Economy of Francesco: young people unite to create 'different economy'

COLOMBO (News 1st) - In 2019, His Holiness Pope Francis launched a very special project named "Economy of Francesco" and invited young economists and entrepreneurs across the globe to join the initiative.

"Economy of Francesco" the brainchild of His Holiness Pope Francis  himself, initially served as a think tank, which has evolved to be a working group in operation since 2019. 

The primary objective of the working group is to advocate for a more equitable mechanism to help economies function, combat the culture of waste, give a voice to those who have none and to propose new styles of life. 

The first physical meeting of "Economy of Francesco" was held in Assisi, Italy from the 22 - 24 September 2022, bringing together some of the brightest minds of the next generation.

Sohan Patrick was the only Sri Lankan invited to attend the event which drew a crowd of over 1,500 change-makers from across the world.  

The young economist, environmentalist and author was also invited to attend a close circle meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis on the 24th of September 2022, representing Asia.

In the Pope's letter, he writes, "The name of this event – Economy of Francesco – clearly evokes the Holy Man of Assisi and the Gospel that he lived in complete consistency, also on the social and economic level. Saint Francis offers us an ideal and, in some sense, a programme. For me, who took his name, he is a constant source of inspiration.

With you, and through you, I will appeal to some of our best economists and entrepreneurs who are already working on the global level to create an economy consistent with these ideals."