The world mourned the loss of more than just a religious figure on Monday. It lost a moral guide, a global advocate for the impoverished, and a compassionate leader who fearlessly spoke truth to those in power about their obligations to the vulnerable. His Holiness didn’t just deliver sermons; he lived among the people, especially those who were neglected, redefining moral leadership in our era.
Although not Catholic, I’ve always admired Pope Francis, not only for his spiritual influence but also for his clear understanding of economics. He grasped a concept that many leaders still struggle with: the economy isn’t merely a system; it mirrors our values. If our values are flawed—if we prioritize wealth over people—the system will inevitably fail.
He advocated for capitalism, but not one that exploits, drains, and abandons. He championed an economy that benefits everyone, particularly the poor, marginalized, and excluded. I term this “Good Capitalism,” and in his own way, so did he.
Poverty extends beyond financial hardship; it encompasses limited access, opportunity, and belief. It stems from systems that were not initially designed for universal benefit but can be reimagined to achieve precisely that. Pope Francis conveyed the same message in different terms. His statement, “No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world,” echoed the economic injustice that motivated me to establish Operation HOPE and launch . His declaration that “an economy that excludes kills” wasn’t hyperbole but a stark reality.
There’s a reason Pope Francis chose the name of St. Francis of Assisi—the saint known as the patron of the poor. He led with humility, rejecting lavish papal accommodations, driving a simple vehicle, and washing the feet of prisoners. These actions weren’t mere displays; they were theological expressions, embodying selfless service and a subtle condemnation of the arrogance and greed that often plague public life.
Pope Francis stated, “The rich must help, respect, and promote the poor.” His life and passing should challenge us to confront difficult questions: What kind of economy are we creating? Who is being left behind? And what would it entail to prioritize people over profits in our decision-making?
For me, this isn’t just abstract theory; it’s practical reality. I’ve witnessed the transformative effects of financial education, improved credit scores, first-time homeownership, and support for small businesses in struggling areas. Dignity returns, hope is renewed, and the economy thrives, not only in monetary terms but also in resilience.
This is what Pope Francis understood: that poverty is not simply a mathematical equation but a moral dilemma. Addressing it begins not in boardrooms or banks but within our hearts.
He was a pope, and I am a businessman from Compton. Yet, we shared a fundamental belief: that we rise by lifting others and that capitalism, when practiced ethically, can be a powerful force for good. Pope Francis believed in “Good Capitalism,” as do I. Now, more than ever, the world needs us to demonstrate that it is attainable.
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