Pope Francis recently hosted members of the DIALOP Transversal Dialogue Project at the Vatican. This unique group, composed of socialists, Marxists, and Christians, has been actively working towards developing a common social ethic rooted in the intertwining of Catholic social teaching and Marxist social critique through dialogue.
The Pope’s address emphasized the urgent need to confront global issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and lawlessness. He highlighted the importance of solidarity and the rule-of-law in building a more equitable society. “Fight the scourge of corruption, abuses of power, and illegality,” he urged, stressing honesty and integrity as foundational for establishing healthy relationships and effective cooperation in societal transformation.
Pope Francis, known for his critiques of market-driven economies, reiterated his stance against allowing finance and market mechanisms to dictate societal policies. He underscored the significance of solidarity as a moral virtue and a justice imperative, necessary for correcting systemic injustices. His message championed creativity and imagination in social endeavors, calling those engaged in such work “social poets.”
The formation of DIALOP dates back to 2014, following a meeting between the Pope, prominent left-wing European politicians, and members of the Focolare Movement, a group dedicated to promoting universal brotherhood and inter-religious dialogue. Since then, DIALOP has evolved, involving academics and students, and has even initiated projects to integrate Christian and Marxist perspectives in academia.
During the audience, which included spontaneous dialogue and lasted for about 40 minutes, Pope Francis conveyed his encouragement for a world facing wars and polarization. He reminded the group, “Don’t back off, don’t give up, and don’t stop dreaming of a better world” – a deeply resonating message, especially in a time when unity across ideological divides is more crucial than ever.
The Pope’s commitment to fostering dialogue between diverse ideologies reflects his papacy’s broader mission for a world where different beliefs and perspectives can collaborate towards the common good. As the Pope aptly puts it, “Solidarity is not only a moral virtue but also a requirement of justice.”
Pray with Pope Francis for fruitful dialogue and solitary!
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