Pope Francis Condemns ‘Isolationism, Individualism’ in Davos Message, by Thomas D. Williams

ROME — Pope Francis has sent a message to the World Economic Forum at Davos Tuesday, condemning the isolationism and individualism that “characterizes too much contemporary debate.”

“All too often materialistic or utilitarian visions, sometimes hidden, sometimes celebrated, lead to practices and structures motivated largely, or even solely, by self-interest,” the pope said, in reiterating his firm belief in multilateralism.

The pontiff praised the World Economic Forum, saying it has “provided an arena where political will and mutual cooperation can be guided and strengthened in overcoming the isolationism, individualism and ideological colonization that sadly characterizes too much contemporary debate.”  …