leaders: philanthropy is not enough
Pope Francis meets with CEOs and employees of large companies and banks, urging them to employ the poor and young people in their businesses.
By Joseph Tulloch
On Saturday morning, Pope Francis met at the Vatican with a group of executive directors and employees of large companies and banks.
His guests were all members of the Sustainable Markets Initiativea private sector environmental network.
The Pope told members that their decisions are of crucial importance, as they “impact thousands and thousands of workers” and “affect the fortunes of governments”.
Therefore, said the Pope, he wanted to briefly reflect with them on three themes: the environment, the poor and young people.
The environment
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, head of King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative, says the Pope and the King have the “same agenda” on climate issues.
The Pope urged his guests to place the environment “at the center” of their attention.
Given the climate crisis, he stressed, “it is no longer enough to simply comply with the laws of the States, which are advancing very slowly”.
It is necessary, in fact, to “innovate anticipating the future”, with “courageous and forward-looking choices” for others to imitate.
“The innovation of today’s businessman”, underlined the Pope, “must above all be innovation in the care of our common home”.
The Pope addresses the participants
The poor
It is equally important, however, the Pope said, “not to forget the poorest and the most discarded”.
Pope Francis warned against “a certain ‘meritocracy’” which, he said, is “used to legitimize the exclusion of the poor, who are judged as unworthy.”
He also attacked the idea that “a little philanthropy” could be considered enough.
“The challenge is to include the poor in companies”, said the Pope, “to make them resources for the benefit of all… I dream of a world in which the discarded can become protagonists of change”.
The young
Finally, the Pope urged his guests to pay attention to the struggles of young people, who are often “poor in resources, opportunities and future”.
He encouraged them to hire young people even when they do not have the necessary experience and skills, saying that “every job can only be learned by doing it”.
“Be generous”, urged the Pope, giving young people “a glimpse of the future so that an entire generation does not lose hope”.
Conclusion
Pope Francis ended his speech by praying that God will help his guests to exercise their responsibilities well and to “make courageous choices”.
“I thank you for what you are doing,” he said: “You are pioneers – do not be discouraged, but continue to be pioneers.”