Pope says he is not a Marxist, but defends criticism of capitalism

[Major Nikon]

16. People who think this pope's position is so radically different should look to what has been done

The Catholic church has been critical of capitalism for my entire life. Each and every pope of my lifetime has criticized capitalism at one time or another. However, it's important to recognize what the Catholic church says, and what it does. The Catholic church has a serious image problem right now. It should come as no surprise that the pope has a vested interest in providing populist lip service. The celebrations shouldn't start to commence until they start walking the walk. Catholic catechism still condemns Marxism and centralized economic planning. When the church changes its dogma and starts a widespread effort to purge people from leadership positions who are categorically against liberation theology, then there will be some cause to celebrate. Until then it's just lip service and we should remember the Catholic church has almost 2,000 years of practice in controlling its image rather than those who are behind the curtain working the levers.