I have expressed my appreciation for Pope Francis, as a humble, socially responsible Christian leader who is working to effect change in a rather ponderous institution. Recently he instructed cardinals and archbishops of the Roman Curia to take turns hearing daily confessions in a church near the Vatican because he wants them to be pastors, not just bureaucrats.
Now Francis has made an amateur video praising the world’s “cartoneros” — the poor people who pick through garbage to find recyclable and reusable goods. He says their work is dignified and good for the environment.
Francis recorded the video Dec. 5 while meeting with members of the Excluded Workers’ Movement of his native Argentina, which released the video this week at an annual meeting of trash recyclers. Francis, known for his simple habits, has denounced today’s “throw-away culture” and said in the video that food that is tossed aside each day could feed all the world’s hungry. Francis has a long relationship with Argentina’s “cartoneros” — literally “cardboard people.” He would celebrate Mass for them as archbishop and invited them on stage during World Youth Day in July.
We often make the connection between social responsibility and care for the environment. We are also becoming increasingly aware that environmental degradation affects the poor more seriously than the wealthy. The pope seems to be making an attempt to connect all of this. Impressive.
Thoughts?
Impressive, indeed!
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