In his brief remarks introducing himself to the world, the new pope, Leo XIV, proclaimed his desire for the Church always to try “to be close especially to those who suffer.” It is a worthy goal, and one that can best be achieved by promoting the most effective anti-poverty tool in history: free enterprise.

WASHINGTON, DC – Habemus papam! (“We have a pope!”). Christians around the world rejoiced when Pope Leo XIV was elected to be the 266th successor to Saint Peter. As a Roman Catholic, I have many hopes for the new pope, including that he offers strong support for free markets.