Pope calls for less hypocrisy in politics in wake of outbreak

POPE FRANCIS has called for the coronavirus crisis to lead to less hypocrisy in politics.

The pontiff said the Covid-19 outbreak has exposed divisions in society and that there is a need for less consumption and more help for the poor.

In an interview he contributed to a BBC “Rethink” set of talks about what should happen in the wake of the disease, he said: “This crisis is affecting us all, rich and poor alike.

“And putting a spotlight on hypocrisy. I am worried by the hypocrisy of certain political personalities who speak of facing up to the crisis.

“Of the problem of hunger in the world, but who in the meantime manufacture weapons. This is a time to be converted from this kind of function of hypocrisy.

“It’s a time for integrity.”

The Pope said the rate of consumption needs to be slowed.

“Every crisis contains both danger and opportunity,” he said.

“Today I believe we have to slow down our rate of production and consumption and to learn to understand the natural world.”