The news of the death of Pope Francis this week caused me to reflect on his extraordinary message of compassion. He challenged how we solve the enormity of our societal and economic problems while maintaining our compassion and humanity.
We are troubled in this country by an unregulated, disorganized immigration policy. It must be changed to benefit American citizens. However, we cannot solve the problem without compassion for those who are coming here simply to seek a better life. Policy changes will require nuance and care, while ensuring enforcement.
We want to encourage a free market system, which has allowed many Americans to prosper and thrive. However, we must show compassion to our allies and neighbors, without whom we could not have thrived, and whose partnership is needed for our basic security.
How do we care for the most vulnerable of us, those children with food insecurity or who are learning-challenged? Taxation? Social programs? Paid for by whom? And how much? Thoughtful, kind and discriminating choices need to be made.
There are those who believe that Pope Francis was too liberal. I believe he expressed his concern for the trials of the world with great compassion. Without considering compassion, our answers to the most difficult and complex questions of today will be hollow, inadequate and unsustainable.
Paula Angelone, Ph.D.
Southampton Village
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