Pope's quotes: Consumerism

Join the Conversation

Send your thoughts to Letters to the Editor. Learn more

A quote from Pope Francis:

"Today consumerism determines what is important. Consuming relationships, consuming friendships, consuming religions, consuming, consuming... . Whatever the cost or consequences. A consumption which does not favor bonding, a consumption which has little to do with human relationships. Social bonds are a mere 'means' for the satisfaction of 'my needs.' The important thing is no longer our neighbor, with his or her familiar face, story and personality.

"The result is a culture which discards everything that is no longer 'useful' or 'satisfying' for the tastes of the consumer. We have turned our society into a huge multicultural showcase tied only to the tastes of certain 'consumers', while so many others only 'eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table'. This causes great harm. I would say that at the root of so many contemporary situations is a kind of impoverishment born of a widespread and radical sense of loneliness. ... Loneliness with fear of commitment in a limitless effort to feel recognized."

-- Address to bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 2015

Editor’s note: We can send you a biweekly email alert with content from The Francis Chronicles. Follow the directions on our email alert signup page.

 

Latest News

Advertisement

1x per dayDaily Newsletters
1x per weekWeekly Newsletters
2x WeeklyBiweekly Newsletters