Shun caste mentality and defend weakest, says Pope

Pope Francis urged Roman Catholic leaders yesterday to shun a “closed caste” mentality, saying the Church’s credibility rested on its ability to help the poor and persecuted on the margins of society.

Francis called for a more merciful and compassionate Church in the homily of a mass in St Peter’s Basilica with new cardinals who were installed on Saturday.

Since his election two years ago as the first South American pope, Francis has been nudging church leaders to leave their comfort zones and privileges and get closer to their congregations, particularly the poor.