The year 2017 marked a before and after in history, with Pope Francis pronouncing words that would resonate worldwide. The Pope denounced an economy that excludes and generates inequality, marginalizing an ever-increasing number of people. Amid this situation, President Donald Trump emerged as a symbol of a discourse that resonated among those marginalized by the system.
Some time later, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, championing a narrative of protection for the most disadvantaged, won the elections in Mexico. The powerful phrase attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, "Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and soon you will find yourself doing the impossible," becomes relevant in this context.
Pope Francis, who chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, launched harsh criticisms of what he called "an economy that kills," highlighting the importance of correcting development models that ignore respect for the environment, the dignity of workers, and social equality.
In May 2019, the initiative "Economy of Francis" was launched, gathering young economists in Assisi to rethink a more inclusive and sustainable economic model. However, the pace of change did not satisfy the Pope, who warned about the dangers of a vision centered solely on profit and material well-being.
Despite efforts to drive changes toward a more just and sustainable economy, the transformations were not fast enough. Leaders like Trump and Boris Johnson gained relevance, while companies like BlackRock temporarily moved away from the ESG agenda.
Francis's legacy, with its focus on the protection of the most vulnerable and the climate emergency, remains relevant. The Pope did not achieve all his aspirations, but his ideas continue to inspire those seeking a more equitable and sustainable world.