Pope Francis has advocated for a universal basic income, or UBI, for several years. He first announced his support in 2020 when he wrote in a letter to leaders of prominent social movements that it 'may be the time to consider a universal basic wage which would acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks you carry out.' His emphasis is on recognizing the importance of labor while ensuring all workers have rights.
The Pope continued his advocacy by stating that UBI, especially in the context of AI and automation, should not be seen merely as an act of compassion, but rather as 'strict justice.' This highlights the need for structural changes in economic systems to protect those marginalized by technological advancements.
Pope Francis pointed out that many members of the lowest class have been excluded from the benefits of globalization, leading to their struggles falling through the cracks of existing labor protections. His call for UBI aims to address these inequalities significantly.
A basic income consists of recurring, unconditional payments that can be universal or targeted. The distinction here is critical: universal UBI is for all citizens, while guaranteed UBI focuses on specific vulnerable groups. This flexibility sets it apart from restrictive government assistance programs.
Collection
[
|
...
]