Pope Francesco, Bishop of Rome and head of Catholic Church held an invitation only conference at the Vatican to discuss a hot topic: climate change/global warming. He invited 60 mayors from around the world, including Jerry Brown of California(but not Mayor of Tahoma). Gov. Jerry was given the podium and gave a well covered speech on costs of climate change and his ideas on coping with economic issues related to policies necessary to deal with anticipated global effects.
The mayors were chosen because the Pope believes that economic changes will affect the poor more than any other group. The Pope also believes that governments must address remedies with the poor in mind. A consensus agreement was attained, and the group acknowledged the necessity of policies that can alleviate negative outcomes for those at the lowest levels of society.
In addition, the Pope reminded the mayors that capitalism is not the be all/end all of progress and liberalism. Given his Argentinian roots steeped in Peronist populism, it's not surprising that he would make such statements. Despite his Italian heritage, he remains at his core, an Argentinian, rooted in anti-colonialism, and suspicious of corporate policy and foreign investments. He does not advocate Chavismo-style government, but obviously ascribes to a Latin American brand of democratic government.
All very interesting, really. Especially, as our own Minister of Latin American Affairs is heading to South America in a month to begin a 2 year assignment. Perhaps his on-the-ground observations will enlighten us all.
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