Pope launches blistering attack on the 'tyranny of capitalism' as he warns we're all heading towards 'disintegration and death'

Francis made remarks in first major work he has authored alone as pope

He also called for an overhaul of financial systems in Western economies

He said they spawn 'inordinate consumption' and 'unbridled consumerism'

The 84-page apostolic exhortation builds on views aired since his election

It said that inequality and injustice of capitalism would lead to an explosion

The ‘tyranny’ of capitalism is leading to widespread social unrest, the Pope warned yesterday.

In his first major teaching document, Pope Francis, 76, said inequality would inevitably lead to conflict resulting in ‘disintegration and death’.

He used his 84-page ‘apostolic exhortation’ to call for an overhaul of the financial system in Western economies that promote ‘unbridled consumerism’.

Anti-capitalism: Francis has previously expressed his disdain for Western capitalism, calling for a more ethical banking system and curbs on financial speculation

Pope Francis said: ‘As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems.’

The document, known as an apostolic exhortation, builds on views the pontiff has aired since his election in March.

Poverty and peace: Since his enthronement Francis has repeatedly called for 'a poor church'

Francis has previously expressed his disdain for Western capitalism, calling for a more ethical banking system and curbs on financial speculation.



He even wrote to David Cameron ahead of the G8 summit in Northern Ireland reminding him that money should serve mankind and rather than the reverse.

Since his enthronement Francis has repeatedly called for ‘a poor church’.

He immediately ditched the traditional scarlet slippers and golden cross for a plain iron cross and his battered old black brogues from Buenos Aires.

And he has continued to live by example eschewing the grand Papal apartments for a room in a humble priest’s boarding house, travelling in a Ford Focus, and suspending a bishop who spent millions of euros on his luxurious residence.

He even chose the name Francis after the medieval saint who renounced his riches for a life of poverty.

The document said that the inequality and injustice of capitalism would eventually lead to an explosion.

He wrote ‘When a society – whether local, national or global – is willing to leave a part of itself on the fringes, no political programmes or resources spent on law enforcement or surveillance systems can indefinitely guarantee tranquillity.

‘Without equal opportunities the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and eventually explode.’

Foreboding: The document said that the inequality and injustice of capitalism would eventually lead an explosion

He called for action 'beyond a simple welfare mentality' and added: 'I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor.'

The exhortation, presented in the pope's trademark clear and warm style, in contrast with the academic writings of his predecessor, also calls for devolution of the church, with more power for bishops to decide doctrine for their diocese.

He reiterated earlier statements that the Church cannot ordain women or accept abortion. The male-only priesthood, he said, 'is not a question open to discussion' but women must have more influence in Church leadership.







