<p>In an Easter <a href="https://movimientospopulares.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020.04.06-Social-Mov.-Easter-ENG.pdf">letter</a> to “brothers and sisters of popular movements and organizations,” Pope Francis wrote about the struggles of the poor and “marginalized,” and offered prayer and blessings to them.</p>
<p>The letter also appeared to cast a negative light on the world as it currently operates.</p>
<p>For example, Francis wondered in writing about the possibility of a “universal basic wage,” specifically because those who work “on your own or in the grassroots economy” are “hit &#8230; twice as hard” by economic hardship (emphasis added):</p>
<blockquote><p>I know that you have been excluded from the benefits of globalization. You do not enjoy the superficial pleasures that anesthetize so many consciences, yet you always suffer from the harm they produce. The ills that afflict everyone hit you twice as hard. Many of you live from day to day, without any type of legal guarantee to protect you. Street vendors, recyclers, carnies, small farmers, construction workers, dressmakers, the different kinds of caregivers: you who are informal, working on your own or in the grassroots economy, you have no steady income to get you through this hard time &#8230; and the lockdowns are becoming unbearable.</p>
<p><strong>This may be the time to consider a universal basic wage which would acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks you carry out. It would ensure and concretely achieve the ideal, at once so human and so Christian, of no worker without rights.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Francis referred to the “brothers and sisters” as “social poets,” as they “create admirable solutions for the most pressing problems afflicting the marginalized.”</p>
<p>The Pope also appeared to criticize free market “solutions,” as well as state safety nets:</p>
<blockquote><p>I know that you nearly never receive the recognition that you deserve, because you are truly invisible to the system. Market solutions do not reach the peripheries, and State protection is hardly visible there. Nor do you have the resources to substitute for its functioning. You are looked upon with suspicion when through community organization you try to move beyond philanthropy or when, instead of resigning and hoping to catch some crumbs that fall from the table of economic power, you claim your rights.</p></blockquote>
<p>“You often feel rage and powerlessness at the sight of persistent inequalities, and when any excuse at all is sufficient for maintaining those privileges,” Francis wrote, adding that the individuals to whom he directed his letter don’t simply give up and complain, but get to work with “resilience.”</p>
<p>Francis wrote kindly about women in soup kitchens, small farmers who aren’t “exploiting &#8230; needs,” as well as the sick and elderly, who he said aren’t seen “in the news.”</p>
<p>The Pope offered encouragement to the members, telling them that after the COVID-19 “storm” has passed, they have the wisdom needed to feel the suffering of others.</p>
<p>Finally, Francis noted that he hopes this crisis will shake up the world:</p>
<blockquote><p>I hope that this time of danger will free us from operating on automatic pilot, shake our sleepy consciences and allow a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money and places human life and dignity at the centre. Our civilization — so competitive, so individualistic, with its frenetic rhythms of production and consumption, its extravagant luxuries, its disproportionate profits for just a few — needs to downshift, take stock, and renew itself.</p></blockquote>
<p>You can read the full letter from Pope Francis <a href="https://movimientospopulares.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020.04.06-Social-Mov.-Easter-ENG.pdf">here</a>.</p>
<p>The COVID-19 pandemic also hung over the Pope’s <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-easter-sunday-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-43012">Easter Sunday message</a> in which he talked about the elderly and sick “who are alone,” and families who didn’t get to say goodbye to their loved ones.</p>
<p>“For many, this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties,” Francis said.</p>
<p>To doctors, nurses, and other essential workers, Francis gave thanks.</p>
<p>“&#8230;grant strength and hope to doctors and nurses, who everywhere offer a witness of care and love for our neighbors, to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently at the expense of their own health,” Francis said. “Our gratitude and affection go to them, to all who work diligently to guarantee the essential services necessary for civil society, and to the law enforcement and military personnel who in many countries have helped ease people’s difficulties and sufferings.”</p>
<p>Francis also offered reassurance, quoting Jesus: “I have risen and I am with you still!”</p>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Pope Francis Suggests ‘Universal Basic Wage’ In Letter: ‘So Human And So Christian … No Worker Without Rights’

CONTINUE READING

Ilhan Omar Comes Under Financial Scrutiny — Now Husband’s Winery Suddenly Goes Dark

Trump Stokes UFO Frenzy With New Promise

Astronauts Reveal Something No Human Has Ever Seen On Far Side Of Moon

Israeli Ambassador Reacts To Iran Strike With Message That Raises Stakes

Tom Homan Lays Out What Americans Can Expect As ICE Moves Into Airports Monday

VIDEO: Iranian Missile Screams Over Israel, Explosion Injures Dozens, Including Children

News and Commentary

COVID

Pope Francis

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— News and Commentary —

Pope Francis Suggests ‘Universal Basic Wage’ In Letter: ‘So Human And So Christian … No Worker Without Rights’