Champion of the poor

A recent speech by Pope Francis held clear echoes of a centuries-old tradition stressing the need for radical, progressive action, and insights on matters of social justice, writes TP O’Mahony

COULD the poor save the Catholic Church? Pope Francis seems to think so. Since his election, Jorge Mario Bergoglio has emerged as the champion of the poor, having declared at the outset of his pontificate that he desired to see “a poor church for poor people”.

This message was reiterated during his tour of the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro — one of the most important features of his visit to Brazil. The theme of his speeches was set by a remark he made before leaving Rome.