Free Markets are arguably the second most important principle (next to G-d’s relationship with man) for the freedom of mankind.
That the Pope regularly misunderstands the principle of freedom in economics means he is either horribly misinformed or a doctrinaire leftist.
I can’t figure out yet whether he’s truly a leftists anti-freedom guy.
I’ll take opinions from my Catholic Free Market friends on the matter.
He doesn't misunderstand the principle of freedom in economics, he just believes that within that freedom should be a spark of the desire to help those who cannot truly help themselves. If one is a true Christian, that is part of one's nature, and it is NOT a Marxist inclination.