Skip to content

Pope Francis to young economists: ‘Love is the first and greatest factor of change’

Pope Francis on Wednesday met with young adults participating in the annual Economy of Francesco gathering as the movement for economic change — inspired by the pope and St. Francis of Assisi — launched a permanent foundation.

Pope Francis on Wednesday met with young adults participating in the annual Economy of Francesco gathering as the movement for economic change — inspired by the pope and St. Francis of Assisi — launched a permanent foundation.

“It is not the great and powerful who change the world for the better: Love is the first and greatest factor of change,” the pope told the foundation’s founding members and others from more than 30 countries at the Vatican on Sept. 25.

According to an announcement on Instagram, the new foundation, formally instituted on Sept. 23, will work in three areas: research and study, business and innovation, and education and culture.

Launched from Assisi, Italy, the foundation’s mission is to foster a new economic culture — one that prioritizes human dignity, environmental care, and integral development,” the announcement said.

The first Economy of Francesco conference was held online in November 2020 in response to the pope’s call for “an economy attentive to the person and to the environment.”

The livestreamed event has been repeated every year, and in 2022, a three-day in-person conference was held in Assisi, Italy, with Pope Francis attending on the last day.

“Thank you,” Pope Francis said on Wednesday, “for having taken seriously my invitation to ‘reanimate’ the economy and for having welcomed the indications I gave to you on the occasion of your annual conferences.”

“They form part of the framework of the social doctrine of the Church and, in the final analysis, have their root in the Gospel,” he said. “You may have encountered many teachers over the course of your studies or work experiences, but the reference to the Gospel, while in sincere dialogue with everyone, guarantees you an exceptional master, Jesus, the only one who could say: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (Jn 14:6).”

The pope also underlined that “the world of economics is in need of change” but added that while it may be good to become a great economist, government minister, or Nobel laureate, the best way is through love.

“You will change [the economy] above all by loving it, in the light of God, by imbuing it with the values and the strength of goodness, with the evangelical spirit of Francis of Assisi,” he said. “[St. Francis] was the son of a merchant, he knew the strengths and defects of that world. Love the economy, truly love the workers, the poor, prioritizing the situations of greatest suffering.”

“Be brave, dear friends! Be brave!” he encouraged. “If you are faithful to your vocation, your life will flourish, you will have wonderful stories to tell your children and grandchildren. … Believe me: It is worth spending your life to change the world for the better.”

During the Wednesday audience, Pope Francis also noted the presence of several babies in the room off the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. 

“I see that there are some children here: This is good, in a culture that prefers to have dogs and cats rather than children,” he said, adding: “We must beat Italy up a bit” in reference to the country’s low birth rate.

This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency. 

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Vatican Authority Explains How the Commission for the New Martyrs Will Function

New Initiative Aims to Recognize Those Persecuted for Their Faith and Foster 'Ecumenism of Blood' Across Christian Denominations

Our Lady of Good Counsel: All about this devotion and Pope Leo XIV’s connection to it

Known by the title “Our Lady of Good Counsel” or “Mother of Good Counsel,” the small image of the Virgin Mary housed in the church at Genazzano has been held dear by the Augustinians for centuries and remains dear to Pope Leo XIV.

The Bombing of the Pope’s Residence

Castel Gandolfo is an Italian village on the shores of Lake Albano. Its Papal Villas are known to have been the summer residence of the popes for many years. However, during World War II, it became a refuge for people seeking to escape the war. 

A Jubilee Spiritual Reading List On Christian Hope

The 2025 Jubilee Year theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Here are books, essays, and encyclicals to inspire a spiritual journey of hope this Lent or throughout the year.

The Hidden Story of John Paul II’s Sainthood

Inside stories from those who worked in the household of Pope Saint John Paul II.

Why is the Regina Coeli prayed instead of the Angelus during Easter?

During the Easter season, the universal Church prays the prayer Regina Coeli, or Queen of Heaven, to joyfully

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it