Written by Jubilee USA Network   

Today marked the one year anniversary of the installation of Pope Francis as head of the Catholic Church. During that time, Pope Francis has received worldwide attention for his forceful calls for the creation of an economy that works for the poor and vulnerable. The Pope has urged policy makers to enact detailed policies regarding debt, taxes and financial reform that will impact the 1 out 5 people living in extreme poverty around the world.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of religious antipoverty organization Jubilee USA, releases the following statement on the one year anniversary of Pope Francis:

"Who could have imagined a year ago that we would have a Pope calling on world leaders to end inequality by stopping corporate tax avoidance and canceling the debts of poor countries.

"What has made Pope Francis so popular is that he is specific and easy to understand. His message that our global economy must protect the most vulnerable is front and center.

"He is spreading a message that is central to the teachings of all religions. Wealth needs to serve all of us, not just a few of us."



Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations, 400 faith communities and 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee's mission is to build an economy that serves, protects and promotes participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA has won critical global financial reforms and more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org