Pope John Paul and a Critique of Western Capitalism

After today's burial of John Paul II, a remaining question is which of his teachings will live on. While his views on personal morality are well known, the Pope placed equal emphasis on economic and social justice. Visiting Cuba, the anti-communist Pope criticized the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, asserting that an unfettered free market will serve only the powerful few at the cost of increased poverty for multitudes of the poor. Are President Bush and other western leaders picking and choosing among Papal teachings? Given the wealth of the Vatican, was the Pope himself inconsistent? We hear more about Pope John Paul's teachings on economics and social justice from journalists, political commentators, foreign policy experts, historians and economists.

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Pope John Paul II's 1999 "Ecclesia in America"

President Bush promoting the "culture of life"

International Monetary Fund

World Bank

Clark's commentary, "Reading Terri Schiavo"

Engler's FPIF commentary, "John Paul II's Economic Ethics"

Mexico City Mayor Andres Manuel L-pez Obrador

Dresser's column on attacks against Mexico City Mayor

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