Pope: social analysis requires a preferential option for the poor

In the speech prepared for "Aggiornamenti Sociali" a Italian Jesuits magazine, Francis states that the preferential option "before rushing to their aid, this option requires that we be on their side, even when we look at the dynamics of society."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "For Christians, the discernment of social phenomena cannot be separated from the preferential option for the poor". Pope Francis is affirmed to affirm this in his speech delivered to editors and collaborators of the Italian Jesuit magazine "Aggiornamenti Sociali", received today in the Vatican (in the photo).

The preferential option for the poor, the document reads, "before rushing to their aid, this option requires that we be on their side, even when we look at the dynamics of society. And the poor have so much to teach us about it, its values and its contradictions!".

Commenting on the motto to help readers "finding our way in a changing world" chosen by those working for the magazine, the papal discourse states, is a valuable service "especially in a time of accelerated change, which leaves many people bewildered and confused". And to orient ourselves "even in society’s journey, we need to learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit, interpret His signs and choose to follow that voice and not others". And to make discernment in social life "it is not enough to train our spiritual sensitivity, which remains indispensable; we need specific skills and analyses", those to which the pages of the magazine give space by addressing issues such as the new frontiers of bioethics and work, immigration, the social inequality, sustainable economy, environmental care, building the common good.

And if the preferential option for the poor means "to be on their side", this involves listening to them, "so that their voice can speak".

For the discernment of social phenomena we need then the comparison, "a synodal method" made up of relationships, dialogue, involvement in concrete initiatives and events, networking. We must aim at the integration "of those portions of society that for various reasons are placed on the margins"; at the meeting between generations; promoting "occasions for meeting and common action between Christians and believers of other religions, but also with all people of good will". It is not easy, but "if we do not succeed in uniting the whole human family, it will be impossible to proceed in the search for sustainable and integral development".