Pope Francis denounced populist politics and what he called “the dross of ideology” on Sunday, warning that democracy was not in good shape in many parts of the world. Source: Reuters.
The 87-year-old pope was in the northeastern city of Trieste for a flying visit, his fourth trip within Italy in just over two months.
Speaking at an annual Catholic convention on social affairs, Francis said many people felt excluded from democracy, with the poor and the weak left to fend for themselves.
“It is evident that democracy is not in good health in today’s world,” he said, denouncing polarisation and partisanship.
He said the “crisis of democracy” afflicted various nations, but did not give any specific examples.
Later, in a homily at an open-air Mass, the Pope denounced widespread complacency over social injustice.
“Why are we not scandalised in the face of rampant evil, life being humiliated, labour issues, the sufferings of migrants? Why do we remain apathetic and indifferent to the injustices of the world?” he said.
The half-day visit to Trieste followed similar trips to Venice and Verona in April and May, and an address to Group of Seven leaders in southern Italy in June.
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Pope decries populists, warns democracy is in bad health (Reuters)
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