Analyse
The quoted passage appears verbatim in **Paragraph 55** of *Evangelii Gaudium*, where Francis condemns an economic system that prioritizes profit over human dignity, framing it as a 'new idol' akin to the biblical golden calf (Exodus 32). The exhortation explicitly ties this critique to systemic inequality, calling for ethical reform. The Vatican’s official archives and multiple credible translations (e.g., USCCB, Libreria Editrice Vaticana) confirm the wording and context. No credible sources dispute the attribution or intent of the statement.
Achtergrond
Released in November 2013, *Evangelii Gaudium* is a foundational papal document outlining Francis’ vision for a 'missionary church' that addresses social injustices. The critique of economic idolatry aligns with his broader theological emphasis on **'a poor church for the poor'**, echoing liberation theology and Catholic social teaching (e.g., *Rerum Novarum*, *Caritas in Veritate*). The 'golden calf' metaphor recurs in Francis’ speeches, including his 2015 address to the U.S. Congress and 2020 *Fratelli Tutti* encyclical.
Samenvatting verdict
Pope Francis did make this statement in *Evangelii Gaudium* (2013), criticizing unchecked capitalism and economic inequality as modern forms of idolatry.