Pope Francis: Democracy In The World Today Is Not In Good Health

(Wikimedia Commons/Aletia Image Department)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis said Democracy was not in good condition. He urged politicians to avoid populism, instead working together to build stronger society and overcome voter apathy attitudes. This was conveyed by Pope Francis while in the northeastern city of Trieste, Sunday, July 7. Speaking at the annual Roman Catholic convention on social affairs, he said many people felt ostracized from democracy, with the poor and the weak left to struggle alone. "It is clear that democracy is not in good health in today's world. Healthy democracy must avoid ideological waste and stay away from taking sides to embrace meaningful dialogue," Francis said. "Let's not be fooled by an easy solution. Let's be enthusiastic about the common good," he said. He also highlighted the damage caused by corruption and political illegality. He said it was important to teach children the value of democracy, warning that indifference is democratic cancer. "I'm concerned about the small number of people who voted. Why did that happen?" he asked. A half-day visit to Trieste followed similar trips to Venice and Verona in April and May, and a speech to the Group of Seven leaders in southern Italy in June-to-leading which has tested its stamina after repeated illness over the past year which has sometimes forced it to reduce its workload.

As usual now, the whale travels mainly in a wheelchair and appears in good condition. In September he is scheduled to fly more than 32,000 km (19,900 miles) on his journey around Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-leste, also known as East Timor, and Singapore.