Pope Francis' challenge to conservative Christians

In his short tenure thus far, Pope Francis has astounded and delighted liberals and social gospel Christians;  it's been a bit more difficult for conservative Roman Catholics whose political allegiances tend to be Republican.

Now he has gone a step further, according to E. J. Dionne, Jr. of the Washington Post.  Commenting on the ways that unregulated capitalism has failed the poor, Francis has even denounced "trickle down" economics, calling it a system that "expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power."   Further, he said that system "has never been confirmed by the facts" and that it has created "a globalization of indifference."

What many present day Christians do not (want to) recognize is that Jesus of Nazareth was a political radical who attempted to subvert the ruling government of his day.   According to many biblical historians, that was the real reason for his capture and crucifixion:   he was a rabble rouser who had become a threat to the authorities.  His efforts were clearly in defense of the poor, the downtrodden, the ordinary people and against the elite, the exploitative, and those who misused power over others.

Here's more from Pope Francis' message:

"In this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which becomes the only rule."

Wow !!    Paul Ryan, John Boehner -- good catholics that you are -- what do you say about that?

Ralph 

PS:  Dionne reminds liberals that Francis strongly affirms his opposition to abortion and other conservative doctrinal tenets;  but on balance progressives have more reason to rejoice than do conservatives.