Archbishop Sorrentino: Economy of Francesco offers 'hope of economic renewal'

By Francesca Merlo - Assisi, Italy

"It's evident that something in the economy doesn't work."

According to Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, in Italy, many people grow exceedingly rich in our world, while others languish in poverty.

"There are many people in the world who suffer from our indifference," he told Vatican News ahead of the Economy of Francesco event, which takes place in Assisi on 22-24 September.

Charting a path toward economic renewal

Pope Francis has invited young economists, entrepreneurs, and students to the central Italian city of Assisi to examine global inequality.

Their goal is to put their heads together in hopes of tracing out a path toward an economic system which includes the poorest of society in economic growth.

“It's time for a new economy. It's time for a renewal of the economy, and a renewal of our lifestyle.”

Archbishop Sorrentino notes that the world's broken economic system is primarily a political problem, though each and every person on the planet is involved in the problem and responsible for helping to find a solution.

Since Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, the city can be seen as a symbol which can inspire in young people the courage to chart a new path of economic renewal, according to the city's Bishop.

"Pope Francis, with the help of this inspiring icon - St. Francis," said Archbishop Sorrentino, "can send [these young people] home, together with a great network, and help them make something very beautiful for the world."