Pope Francis: Dung of the Devil Quote

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying that chasing cash becomes so foul that he references a line from a 4th century saint calling that mindset the dung of the devil. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“Behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea called ‘the dung of the devil’. An unfettered pursuit of money rules” — Pope Francis

In this quote, Pope Francis is strongly condemning conflicts and crises driven by the pursuit of wealth and power above all else. He seems to be referring specifically to wars and injustices fueled by a desire for monetary gain and domination. The “stench of the dung of the devil” suggests Francis views such actions as morally corrupt and against humanity.

By stating “an unfettered pursuit of money rules,” the Pope argues that placing financial interests above ethics and compassion is the root cause of much suffering in the world.

His view appears to be that as long as greed and the prioritization of profits over people are allowed to dictate decisions and policies, violence and oppression will continue to plague societies.

The quote serves as a critique of political and economic systems that sacrifice morality, justice and lives for the sake of accumulating wealth through any means.

Pope Francis: Economic Exclusion

“Economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity and a very grave offense against human rights and the environment” — Pope Francis

Wolverton, Cagle Cartoons

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying crass commercialism is destroying the environment and disenfranchising the poor. Pope Francis said:

Pope Francis criticizes economic and social exclusion. By economic exclusion, he means being left out of or unable to fully participate in the economic system and opportunities in a society. Social exclusion refers to being marginalized or isolated from society.

The Pope argues that excluding people from the economy and society in this way denies our shared humanity (“human fraternity”) and violates basic human rights. He also believes it harms the environment, since excluded populations often live in greater poverty which can contribute to environmental degradation.

Pope Francis advocates for more inclusive economic and social systems that provide opportunities and dignity for all people, as a matter of both ethics and protecting our natural world.

Pope Francis on Political Campaign $

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying… and the bill comes due when special interests expect to be repaid for campaign support. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“In the financing of electoral campaigns, many interests get into the mix, and then they send you the bill” — Pope Francis

Pope Francis seems to be cautioning about the influence of moneyed interests in the political process. Specifically, he suggests that many different groups and organizations (“many interests”) provide financial backing (“financing”) for electoral campaigns.

However, the Pope implies that their support often comes with strings attached, as these donors will later “send you the bill” and expect favors or policies in return for their contributions.

Overall, the quote indicates that Pope Francis views campaign financing as compromising for politicians, making them beholden to special interests that funded their elections and now have implicit leverage over their decisions as elected officials.

Pope Francis on Material Slavery

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying focusing only on possessions and gain leads to material slavery – financial enslavement. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“If money and material things become the center of our lives, they seize us and make us slaves” — Pope Francis

In this quote, Pope Francis is warning that becoming overly focused on accumulating wealth and possessions can have a detrimental effect on one’s life and freedom. He suggests that an excessive attachment to money and materialism can essentially “enslave” people, as those things start to control and dictate one’s behaviors, priorities, and sense of purpose.

The Pope appears to be advocating for keeping financial gain and worldly goods in a proper, balanced perspective – not denying their importance but also not allowing them to become the central driving force or main goal in one’s existence.

His message encourages ensuring money does not dominate one’s identity, choices and happiness at the expense of other human and spiritual values.

Pope Francis on Obligations of Rich to Poor

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying the wealthy must see it as a part of their role to help those in poverty overcome their burdens. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but he is obliged in the name of Christ to remind all that the rich must help, respect and promote the poor” — Pope Francis

In this quote, Pope Francis is expressing that while he cares for all people equally, his role as leader of the Catholic Church requires that he advocate specifically for the poor and vulnerable. He urges the rich to help, respect and promote those in need through their actions and influence.

The Pope appears to be calling on wealthier members of society to exercise their privilege and wealth to uplift the less fortunate through charity, social justice efforts, and ensuring the dignity of all people is upheld.

His message conveys that religious doctrine obliges him to draw attention to the moral duty of those with abundance to support and empower those lacking basic resources and opportunities.

Pope Francis on Profit and Consumption

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying we worry more about a broken computer than a broken person who doesn’t consume new products. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“Men and women are sacrificed to the idols of profit and consumption” — Pope Francis

In this quote, Pope Francis is criticizing how modern society over-prioritizes economic gain and materialism at the expense of human well-being. He suggests that people are often “sacrificed” or harmed by systems that treat profit and overconsumption as the highest priorities.

The Pope appears to view this approach as a form of idolatry, where wealth and worldly goods have become false “idols” that are worshipped through social and economic policies without regard for their human toll.

His message conveys that a balanced, ethical worldview should not allow people’s lives and dignity to be disregarded or compromised for the sake of increasing profits, production and commercialism.

Pope Francis on Money as Ruler

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying we are not in control of our lives or the wider society, instead money interests control all. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“Man is not in charge today, money is in charge, money rules” — Pope Francis

Pope Francis believes that money has too much power and influence over society and individuals’ lives. In the quote from the article, he says that people are “not in charge today, money is in charge” instead of humans controlling their own destiny.

The Pope thinks money and financial interests have come to dictate decisions in politics, business, and many other areas instead of what would truly benefit people.

He sees this as an imbalance of power where money has become the primary ruler and decision-maker rather than humans collectively deciding how to organize society for the well-being of all.

Pope Francis on Money Ruling Over Us

Pope Francis Money Quotation saying we allow money to lead us, guide our actions and make our decisions for us, but it should serve us instead of ruling over us. Pope Francis said:
 

 

“Money has to serve, not to rule” — Pope Francis

In this quote, Pope Francis is expressing the view that money should be a tool used in service of people, not something that dominates or controls human affairs. He suggests that wealth is meant to help and empower individuals and communities, not to dictate social and economic policies or become the ultimate goal and measure of success in society.

The Pope appears to believe money has an appropriate role in providing for basic needs and opportunities, but should not be allowed to dictate the terms of people’s lives or “rule” over important decisions. His message conveys that a just system ensures financial means are kept in a subordinate position to human well-being and dignity.