P ope Francis, the Vatican leader, rules over an institution that represents 1.25 billion through a power structure, adorned with pomp and focused on a single authority, that recalls the great European monarchies of old.
But when he came to the United Nations Friday, he spoke instead of limiting the power of global elites, eroding divisions between nationalities and creeds, and building up basic rights of all people to create a “universal fraternity” of men and women around the world.
Selfies of People Celebrating Pope Francis's Journey Across the U.S. Enija Davidonyte posted this Pontiff snapshot on Facebook. Enija Davidonyte Arturas Vorobjovas posted from Washington, D.C. saying "He will never forget this moment." dzipasdc (@dzipasdc ) via Instagram Marian Burrows shared this from Washington, D.C., snap, with a playful caption: "Photobomb by The Holy Father, Pope Francis." marbfit_4 (@marbfit_4 ) via Instagram Phillip G. Joseph posted from Washington, D.C., saying "#Blessed" philipgjoseph (@philipgjoseph ) via Instagram Cathy McMorris posted from Washington, D.C. saying "It was great to see the #PopeinDC this morning!" cathymcmorris(@cathymcmorris ) via Instagram James Akers Jr. posted from Washington, D.C.: "Technically a #popeselfie" jamesakersjr (@jamesakersjr ) via Instagram Erica Lynn P. posted from Washington, D.C., saying "I took a selfie with Papa Francesco. What did you do today?" jamesakersjr (@jamesakersjr ) via Instagram Connor Schumacher posted from Washington, D.C., saying "His Holiness Pope Francis." cschumacher15 (@cschumacher15 ) via Instagram
“It is helpful to recall that the limitation of power is an idea implicit in the concept of law itself,” he told the general assembly, in a speech the Argentine pastor delivered in his native Spanish. “To give to each his own, to cite the classic definition of justice, means that no human individual or group can consider itself absolute, permitted to bypass the dignity and the rights of other individuals or their social groupings.”
For Francis, the primary role of the powerful was to serve humanity, with the guidance of the divine. To this end, he repeated a long-held criticism of capitalism for encouraging selfish gain over collective prosperity, and praised the United Nations. “The baneful consequences of an irresponsible mismanagement of the global economy, guided only by ambition for wealth and power, must serve as a summons to a forthright reflection on man,” he said, before quoting his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. “‘Man is not only a freedom which he creates for himself. Man does not create himself. He is spirit and will, but also nature.'”
See Photos of Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to U.S. Pope Francis sits on board his Rome-bound plane after his visit to the U.S. in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Charles Mostoller—Reuters A man looks at a television screen showing Pope Francis as he celebrates the Festival of Families Sunday mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Carlos Barria—Reuters A man holds a child as Pope Francis celebrates mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Matt Slocum—AP Pope Francis conducts the final mass of his U.S. visit in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Mark Makela—Reuters People without tickets watch on video screens as Pope Francis celebrates mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Jonathan Ernst—Reuters Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the pope mobile during a parade along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before Mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Michael Perez—AP Crowds wait to go through security checkpoint before entering the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Papal Mass on Sept. 27, 2015, in Philadelphia. Michael Perez—AP A family from Trenton, N.J., originally from Ecuador, walk over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge ahead of a Sunday Mass to be delivered by Pope Francis in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Julio Cortez—AP Pope Francis waves to the crowd during a parade in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Matt Rourke—AP Pope Francis takes the stage during the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Matt Slocum—AP People pray and watch as Pope Francis celebrates mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. James Robinson—AP The wind lifts Pope Francis' mantle as he delivers his speech in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP Pope Francis is greeted by seminarians as he arrives at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, on Sept. 26, 2015, in Wynnewood, Pa. Mel Evans—AP Nuns wait for Pope Francis' arrival at the Festival of Families rally along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Carlos Barria—Reuters Pope Francis kisses and blesses Michael Keating, 10, of Elverson, Pa after arriving in Philadelphia and exiting his car when he saw the boy, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at Philadelphia International Airport. Joseph Gidjunis—World Meeting of Families/AP Pope Francis reads his homily while celebrating high Mass at Madison Square Garden, on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Julie Jacobson—AP A crucifix hangs above member of the clergy who watch as Pope Francis, not shown, celebrates Mass at Madison Square Garden, on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Michael Appleton—AP Thousands of people watch Pope Francis ride in the popemobile through Central Park on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Justin Sullivan—Getty Images Pope Francis arrives in his car for a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on Sept. 25, 2015. Eric Thayer—AP Security personnel watch from the back of a vehicle as Pope Francis tours Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York City, on Sept. 25, 2015. Brendan McDermid—Reuters Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, left, pray at the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan, on Sept. 25, 2015. John Minchillo—AP Pope Francis is seen on a video monitor as he signs the United Nations guest book before addressing the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York City, on Sept. 25, 2015. Mary Altaffer—AP Pope Francis makes his way down 5th Avenue in New York City to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—AFP/Getty Images People in the crowds outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral take pictures in New York City, on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—The New York Times/Reuters A New York City police officer searches nuns outside St. Patrick's Cathedral prior to the arrival of Pope Francis in New York, on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—AP/The New York Times Pope Francis reaches out to 5th grader Omodele Ojo of East New York, Brooklyn as he is greeted as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. Craig Ruttle—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis waves to supporters as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, on Sept. 24, 2015. Craig Ruttle—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speakers Balcony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Doug Mills—Getty Images Pope Francis pauses in front of a sculpture of Spanish-born Junipero Serra, the Franciscan Friar known for starting missions in California, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015 Michael Reynolds—Getty Images Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Evan Vucci—AP Pope Francis listens to applause before addressing a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015, Alessandra Tarantino—AP Pope Francis and Speaker of the House John Boehner speak in the US Capitol building as the Pope arrives to deliver his speech to a joint meeting of Congress in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Bill Clark—EPA Pope Francis performs Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis greets and blesses seminarians, novices, religious guests inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Jim Bourg—Reuters Pope Francis arrives for the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Rob Carr—Getty Images St. Mathews Cathedral is reflected in a nearby building as onlookers wait for Pope Francis to arrive for midday prayer service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Jose Luis Magana—AP Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile during a parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Alex Brandon—AP Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile during a parade in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Alex Brandon—AP President Barack Obama talks with Pope Francis in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP President Barack Obama and Pope Francis walk down the Colonnade before meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP First Lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, and Pope Francis wave during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images Guests watch as President Barack Obama greets Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis speaks alongside President Barack Obama during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Win McNamee—Getty Images President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama accompany Pope Francis to the stage during a state arrival ceremony, on Sept. 23, 2015, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Andrew Harnik—AP People wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis takereceives a kiss, outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015 . Molly Riley—AFP/Getty Images A man holds up a Papal flag as he waits for Pope Francis departure from the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Cliff Owen—AP Pope Francis waves from a Fiat 500 as his motorcade departs from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP A crowd of supporters cheer as they attend the arrival of Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, on Sept. 22, 2015. Kevin Lamarque—Reuters Pope Francis is greeted by President Barack Obama, the First Family and children after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md, on Sept. 22, 2015. Michael Reynolds—EPA President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the United States as the Pontiff greets dignitaries upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, on Sept. 22, 2015. Kevin Larmarque—Reuters President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and others, greet Pope Francis upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP Pope Francis steps off his plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images Clergy brace for the wind as they stand along the red carpet on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015, as the plane carrying Pope Francis arrives. Andrew Harnik—AP US Air Force honor guard unroll the red carpet before Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Md, on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis arrives to the United States from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Chip Somodevilla—Getty Images Read More: Read the Speech Pope Francis Gave to the United Nations
In contrast to the sometimes inspirational rhetoric of his address to the U.S. Congress on Thursday, the Pope’s address to the United Nations was philosophical, if not academic, with repeated references to past Catholic teaching and the founding codes of international law. He repeated many of the issues that have long become his trademarks on the international stage: protection of the environment, an elimination of nuclear weapons, praise for the Iran nuclear deal, care for the most powerless and renewed focus on global human trafficking and the war on drugs.
He also declared “the right to education, also for girls,” prompting loud applause from the chamber, including those of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani human rights activist who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman three years ago.
“Our world demands of all government leaders,” the pope said, “a will which is effective, practical and constant, concrete steps and immediate measures for preserving and improving the natural environment and thus putting an end as quickly as possible to the phenomenon of social and economic exclusion, with its baneful consequences: human trafficking, the marketing of human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, slave labor, including prostitution, the drug and weapons trade, terrorism and international organized crime.”
Francis, a moral leader, warned the assembled world leaders and bureaucrats that all economic and political acts would fail without moral foundation. “It must never be forgotten that political and economic activity is only effective when it is understood as a prudential activity,” he said, “guided by a perennial concept of justice and constantly conscious of the fact that, above and beyond our plans and programs, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights.”
His speech marked the first time a Pope had addressed the general assembly in Spanish.
The Most Surprising Photos of Pope Francis The wind lifts Pope Francis' mantle as he delivers his speech in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP Pope Francis looks at the Statue of Liberty from the window of a helicopter on his way to the John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York City, on Sept. 26, 2015. L'Osservatore Romano/AP A Pope Francis mannequin rides around in a car in Times Square as New York City waits for the arrival of the Pope to the city, on Sept. 24, 2015. Timothy A. Clary—AFP/Getty Images Kaydn Dorsey, 4, and Lionel Perkins, 4, draw on a coloring sheet bearing the image of Pope Francis as they wait for him to arrive on a visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. David Goldman—Reuters Nuns with the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy in Pleasantville, N.J., pose for a selfie with a cutout of Pope Francis, at the World Meeting of Families conference, in Philadelphia, on Sept. 22, 2015. Matt Rourke—AP Pope Francis blows out the candles of a birthday cake to celebrate his 78th birthday during a general audience at the Vatican on Dec. 17, 2014. Osservatore Romano/AFP/Getty Images Paying the bill at Rome's Domus Internationalis Paulus VI hotel, where Pope Francis stayed as a cardinal before entering the conclave and being elected pope. Osservatore Romano/AP Welcoming Pope emeritus Benedict XVI as he returns to the Vatican from the pontifical summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. Osservatore Romano/AP Holding a disabled child after celebrating Easter Mass. Alessandro di Meo—ANSA/Zuma Press Pope Francis masks in a factory in Brazil, where the Pontiff took his first overseas trip. Christophe Simon—AFP/Getty Images Leading the Worldwide Eucharistic adoration at the Vatican. Alessandra Benedetti—Corbis A gust of wind blows the pope's mantle. Alessandra Tarantino—AP Attending the opening of the Pastoral Convention of the Diocese of Rome. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters Leaving a welcoming ceremony at Guanabara Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Ricardo Moraes—Reuters Greeting the weekly General Audience. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters Pointing to the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida from the balcony of the Aparecida basilica in Brazil. Domenico Stinellis—AP A Catholic faithful in Brazil bears a sticker of Pope Francis on his forehead. Ueslei Marcelino—Reuters Images of Pope Francis projected onto screens at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Paulo Whitaker— Reuters Departing Rio de Janeiro. Ricardo Moraes—Reuters A stray dog walks across the stage near the altar where Pope Francis celebrates the World Youth Day's closing Mass on the Copacabana beachfront. Victor R. Caivano—AP Listening to confessions of young people in a park in Rio de Janeiro. L'Osservatore Romano—EPA Posing with youths in Saint Peter's Basilica. L'Osservatore Romano—EPA Greeting the faithful on a rainy day during the General Audience. Fabio Frustaci—Eidon Press/Zuma Press Arriving to lead his General Audience in a firefighter's helmet. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters A quiet moment after meeting with Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Vatican. Max Rossi—Reuters Marking the 110th anniversary UNITALSI, a Catholic organization dedicated to helping the sick. Francesco Zizola—NOOR for TIME A private Audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. L'Osservatore Romano/AP Keeping warm during a General Audience. Alessandra Tarantino—AP Comforting a disfigured man at the end of his General Audience. Claudio Peri—EPA Blessing a sick man with deformed facial features. Evandro Inetti—Zuma Press Visiting the parish of the Sant'Alfonso Maria de Liguori during the Epiphany day. L'Osservatore Romano—AFP/Getty Images Reacting to devotees at a weekly General Audience. Alessandro Bianchi—Reuters A seagull attacks a dove released during a prayer conducted by Pope Francis.
Alessandro Bianchi—Reuters A scarf is tossed at Pope Francis by a faithful. Tony Gentile—Reuters Italian artist Mauro Pallotta's superhero rendering of Pope Francis in a street near St. Peter's Basilica. Alessandra Benedetti—Corbis Blowing a kiss to pilgrims gathered at Saint Peter's Square. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images Meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in the private library of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. Vatican Pool/Contrasto/Redux With Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Vatican. Alessandra Benedetti—Vatican Pool/Corbis A wind gust lifts Pope Francis's mantle as he arrives at the traditional Washing of the Feet during Holy Thursday. Alberto Pizzoli—AFP/Getty Images Kissing a man's at the traditional Washing of the Feet. Alberto Pizzoli—AFP/Getty Images Visitors take photos of Pope Francis as he speaks from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Michael Sohn—AP