How we can reshape society after this pandemic
During the lockdown, Pope Francis wrote down some reflections to help our world to be a better place after the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, Francis published a book containing a new path after this time of crisis: “Let Us Dream – The Path to a Better Future.” In this book, Francis asserts that the pandemic is a time of crisis and that every crisis is a time of change. It is an opportunity to change our daily habits and routines. And actually, Coronavirus changed routines and patterns worldwide. With no exceptions, everywhere in the world, people have been hit by the pandemic. The world found itself more connected than ever. In fact, a single microorganism has shown up how our lives are extremely connected.
“Let Us Dream” is a plan to project a better future after this pandemic. The Pope defined this time as “a time to see,” “a time to choose,” and “a time to act.” These are the three main chapters of the book. In each section, Francis points out the reality and how we can create a better future for everybody decentering ourselves and putting the poor at the center of our society. In other words, the ones who are now at the margins of our societies should become the ones that are at the center of political and social decisions.
Francis likes to use a very concrete and practical style. He directs real fact happened during the pandemic. For example, he says, “Some groups protested, refusing to keep their distance, marching against travel restrictions – as if measures that governments must impose for the good of their people constitute some kind of political assault on autonomy or personal freedom!” Francis, furthermore, argues that “You’ll never find such people protesting the death of George Floyd, or joining a demonstration because there are shantytowns where children lack water or education, or because there are whole families who have lost their income.” The Pope is very concerned about the common good of all people, and he warns us about the risk of falling into an individualistic mentality.
The preferential option for the poor is the vaccine for individualism. Decentering ourselves and transcending our minds toward the interests of the poor will heal our sick world. This is the recipe that Francis offers us in this book. “We were thinking that we could be healthy in this sick world!” And the most dangerous illness that the world is facing is not COVID-19 but individualism, the throw-away culture, and the technocratic paradigm. The mentality that thinks that everything that is technically achievable is also licit to accomplish. It doesn’t matter – according to this mentality – who are people that will pay the consequences of technological progress.
Francis makes an interesting economical proposal as well, “I believe,” the Pope says, “it is time to explore concepts like the Universal Basic Income (UBI), also known as the negative income tax: an unconditional flat payment to all citizens, which could be dispersed through the tax system.” UBI could bring a new logic to the market guaranteeing security to the poor and removing the stigma of welfarism. “Working less,” continues the Pope, “so that more people can gain access to the labor market is one aspect of the kind of thinking we urgently need to explore.”
Lastly, “Let Us Dream” is a great program for believers and not. Francis talks from his perspective as a man of God who has been always in touch with the life and sufferings of the poor. They will save the world if we will be able to put them at the center of our societies, programs, and politics. This logic that the Pope offers is much more than philanthropic work or financial assistance. In fact, “solidarity is not the sharing of crumbs from the table, but to make space at the table for everyone.” Will we be able to do that? Has the pandemic thought us something? Future will answer these questions, but let us dream that a better future is possible!
By Pietro Rossini, SX
