section_path: Theological emphases and teachings/Option for the poor
section_name: Option for the poor
paragraph_text: Option for the poor
  
  Francis had highly extolled "popular movements" which demonstrate the "strength of us", serve as a remedy to the "culture of the self", and are based on solidarity with the poor and the common good. He had praised liberation theology founder Gustavo Gutierrez. In 2024, while meeting with representatives of the Dialop group, a discussion group between Christians and Marxists, Pope Francis stated that Marxists and Christians have a common mission.
  
  In September 2024, Francis renewed calls for a universal basic income, as well as higher taxes on billionaires.