Pope John Paul II Quotes


Those who are more influential because they have greater share of goods and common services should feel responsible for the weaker and be ready to share with them all they possess


Context

On Social Concern


Citations

John Paul II, 1920-2005, Karol Jozef Wojtyla, Catholic Pope, Solicitudo Rei Socialis 1987

Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations

Related Quotes

Normally, this would not be a particularly noteworthy quotation. However, at the time the Republican Party had shifted far to the right–more so than at any other time since its inception. The primary election he was in brought out the most right wing members of the party, which was for gutting the social safety net, did not see health care as a right, and even wanted to terminate Obamacare and Social Security as it existed. Yet when asked in a nationwide TV interview, what the government should do for the poor and destitute who could not afford health care or other necessities. His courageous answer and position doomed his bid for the presidential nomination.


This was a swipe at the Conservatives at the time who were opposed to a Federal Government that would actively provide assistance directly to individuals. There was a belief amongst some politicians that by assisting people in need, their character would be weakened and the people and the society would be hurt in the long run.


Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
  • Born: May 18, 1920
  • Died: April 2, 2005
  • Nationality: Polish
  • Profession: Clergyman, Catholic Pope

Pope John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was elected pope by the second papal conclave of 1978, which was called after John Paul I, who had been elected in August to succeed Pope Paul VI, died after 33 days. Cardinal Wojtyła was elected on the third day of the conclave and adopted the name of his predecessor in tribute to him. John Paul II is recognised as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland and the rest of Europe.